Killyclogher v Errigal Ciaran (Match Report Courtesy of The Tyrone Herald)
“Ballinamullan battle ends in deadlock
KILLYCLOGHER and Errigal Ciaran cemented their challenge for a top four spot in the Senior League as they played out a hard-fought draw at Ballinamullan on Thursday night. Two late points from Damien ‘Daisy’ McDermott and Mark Kavanagh earned the visitors a share of the spoils and kept them on the coat-tails of the Division One leaders Killyclogher, who despite their frustration at seeing their lead whittled away in the closing stages still remain unbeaten in the league.
With both sides knocked out of contention for the Championship in the opening round, their full focus is now on the league and that was evident in the intensity and energy of the exchanges. It was the hosts who bossed the early proceedings, Tiernan McCann and Dermot Carlin helping them to build a solid platform along their own ‘40’ which Errigal struggled to penetrate.
At the other end the lively Mark Bradley turned sharply to fire Killyclogher into an early lead, and though Mark Kavanagh responded with an excellent point for Errigal, St Mary’s then struck for a brilliant team goal in the ninth minute. The two McCann brothers, Tiernan and Conal, linked up with Leo Meenan with a razor sharp exchange of passes before the ball was eventually transferred to Bradley who fired a spectacular shot high past keeper John Devine into the net.
Another well-constructed, polished move soon after culminated in Conor Meenan drilling over from close range and passing the midway mark in the first half, Killyclogher had eased out in front 1-2 to 0-1.
A subtle tactical switch, with Davy Harte dropping back to help double up on the dangerous Bradley, ensured that Errigal gradually got a foothold in the contest and though they still laboured to carve out openings from play, a couple of pointed frees by Patrick McDermott narrowed the deficit.
Scores remained thin on the ground, but the pace and purpose with which the teams were going about their business, made for a pleasing spectacle. Killyclogher’s attacking sorties became more sporadic as the half progressed though midfielder Conal McCann was put clear down the left but his low drive hit the side-netting. With McDermott and Leo Meenan trading frees in the run-up to the break, the home side held a slight edge at half time leading 1-3 to 0-4.
Further placed ball conversions from Patrick McDermott and ‘Daisy’ McDermott drew Errigal level when the action resumed, but Killyclogher rediscovered some of their earlier cohesion and confidence to hit three points on the spin. Niall McFadden struck a fine point from distance, which was followed by a brace of Leo Meenan frees.
Despite a skilful finish with the outside of the foot by full-back Damien McDermott, Errigal were to fall four points in arrears, after the hard-working Carlin both won a free and then picked out a superb pass which paved the way for Tiernan Cox (free) and Mark Bradley to split the posts. Yet with Damien ‘Dasher’ McDermott and Michael McCann driving forward with real purpose, a youthful Errigal side (missing the services of Peter Harte and Ciaran McGinley among others) displayed a commendable never-say-die spirit. Three points in quick succession (two ‘Daisy’ frees and a superb score from Michael McCann) drew them to within one.
A breakaway score in the 58th minute, initiated by Niall McFadden and finished by Leo Meenan, looked to be the insurance score for Killyclogher, but Errigal kept battling to the final whistle and a further ‘Daisy’ McDermott free and Mark Kavanagh effort ensured they headed for home with something to show for their efforts.
THE SCORERS
Killyclogher
Mark Bradley (1-2), Leo Meenan (0-4, 3 frees), Niall McFadden, Conor Meenan, Tiernan Cox (0-1 each)
Errigal Ciaran
Damien ‘Daisy’ McDermott (0-4,4 frees), Patrick McDermott (0-4,4 frees), Mark Kavanagh (0-2), Michael McCann, Damien McDermott (0-1 each)
THE TEAMS
Killyclogher
Sean Fox, Carl Donnelly, Danny Gorman, Gavin Sludden, Tiernan McCann, Dermot Carlin, Niall Bradley, Michael Meenan, Conal McCann, Aidan Kelly, Niall McFadden, Emmett McFadden, Mark Bradley, Conor Meenan, Leo Meenan. Sub used: Tiernan Cox for C Meenan (h-time)
Errigal Ciaran
John Devine, Aidan McCrory, Damien McDermott, Ciaran Quinn, Damien ‘Dasher’ McDermott, Michael McCann, Eoin Quinn, Cormac McGinley, Shane Hackett, Padraig McAnenly, Mark Kavanagh, Ronan McRory, Davy Harte, Patrick McDermott, Damien ‘Daisy’ McDermott. Subs used: Michael McRory for S Hackett (25mins), Thomas Hackett for C Quinn (h-time), Neil McGarvey for P McAnenly (46), Sean McKenna for P McDermott (52)
Referee: Shane Meehan (Glenelly)”
