Killyclogher v Strabane (Match Report Courtesy of The Tyrone Herald)
“Killyclogher march into the semis after battle of the blues
STRABANE 0-4
KILLYCLOGHER 1-12
BY ALAN RODGERS
THE jury remains out on Killyclogher’s true credentials in this year’s senior championship after a dismal quarter final clash which eventually saw them struggle past Strabane on Friday night.
A great goal from Conall McCann late in the game put the seal on the victory as they finished with a blitz of scores. But they will know that major improvements will be needed as they prepare for the semi-final.
Much of the attacking fluency which characterised their opening round win over Errigal Ciaran was missing. They were without the services of Mark Bradley and did just enough to progress at a damp Healy Park even though the scoreline suggests otherwise.
Much of the pressure entering this tie was on the Killyclogher men to build on their impressive first round Nevertheless, the St Mary’s soon found their rhythm in this game. While swapped points between James Carlin and Brian Breslin settled both teams, it wasn’t long before the favourites were making their mark.
Scores were few and far between during the opening stages. Danny McBride spearheaded the Strabane challenge, as Ciaran Friel, Sean Doherty and Martin Mongan also impressed.
Unfortunately for them, they lacked the level of attacking slickness required to break down the Killyclogher defence. Dermot Carlin, Danny Gorman and Martin Swift launched a series of attacks that eventually yielded the desired dividend. Eoin Bradley also got forward to good effect for them, as the speed of Tiarnan and Conall McCann created space for them to utilise.
A point from Leo Meenan edged them 0-2 to 0-1 ahead at the end of that low-scoring first quarter. However, the platform provided in the defence and at midfield soon ensured that they were making better use of their scoring chances.
Tiarnan McCann’s pass set up Aidan Kelly for a well-taken point. Then a foul on James Carlin gave Leo Meenan the chance to extend their advantage and he made no mistake to leave it 0-4 to 0-1.
Strabane just couldn’t find a way through at this stage, although Danny McBride did have a half goal chance approaching the break. He subsequently burst through the middle to score a great point, but it did little to change the general view that the St Mary’s were in the driving seat.
That Danny McBride score was sandwiched between two for Killyclogher which left them in confident form at half-time. Conall McCann fired over and then a foul on Tiarnan McCann saw Leo Meenan leave the score 0-6 to 0-2 at half-time.
The challenges facing Strabane were especially clear at the break as they sought major improvements to save their championship season. But that third quarter brought little reprieve for them and precious little in the way of entertaining football as both teams struggled to find their range.
Strabane’s hopes were further hit when JP Gallagher had to go off injured. It was only entering the final quarter that things finally came to life. This was spurred by a poor kick-out from Sean Fox which went straight to Strabane corner forward, Haydn McNamee. His rasping shot came off the crossbar much to the relief of the leaders.
Points in quick succession from Warner Mullan reduced the deficit to three points – 0-7 to 0-4 – and awakened the St Mary’s. They proceeded to fire over the scores which eventually sealed their win.
Conall McCann settled them from a free and then Leo Meenan made the score 0-9 to 0-4. Strabane still sought the goal they needed to stage a last gasp revival, but it didn’t come and Killyclogher instead finished the strongest.
Points from James Carlin and Tiarnan McCann increased their total as their goal highlighted what they were capable off. Good work from Gary Wallace set-up Tiarnan McCann who in turn set up his brother, Conal, a brilliant goal to the bottom corner.
THE GAME AT A GLANCE
STAR MAN
Conall McCann (Killyclogher)
The Tyrone panellist’s workrate in the midfield sector was among the standout parts of the game. His ability to get forward and register scores, including their late goal ensured that the St Mary’s looked like winners for most of the game.
STANDOUT MOMENT
A missed opportunity for Strabane midway through the second half made all the difference. Haydn McNamee’s rasping shot came back off the crossbar and with it any hope that the Sigersons had of staging a revival as Killyclogher cruised to victory subsequently.
THE VERDICT
Killyclogher entered the game as strong favourites, but it was really only in the closing stages that they confirmed that tag. Both sides struggled at times to make their mark up front, and the St Mary’s will know that major improvements are needed for the semi-final.
MATCHSTATS
THE SCORERS
Killyclogher
Conall McCann 1-3, Leo Meenan 0-5 (3f), James Carlin 0-2, Aidan Kelly 0-1, Tiarnan McCann 0-1.
Strabane
Warner Mullan 0-2 (2f), Danny McBride 0-1, Brian Breslin 0-1.
THE TEAMS
Killyclogher
Sean Fox, Martin Swift, Danny Gorman, Gabhan Sludden, Gary Wallace, Dermot Carlin, Eoin Bradley, Conall McCann, Carl Donnelly, Tiarnan McCann, Tomas Flanagan, Aidan Kelly, Leo Meenan, James Carlin, Emmett McFadden.
Subs – Nathan Donnelly for A Kelly (22), Declan Leonard for T Flanagan (53), Conor Meenan for D Carlin (58), Tiernan Cox for J Carlin (62).
Strabane
Conor McGrath, Kieran O’Kane, Ryan McElroy, Ciaran Friel, Aaron McLaughlin, Danny McBride, Sean Doherty, Martin Mongan, Brian Breslin, Ryan O’Kane, Warner Mullen, JP Gallagher, Haydn McNamee, John McLaughlin, Mickey Logue.
Subs – Kyle Devine for JP Gallagher (38), Michael Etherson for H McNamee (52).
Referee
Jerome McElroy (Aghaloo).
