Dundrum are back in business
By
Marc Mac Siomoin [marc_mac_siomoin@yahoo.co.uk]
ACFL Division 3
Dundrum 2-12 Drumaness 0-05
It's official! Dundrum are back in business
and with a vengeance. After suffering
five morale deflating defeats, the red
and whites did a demolition job on Drumaness
on Friday evening to move themselves
ahead of Mitchels in the fight for survival.
In a game which had everything, Dundrum
dominated play throughout. Their brand
of football totally dwarfed everything
that Drumaness conjured up. It was slick
passing with superb off the ball movement
that left the visitors on the back foot
from the throw in.
The game's first score arrived through
a rejuvenated Cahal Kielty at full forward.
He made the best possible use of an
expertly hit angled ball from Paddy
Doran. Moments later Drumaness got their
first of the night with a well taken
free kick from Mickey Savage.
As the first quarter came to a close,
the Duns began to stamp their authority
on the game. Points from McShane, Martin
Carey and Kielty sent their side three
clear.
Then as the midway marker approached
Aaron Doyle skipped past Tony Ferris
to send the ball crashing to the back
of Gary O'Hare's net. The goal was a
result of some fine passing between
Martin Carey and Doran.
From this point on Drumaness let their
guard down even further. McMullan being
able to escape the clutches of Gelston
to rattle one over.
The Ness did counter this with only
their second score of the game but they
couldn't sustain their play long enough
to get back in to the fray.
The Duns wrapped up the half in supreme
style. Conor McShane adding his second
of the night. Cathal Kielty followed
this up with another classy effort.
The ball coming his way after Conor
McKibbin broke up a Drumaness attack
and drilled a long ball up the field
into the burly full forward. A free
from Venney then closed the half with
the Duns in command by nine points.
The early second half exchanges were
a lot more even than those in the first
half. Yet Dundrum never looked like
losing their grip on the game. Mickey
Murray was becoming ever more prominent
in the half back line. His sweeping
up of loose ball was crucial in preventing
Drumaness attacking at will.
The first effort of the half decidedly
swung the game in Dundrum's favour.
A high ball from McMullan drifted in
to the Drumaness goalmouth and it's
first connection was with the fist of
the genial Paddy Doran. The Drumaness
rearguard looked on in disbelief as
the ball went beyond the reach of Gary
O'Hare's outstretched palm. This type
of goal is what Doran is all about.
He gets in among defenders and creates
havoc. From this point on Doran single
handedly tore Drumaness to shreds. He
added three more strikes from play to
discredit the shackling efforts of Deegan
and McAleenan.
As the game entered the last quarter
tempers flared. Mark Domican was sent
to line for Drumaness and shortly after
Philip Shields received his marching
orders for Dundrum.
Drumaness then rallied to hit three
consecutive points. Walsh (0-02) and
Savage (0-01) getting themselves on
the scoresheet.
Doran's magnificent treble came after
this before the impressive Venney slotted
over a free late on.
This performance was reminiscent of
the Dundrum of old. Precise passing,
excellent movement and a physical edge
ensured that the points came the homesides
way.
A lot hinged on Doyle and Carey's ball
winning abilities in midfield and tight
marking from Dundrum at the back. This
enabled the forwards to ply their trade
more effectively.
This was a total team effort. It was
simple football which wasn't overcomplicated
with negative tactical ploys.Dundrum
knew that this game was vital in the
battle to avoid the drop. Hopefully
Division 4 won't be seeing the red and
whites anytime soon.
Dundrum: C.King, N.McComiskey, C.McKibbin,
J.Hurley, P.Shields, M.Murray, C.Carey,
A.Doyle (1-00), M.Carey (0-01), J.McMullan
(0-01), P.Doran (1-03), J.McKibben,
C.Venney (0-02), C.Kielty (0-03), C.McShane
(0-02). Sub: K.Walsh.
