Dudrum gain reserve
win over St John's
EDRFL: Dundrum
4-06 St John's 2-10
By
Marc Mac Siomoin [marc_mac_siomoin@yahoo.co.uk]
Four Dundrum goals in the second half
eroded St John's nine point half time
lead in this highly inspiring Reserve
League encounter.
In a first half that was all St Johns
the homeside could only manage three
scores through Martin Melville, Kieran
Byrne and Fintan Forsythe. St Johns
ran rampant finding the net twice and
splitting the sticks six times.
At half time Dundrum manager Philip
McGrattan read the riot act and it worked
wonders. Fintan Forsythe rifling over
the first score of the half. Then disaster
struck for St Johns. Maurice McCormick
was taken to hospital after a fairly
innocous looking fall. The game restarted
after a thirty minute delay and thhis
break seemed to suit Dundrum best.
Straight from the restart Fitzsimons
sent in a high ball that Forsythe plucked
out of the air. After a neat lay off
Smyth was on hand to despatch to the
net to bring the Duns within five points
of the Johnnies.
Another excellent Forsythe score was
then cancelled out as St Johns grabbed
two points on the trot.
Then in the final ten minutes St Johns
began to wilt as Dundrum picked up their
game. Two goals of breathtaking quality
from the irrepressible John Hurley sent
shockwaves through the Johnnies backline.
The dynamic midfielder was in the thick
of the action as he added another fine
point to his two goals.
St Johns managed two points near the
end but an opportunistic goal from impact
sub John McKibben sealed the affair
late on.
This was Dundrum's second win in a row
after accounting for Saul a few weeks
ago. In defence Paul Byrne, Danny McGrattan
and Gary McIllhennon were Dundrum's
best line. Seamus Garlan was again very
impressive at wingback. His defence
splitting runs were invaluable to the
Dundrum cause.
Up front Dundrum had an excellent performance
from Michael Rooney who was a constant
thorn in St Johns side. Forsythe at
full forward was in free scoring mode
as he ripped the opposition's full backline
to shreds.
St Johns couldn't regroup after the
McCormick injury and they seemed to
run out of steam. Darren McMullan made
numerous saves in goal whilst Malone,
Fitzpatrick and Addis did well outfield.
Dundrum:
P.McGrattan, P.Byrne (Capt), D.McGrattan,
G.McIllhennon, B.Cunningham, B.Walsh,
S.Garlan, M.Fitzsimons, J.Hurley (2-01),
S.McGrattan, K.Byrne (0-01), M.Rooney,
R.Smyth (1-00), F.Forsythe (0-03), M.Melville
(0-01).
Subs: J.McKibben (1-00), C.McShane,
P.Rooney, M.McKibbin.
