Down Junior Football Championship Preliminary Round

Dundrum 2-12  Aghaderg 0-09

Dundrum negotiated their passage through to the Quarter Finals of the JFC after overcoming Division 3 side Aghaderg at a sun drenched Annaclone on Wednesday evening.

Up by two points at half time, Dundrum emphatically outscored Brian Canavan's charges in a very one sided second half.

The game was a lot more even in the first half. Aghaderg were the better team in the first 20 minutes, leading 0-05 to 0-02. However, Dundrum soon got to grips with the game and they finished the half off with a goal from Paul McComiskey and a Jonathan McMullan free to edge ahead at the interval.

The second period came to life early on when Kevin Anderson spilled a Jonathan McMullan free kick in to the net. Aghaderg tried very hard to even out the affair after this with four points. However, Dundrum dug deep and went on to score seven on the trot. The pick of these was an excellent individual effort from Christopher Hogg. The Duns looked the sharper team in the closing stages as Aghaderg faded out.

Aghaderg failed to live up to the pre tournament favourites tag. Yet it must be pointed out that they were missing Kevin Faloon who on his day can win games singlehandedly. Despite these hinderances, Rory Simpson had a great game and received some useful support from Damien Simpson and Paul McGivern. A big game was expected from full forward Cathal McGrath but Dundrum's gameplan effectively nullified any threat he posed.

The Duns had consistent players throughout their ranks but special mention must go to Colm King, Philip Shields, Jonathan McMullan, Kieran Walsh, Paddy Doran and Chris Hogg who outdone themselves over the hour.

St Pauls await Dundrum in the Quarter Finals and if the seasiders are to progress they will have to be at their very best to dispose of a Holywood side that will definitely fancy their chances.

Dundrum: C.King, P.Shields, C.Morgan, N.McComiskey, J.McMullan (1-02, 1 Free), J.Hurley, M.Melville, K.Walsh (0-03, 1 Free), A.Doyle (0-02), C.McShane (0-01), C.Kielty, P.McComiskey (1-00), M.Coughlan (0-01), P.Doran (0-01), C.Hogg (0-01). Sub: J.McKibben (0-01)