Down Reserve Football Championship Preliminary Round Dundrum 1-06  Liatroim 2-10

A disastrous first half performance cost Dundrum dearly in this hard fought and physical Championship encounter. Aligned to this was an inability to take control in the middle third and some sloppy passing which allowed Liatroim in for a host of easy scores during this first thirty minute period.

Liatroim went in at the break with a six point lead. They got a rather fortunate goal midway through but pound for pound they were the much better team. Dundrum lacked spark and could only manage three scores through Rab Smyth, Chris Hogg and Martin Walsh.

After a stern rollocking at halftime the homeside came out with a bit more purpose. A superb Chris Hogg goal and two delightful scores from Stephen McGrattan reduced the deficit to four points but smart use of the Liatroim subs ensured that they finished the stronger.

Despite losing their way for awhile Liatroim looked the hungrier team. With big men in every sector they outmuscled a young Dundrum unit.

The homeside had some excellent performers. At the back Danny McGrattan was strong whilst Marc Cunningham was a rock at centre half back. The midfield pairing of Fitzsimons and Graham were poor and this placed a greater emphasis on the half forwards in winning possession. Stephen McGrattan, Martin Walsh, Michael Rooney, Chris Hogg and Rab Smyth got through a host of work in the attack and their efforts deserved better.

Dundrum: J.Kennedy, P.Byrne, D.McGrattan, G.McIllhennon, M.McKibbin, M.Cunningham, B.Cunningham, M.Fitzsimons, G.Graham, M.Rooney, C.Hogg (1-02), S.McGrattan (0-02), R.Smyth (0-01), M.Walsh (0-01), T.Connolly. Subs: P.Rooney, P.Cunningham, C.Magee