East Down Minor Football League Section B

Ardglass 0-07  Dundrum 3-12

Three goals of exquisite quality gave Dundrum the edge in this entertaining tussle at a splendid Ardtole on Sunday afternoon. Midfielders Marc Cunningham and Declan Kavanagh along with full forward Mick Robb grabbed the majors as Ardglass crumbled under a hearty challenge from the Duns.

Cunningham's goal was the first score of the game. The skillful midfielder played a delightful one-two with his partner Kavanagh before slamming the ball into the top corner.

Michael Magee and Matthew Rooney then added a point apeice for Ardglass before Kavanagh added Dundrum's second goal on eleven minutes. On this occasion the Ardglass defence was found wanting. A long ball was delivered in which they failed to deal with. Mick Robb got a fist to it which let Declan Kavanagh clean through on goal. Kavana gh applied a neat finish to put his side four clear.

   Kavanagh's goal really lifted his side. Cunningham started to dominate midfield and Paul Rooney was beginning to win the break ball. Then within the space of two minutes Paul McComiskey added a well taken individual score and a free to further extend Dundrum's supremacy.

   Ardglass took to counter attacking by this stage but some wayward shooting and overcarrying impeded their progress. James Telford did manage to bury one of their chances but Dundrum countered with vengeance. Marauding midfield man Declan Kavanagh helped himself to two points to put seven between the teams.

   However, hitman Michael Magee managed to give Ardglass cause for hope when he fired over two late points to get his side within five at the break.

   The Ardtole men came out for the second half really fired up. Straight from the throw-in Michael Magee took poss ession of the leather and went on a long solo run which yielded a point. Ardglass were buzzing but surprisingly their expected fightback never materialised. Dundrum went on to score 1-08 without reply to secure a much needed victory.

   Mick Robb opened the Dun's account with a fine goal. The biggest man on the pitch was the greatful recipient of an excellent pass from Paul McComiskey. When one on one with the keeper the colossus kept his nerve to slide the ball under the net minder.

   Ardglass were totally shattered and began to lose focus. A foul on Richard Fitzsimons saw Declan Kavanagh convert a free. County minor Paul McComiskey then stepped up to the plate. In a breathtaking fifteen minute period he grabbed himself five points from play to put the affair firmly beyond the reach of Ardglass.

   The youngest player on the field Sean O'Rourke added to this with a sweet score and shortly after the industriou s Paul Rooney whacked over the last of the game for the Duns. Michael Magee slotted over a late point for Ardglass but this failed to provide even scant consolation for his teamates.

   Teamwork and hunger brought Dundrum a long way in this game. After getting trounced by Bredagh the Duns had to make amends and they did.

   Eamon King was steady and assured in goals. His well placed kickouts were very effective in finding a red shirt. At the back Anthony Mageean, Michael O'Rourke, Anthony Robb and Barry Melville were superb in the tackle and worked extremely hard to repel the pacey Ardglass forward line.

    Midfield was a battle royal which saw Marc Cunningham and Declan Kavanagh fight hard for the upperhand against the Ardglass pair Michael Magee and James Telford.

   Up front Paul McComiskey was tormentor in chief. He was assured plenty of quality ball from playmakers Sean O'R ourke and Paul Rooney. On the edge of the square Mick Robb was an excellent targetman, banging in a great goal in the process.

   Ardglass have a plethora of talented players in their ranks but they just didn't click on the day. Dundrum played some good stuff and this win was an excellent way to grab their first two points of the season.

Dundrum: E.King, R.Cardwell, P.Cunningham, A.Mageean, B.Melville, M.O'Rourke, A.Robb, M.Cunningham (1-00), D.Kavanagh (1-03), S.O'Rourke (0-01), P.McComiskey (0-07), P.Rooney (0-01), R.Fitzsimons, M.Robb (1-00), A.Rooney. Subs: C.McCann, S.Cunningham.