Dundrum Notes 24th August 2007

Down ACFL Division 3: Dundrum 0-19 Glenn 3-05

Dundrum's preparation for the promotion playoffs continued at pace on Friday night as they accounted for a struggling Glenn offering despite suffering a few scares along the way.

The Duns started the game at a frenetic pace. Some great incisive passing and diagonal runs proved too much for an inexperienced away defence as the homesters ran up a total of 0-09 without reply.During this devestating period six different players got on the scoresheet namely Kieran Walsh (0-03), Conor McShane (0-02), Martin Melville (0-01), Cormac Venney (0-01), Paul McComiskey (0-01) and John Hurley (0-01).

Glenn began to get their act together as halftime approached. They notched up 1-02 without a response with the deadly Bagnall brothers to the fore. Darren was first to register before older sibling Davy converted a free. Then in a superbly crafted move Darren sent Davy through on goal with an excellent long range pass. Bagnall Snr. escaped Dundrum fullback Philip Shields and netted to give the Newry men slight hope for the 2nd half.

However, just before halftime Paul McComiskey began to show glimpses of his old form as he dinked over two points in a row to leave his side in charge at the break by 0-11 to 1-02.

Dundrum went out for the 2nd half intent on running up a big scoreline and putting Glenn to bed within the first ten minutes. This plan started to come to fruition through early scores from Kieran Walsh and the hugely impressive Neil John McLaughlin. However, instead of going on to dominate the rest of the game the Duns suffered spells of sleepiness at the back and this allowed Glenn in for 1-01 to bring five points between the sides once more.

Yet despite this scare the Duns had the strength in depth to switch things about and come out all the better for it. As the game progressed all five substitutes were used and the Duns fresh legs just simply overran their opponents. Scores from Jonathan McMullan (0-01), Conor McShane (0-02), Martin Melville (0-02) and Marc Cunningham (0-01) brought John McShane's side an eleven point lead.

Dundrum were in total control for most of the 2nd half but yet another slack five minute spell at the death saw Glenn snatch and grab 1-02 to put a slightly more respectable look on the scoreboard.

Although the Duns played well for most of this game, a performance like this in the playoffs will not be enough to oust the stronger teams. Improvement in defence and a higher percentage rate of scoring in the attack is crucial if Dundrum are to realise their dream of promotion.

Dundrum: C.King, N.McComiskey, P.Shields, J.McKibben, D.Kavanagh, J.Hurley (0-01), J.McMullan (0-01), A.Doyle, K.Walsh (0-04, 2F), M.Melville (0-03), P.McComiskey (0-03), C.McShane (0-04), M.Coughlan, NJ McLaughlin (0-01), C.Venney (0-01, 1F). Subs: M.Rooney, M.McKibbin, M.Fitzsimons, M.Cunningham (0-01), R.Fitzsimons.