Liam Cunningham

AWAY WIN KEEPS ALIVE GLASDRUMMAN HOPES

Carryduff 0-11 Glasdrumman 3-7

Friday evening's relegation battle with Carryduff was not a pretty sight for much of the game.
A determined Carryduff took the field and were four points ahead within the first five minutes. Glasdrumman appeared shellshocked but managed to gather themselves and Connaire Harrison eased them into the game with a point from a free in the thirteenth minute. Carryduff replied with two points before Christopher Cassidy rifled the ball into the Carryduff goal as the ball rebounded off a post. Carryduff rallied again with another two points with six minutes remaining in the half. Connaire Harrison popped over another free kick for a point to leave the deficit at three points. With half time approaching Carryduff pressed the self destruct button. The goalkeeper and his defence got into a muddle and Declan Grant could not believe it when the ball fell at his feet for a simple tap in for a goal. Unbelievably and somewhat luckily, Glasdrumman now found themselves level again with the half time score Carryduff 0-8 Glasdrumman 2-2.
The second half started as the first had begun and Caryduff raced into a two point lead with two scores within two minutes of the restart. With both teams showing their nerves in this relegation fight neither team scored again until Glasdrumman's influential captain, Pat Mallon scored two superb points in the forty sixth and forty ninth minutes to level the game again. Glasdrumman raised their game immediately and points each from Raymond Clarke, Connaire Harrison and Raymond Magorrian put them three points ahead with only three minutes remaining. The Glasdrumman management and support knew only too well this was a dangerous scoreline but their fears were put to bed when Conor Clerkin coolly placed the ball past the Carryduff goalkeeper for a goal and a six point lead. Carryduff came back fighting but could only register one more point to leave the final score Carryduff 0-11 Glasdrumman 3-7.
This may not have been the prettiest victory but it was again achieved with heart and passion. Ronan McDowell was strong in goals, commanded his square well and was only really troubled once with the ball rebounding to safety. The full back line of Daniel McCartan, Martin O’Neill and Colm Carr played doggedly throughout, making a number of timely interceptions. The half back line of Christopher McDowell, Brian Burns and Art McCartan worked hard throughout making it hard in the second half for Carryduff to make any comeback. Midfielders Declan Grant and Sean McDowell won a lot of ball in the middle of the field and drove the team forward in the second half. The half forward line of Raymond Magorrian, Raymond Clarke and Christopher Cassidy kept Carryduff on their toes especially in the second half, getting important scores at vital times of the game. The full forward line of Conor Clerkin, Pat Mallon and Connaire Harrison showed a lot of grit and won a lot of ball in the second half getting important scores to win this game. Substitutes Shaun Brennan and Gary McGreevy also played their part when called upon, showing the same determination as the rest of their team mates. Well done to the Glasdrumman squad for turning this match around to earn another important two points.

Glasdrumman : Ronan McDowell, Daniel McCartan, Martin O'Neill, Colm Carr, Christopher McDowell, Brian Burns, Art McCartan, Declan Grant (1-0), Sean McDowell, Raymond Magorrian (0-1), Raymond Clarke (0-1), Christopher Cassidy (1-0), Conor Clerkin (1-0), Pat Mallon (0-2), Connaire Harrison (0-3).
Subs used : Shaun Brennan for Brian Burns, Gary McGreevy for Christopher Cassidy
Subs not used : John McAteer, Sean Cunningham, Sean McVeigh, Gavin McCracken.