Liam Cunningham

GLASDRUMMAN MINORS OVERCOME ANNACLONE

Glasdrumman 2-13 Annaclone 1-10

Annaclone visited the Quarter Road on Wednesday evening for this Minor League game expecting a tough match with Glasdrumman Minors who had a run of good results in recent weeks.

The first half turned out to be very even with neither team ahead by more than two points at any time and both teams having their share of missed chances. Annaclone had moved into a two point lead midway through the half with the score at four points to Glasdrumman's two, both from Connaire Harrison. Paul Grant brought the deficit to one with a good point on twenty minutes. Connaire Harrison followed up with another three minutes later to level the scores and with five minutes remaining in the half Paul Grant scored another point to ease Glasdrumman ahead. Annaclone replied with another two points before Darren Joyce scored a point for Glasdrumman just before half time to leave the  half time scores Glasdrumman 0-6 Annaclone 0-6.

Glasdrumman started the second half the stronger and rushed into a five point lead with two pointed free kicks and a goal from Connaire Harrison within eight minutes of the restart. Annaclone replied with two points before Connaire Harrison increased the lead again with another point from a free kick in the forty sixth minute. Only a minute later Glasdrumman let their guard down and allowed Annaclone right back into the game as they scored a goal to leave only one point between the teams. Glasdrumman responded well and scored two points, one each from Paul Grant and James McDowell. Annaclone replied again with another point before Ryan Doran scored a point and a goal from a good solo run to put Glasdrumman six points to the good. However, Annaclone refused to give up and only a good save from Shane Harrison denied them a goal with five minutes remaining. Connaire Harrison put over another point from a free kick with a minute to go and it was left for Annaclone to finish the game with a well taken point in the final minute to leave the result Glasdrumman 2-13 Annaclone 1-10.

This was another strong performance from Glasdrumman. Shane Harrison made a number of fine saves when called upon. The full back line of Gavin McCracken, Christopher Cassidy and Nathan McCracken were strong in defence and gathered up a lot of loose ball. Paul McCaffrey, Ryan Doran and Jamie Carroll won a lot of breaking ball and were strong throughout supporting play going forward. The midfield of Paul Grant and James McDowell fielded the ball well and both contributed to the scoreline. The half forward line of Martin McGrath, Connaire Harrison and Darren Joyce all had a good game and got themselves on the scoresheet. The full forward line of Paul Quinn, Stefan McGuinness and Ryan Clerkin also acquitted themselves very well and kept the Annaclone defence on their toes. 

Glasdrumman : Shane Harrison, Gavin McCracken, Christopher Cassidy, Nathan McCracken, Paul McCaffrey, Ryan Doran (1-1), Jamie Carroll, Paul Grant (0-3), James McDowell (0-1), Martin McGrath, Connaire Harrison (1-7), Darren Joyce (0-1), Paul Quinn, Stefan McGuinness, Ryan Clerkin.

Subs used : David McAlinden for Ryan Clerkin, Ryan McDowell for Paul Quinn.