Liam Cunningham

GLASDRUMMAN WIN OVER BANBRIDGE

Glasdrumman 1-7 Clann Na Banna 0-7

Rostrevor was the setting for this Second Division relegation play-off between Glasdrumman and Clann Na Banna on Saturday afternoon.
Clann Na Banna started the quicker and were two points ahead by the tenth minute, but Glasdrumman eased into the game with a pointed free kick from Connaire Harrison only three minutes later. Clann Na Banna replied with their third point on eighteen minutes to keep the pressure on. Glasdrumman then began to get on top in the game and brought the game level with points each from Cormac Murphy, a free kick, and Declan Grant between the twentieth and twenty fifth minutes. A minute later a long range shot at goal from Declan Grant ricocheted wide off the post to deny Glasdrumman the lead, but in the final minute of the half the referee awarded them a penalty after a foul on Raymond Magorrian in the square. Cormac Murphy stepped up to coolly place the ball beyond the keeper into the top corner of the net for a goal. With Glasdrumman's tails now up they still had time to collect the goal kick and score another point, this time from Raymond Magorrian, before the whistle blew to leave the scores at half time Glasdrumman 1-4 Clann Na Banna 0-3.
With Division 2 survival at stake a hard fought thirty minutes was in store for the teams as they came out for the second half. Clann Na Banna again started the quicker and had a further two points on the board by the thirty seventh minute to narrow the deficit to two points. Connaire Harrison eased Glasdrumman's nerves in the fortieth minute with a well taken point, but Clann Na Banna came back almost immediately with a sixth point. Raymond Clarke scored his first of the game for Glasdrumman midway through the half to again put Glasdrumman three ahead. The game was interrupted for the next ten minutes or so with injuries to a number of players, during which time there were no further scores. Again it was Raymond Magorrian who stepped up to the mark and scored a welcome point for Glasdrumman with only four minutes remaining of the game. Clann Na Banna continued to push forward and were unlucky that a number of chances didn't end up in the Glasdrumman goal, but they did score a seventh point in the final minute to leave only one score between the teams. With at least five minutes of injury time expected, the nerves of the Glasdrumman supporters were again being tested and were not helped by some of the refereeing decisions. Clann Na Banna were rewarded for their tenacity when they were awarded a somewhat dubious penalty well into injury time and a chance to escape with a draw. With Ronan McDowell having a good game in goals Clann Na Banna's penalty was aimed at the corner of the net, but not accurately enough and the ball rebounded to safety off the outside of the post. It was clear from here it was going to be Glasdrumman's game and the referee sounded the whistle to leave the final score Glasdrumman 1-7 Clann Na Banna 0-7.
This may not have been the prettiest victory but it was achieved with heart and passion from the whole team. Ronan McDowell was strong in goals, his handling was faultless and he commanded his square well. The full back line of Daniel McCartan, Martin O’Neill and Colm Carr played doggedly throughout, chasing Clann Na Banna down for the entire game. The half back line of Art McCartan, Brian Burns and Christopher McDowell worked hard throughout making it hard for the Clann Na Banna forwards, and made a number of forrays into scoring positions themselves. Midfielders Cormac Murphy and Pat Mallon won a lot of ball in the middle of the field, pushing the team forward and defending well. The half forward line of Gary McGreevy, Raymond Clarke and Declan Grant kept Clann Na Banna's half back line busy, getting important scores at vital times of the game and helping out in defence when required. The full forward line of James McDowell, Connaire Harrison and Raymond Magorrian showed for the ball throughout despite some heavy tackles and took their scores well at important times of the game. Well done to the Glasdrumman squad for digging out a victory from this game.

Glasdrumman : Ronan McDowell, Daniel McCartan, Martin O'Neill, Colm Carr, Art McCartan, Brian Burns, Christopher McDowell, Cormac Murphy (1-1), Pat Mallon, Gary McGreevy, Raymond Clarke (0-1), Declan Grant (0-1), James McDowell, Connaire Harrison (0-2), Raymond Magorrian (0-2).
Subs not used : John McAteer, Conor Clerkin, Sean Cunningham, Sean McVeigh, Darren Joyce