Tullylish
relegated
ACFL Div 2: Downpatrick
2-11 Tullylish 1-12
Tullylish knew
going into their final game of the
season that only a draw was needed
to secure their pace in the relegation
playoffs but blew their chance in
the final 10 minutes and once again
drop into division3 next season.
Leading by 6 points and controlling
the game the Tullylish faithful
were sure their team would achieve
their goal but 11 unanswered points
saw them deservedly relegated.
The game started in the worst possible
way for Tullylish when they conceded
a goal in the first minute after
some very slack marking. This was
a blow but after taking some time
to settle Tullylish took control
and got their first score from Eammon
Morgan but a Downpatrick point soon
cancelled this out. Tullylish were
playing the better football and
added scores through John McAreavey
and Chris McGovern. Downpatrick
once again responded with a point
but in the final 10 minutes of the
half Tullylish started taking control
of the game and further scores from
John McAreavey (2) and Chris McGovern
sent Tullylish into the half time
interval leading 0-6 1-2
Tullylish started the second half
in control of the game and soon
added points through defenders Peter
Quinn and Barry Priestly. Tullylish
were dominating in all areas of
the field at this stage and continued
to drive forward missing several
chances but added further scores
from Chris McGovern and Peter Quinn
seemed to have sent the game in
Tullylishes direction and although
Downpatrick added a point of their
own but 2 more Chris McGovern points
once again extended the lead to
6 points with 10 minutes to go.
Then came the Tullylish collapse
a brilliant 2nd goal from Downpatrick
got them rolling, this was followed
by a succession of points from Downpatrick
to shoot themselves into a 5 point
lead. Tullylish did get a consolation
goal through Chris McGovern at the
death but it wasn’t enough
to save themselves.
Tullylish undoubtedly are good enough
to play in division 2 and secure
a midtable finish but this years
finishing position was no more than
they deserved after throwing away
so many games. They must now start
and rebuild in division 3 next season.
Tullylish: M McEvoy; B Priestly
0-1; R Barry; P Grew; C McManus;
M Feeney; P Quinn 0-2; D Corbett;
J McAreavey 0-3; M McCartan; B Roberts;
E Morgan 0-1 (C Thompson); F ODowd;
G Chambers (M Fitzpatrick); C McGovern
1-5
By
Vincent Doran
