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Dundrum
open East Down MFL with Victory - 02/02/03
East
Down MFL Section A Round 1
Lorcha
na Farriage 1-08 Drumaness 1-07
By Marc MacSiomoin, Dundrum
The East Down Minor Leagues kicked off
today in near arctic conditions. However, the appaling weather
did not hinder a good game of football at Ballykinlar. Both
Lorcha na Farriage and Drumaness coped extremely well with
the poor weather and muddy underfoot conditions.
The game kicked off in the midst of a severe
hail shower which affected the early play. Drumaness were
first to get settled when Darren Oldroyd escaped his marker
to tap over the bar after five minutes. The conditions continued
to play a part and Lorcha na Farriage were finding it difficult
to cope. Then two quick points in succession from Conor
McShane helped Lorcha to impose themselves better in the
game. The major turning point of the first half came on
sixteen minutes when a rather innocent looking kick from
Chris Hogg scuttled across the Drumaness goalmouth before
hitting the post and crossing the line. This was to prove
a false dawn as Lorcha did'nt manage to get another score
until seven minutes into the second half. Poor handling
on the part of Lorcha enabled Drumaness to take the game
by the scruff of the neck. The last ten minutes of the first
half saw Drumaness hitting three points. Daryl McAleenan
was the main instigator, scoring one from play, another
from a free and finally setting up the last score of the
first half.
Half Time: Lorcha na Farraige 1-02 Drumaness
0-04
During the half time interval the weather
eased and both teams came out for the second half with an
increased air of confidence. The football improved vastly,
with Barry Mageean of Lorcha showing some fine touches and
demonstrating the art of solo play very effectively. However,
it was Drumaness who took up from were they left off as
Daryl McAleenan found the net after only five minutes of
action. The goal capped off a fine move involving four Drumaness
players. Lorcha's reply came in the shape of a well executed
point from the boot of McShane, who was causing Paddy Bell
a host of bother. Lorcha started exhibiting some fine football
moves but this was short lived as three minutes later Tony
Ferris slotted over a rasping point for Drumaness. Two minutes
later Neil Mc Aleenan gave Drumaness a three point advantage.
This however was were it went down hill for the 'ness. In
a swift two minute period Lorcha got their act together
and with a Paul McComiskey free and a fine solo effort from
Mark O'Hare, Lorcha switched to top gear.
Despite an opportunist point from Paddy
Bell on forty eight minutes, this was to be Drumaness' last
score of the game. In the final quarter Lorcha took control.
This was aided by the disastrous finishing of the 'ness
forward line. Another Paul McComiskey free kickstarted the
onslaught. This was followed by a true captains' score by
Mark O'Hare with four minutes left. With scores all level,
the last few minutes proved to be very tense. Despite the
introduction of Gilgunn to the Drumaness half-forward line,
the 'ness wasted three good chances to register a score.
The resilient Lorcha defence shaded their men very closely
with Chris Robb and John McKibben being particulary effective.
Then in the final minute the star of the show McShane pointed
to give Lorcha that one point advantage and the win.
Despite this being the first match of the
new season both teams seemed to possess a high standard
of fitness. The conditions did hinder the quality of football
to an extent but in the second half both teams especially
Lorcha seemed to cope very well. This was a close game and
Drumaness will probably be disappointed with the inaccuracy
of their forwards. In total Drumaness registered nine wides.
Lorcha can look to McShane as their saviour but the dominance
of Mageean at midfield and the articulate passing of O'Hare
greatly enhanced Lorchas' prospects. At times the Drumaness
forward line had the better of the Lorcha defence but on
the whole matters evened themselves out. Neil McAleenan
and Shane Gorman stood out in attack for the 'ness whilst
John McKibben and Marty Melville did best for Lorcha in
defence. Both teams were evenly matched and this is reflected
in the scoreline. However, Lorcha edged it because of their
better physical approach and their ability to make the most
of their chances in the dreadful conditions.
Dundrum: King, Rooney, McKibben,
Melville, C.Robb, N.McComiskey, H.Robb, Mageean, O'Hare
(0-02), P.McComiskey (0-02), Murray, McShane (0-04), Kearney,
Hogg (1-00), Brown.
Subs. M.Robb for King.
Drumaness Scorers: Oldroyd (0-01),
D McAleenan (1-02), Ferris (0-01), Bell (0-01), N.McAleenan
(0-02).
Referee P.Brannigan (Bryansford)
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