Paddy Coey wheels away in celebration after scoring Creggan’s opening goal as Ports keeper, Brian McManus lies prostrate.

O’Neill’s ACFL Division 1

Casement’s 1-11  Kickham’s 3-7

Kickham’s Creggan remain one of only two sides on full points following a weekend of action that threw up a number of shocks. The Staffordstown Road side travelled to Páirc Uí Cheallaigh on Sunday. The Casement’s splendid new facilities were bathed in glorious sunshine with the crowd boosted by the weekend activities which included the blessing and opening of the new pitch.

In an atmosphere that would have proved intimidating to a lot of teams it was Kickham’s, Creggan who opened the scoring with two quick points from Conor Small and David McGuckin to settle early nerves with Portglenone replying through BJ Donnelly.

The home side enjoyed plenty of possession during the opening exchanges but poor choices and erratic shooting coupled with well organised defence by the visitors frustrated their efforts. Kickham’s soaked up the pressure before responding with a Sam Maguire point to go two in front and their movement and support play was causing problems for the home side.

Creggan struck with a vengeance mid-way through the half and two goals, one from the hard working Paddy Coey and the other from Kevin Small put them very much in the driving seat.  This sparked Portglenone into life with points from Stephen Kelly, Paddy Kelly 0-2 and a goal from Niall McKeever as half time approached to put them right back into contention. Both sides recorded minors, one from McGuckin for the visitors and the other from Kelly before the half time whistle brought proceedings to a temporary halt.

Half time Creggan 2.05 Portglenone 1.05.

Niall McKeever responds with a goal for Casement’s to put them right back into contention

With the wind now in their favour Casements looked to have the upper hand as the game got under way again and they certainly enjoyed plenty of possession but, as in the opening quarter they were wasteful and careless in a lot of their passing.

On a number of occasions they looked in for a goal with Leon Bonnes pulling off a brave blocking save to deny them on one occasion and good defensive play by the Kickham’s frustrating their efforts.

The visitors continued to manage possession better as they built slowly and they were awarded a penalty in the tenth minute when David McGuckin was dragged down and Kevin Small confidently sent Brian McManus the wrong way from the spot kick.

Portglenone threw everything at the kickham’s but were forced to rely on the place kicking of Paddy Kelly who added five second half points and Stephen Kelly who scored their last point in the 20th minute. Kickham’s maintained their composure and points apiece from Kevin and Conor Small were enough to secure them both points in a tense finish.