Reserve Cup Group 1
Kickhams Creggan 3-12 Erin’s Own Cargin 0-13
Kickham’s Creggan won the bragging rights in this keenly contest Reserve Cup clash at their Staffordstown Road ground as they outscored neighbours Cargin to draw level on points with second place Lamh Dhearg who lost in their top of the table clash with Portglenone in Belfast tonight.
Playing into the breeze the home side managed possession better and a goal from Lee Johnston saw them lead by 1-7 to 0-7 at the half way stage but it looked far from over at this stage.
Johnston’s goal came after five minutes when the Cargin defence failed to deal with a high dropping ball in around the danger area and in the scramble that followed the big number 13 got the final touch to force it over the line.
David McGuckian added a point as Creggan started to get on top and Frank McAuley followed with another and Lee Johnston looked to be in for a second goal when the ball broke to him but this time he fired over.
Cargin were battling hard to get their own game going and Jack McAlister pointed at the other end and Padraig McLaughlin followed with another as they began to enjoy a bit of success before McGuckian from play and Frank McAuley replied for Creggan to keep the home side’s noses in front.
Paudie McLaughlin looked to be in for A Cargin goal but his shot sailed over
The visitor began to get some success with their running game as they hit back with points from Conan Kennedy, Shane Gribbin and PJ Quinn with Frank McAuley from a close range free and Tony Scullion with an excellent point from distance concluding the half time scoring with Johnston’s goal separating the sides at half time.
Cargin had replaced the injured Conan Kennedy with Darren Craig just before the break and the introduction of Michael Clarke at half time looked like adding impetus to the visitors attack and he made his presence felt as he sent over a free in the opening minute of the new half.
This score closed the gap to two and might have lifted the Cagrin side but instead it was Creggan who found a response as they hit the next four scores of the game with Frank McAuley converting three frees and Joe McAteer hitting a fine effort from play.
The visitors dug deep however and with Darren Craig and Tony Scullion driving them forward they responded with points of their own from Gerard McCann and Shane Gribbin and things looked to have swung in their favour when they were awarded a penalty after Paddy McAuley pulled down PJ Quinn on route to goal.
Quinn was handed the task from the penalty spot but Peter Graham got down to save his spot kick and hand the momentum back to the home side. Right from the kick-out play swung to the other end and Kealan McCann soloed through for an excellent goal to move the home side seven in front.
Erin’s Own tried to respond and might have been in for a goal of their own but Peter Graham again came to Creggan’s rescue with a good save and when Frank McAuley got through for his side’s third goal in the 21st minute it was as good as over.
Ben Dobbin, Michael Clarke and PJ Quinn hit late points for the Toome side with Frank McAuley replying for the Kickham’s and this win moves Creggan level with Lamh Dhearg on points though who will join Casement’s in the play-off is not clear at the time of writing.
