Carey reach their target by half time

Andersonstown Social Club Antrim Intermediate Championship Group 1

Gort na Móna 0-7 Carey Faughs 7-29

Paul McIntyre reports from The Dub.

Carey Faughs proved too strong for a makeshift Gort na Móna on Tuesday evening to claim a semi-final berth in the years Andersonstown Social Club Antrim Intermediate Championship.

Going into the game the North Antrim side had to win by a margin of at least 25 points, if not, it would mean Glenariffe would be facing off against Cushendun in Sunday’s semi-final.

In the end they achieved that target by the half way stage as they lead 4-17 to 0-2, and despite a spirted showing from the West Belfast side, a further 3-12 in the second half ensured that the Faughs will have another day out on Sunday.

Neil Henry shot the Gorts into an early lead but a determined and focused Carey then took over and by the first waterbreak they lead 3-7 to 0-2.

***Carey sharpshooter Conor McBride who ended up with 3-10 to his name***

Caoláon McCaughan claimed the first goal after just three minutes before Séamus Black claimed a quick fire double just before the end of the first quarter.

Carey then totally dominated the second quarter and on 29 minutes Caoláon McCaughan turned provider for Connor McBride to slam home his sides fourth goal.

Backed by a large travelling support, the Faughs were in no mood to let up and three minutes into the second half Caoláon Mac Eacháin fired to the net for his second major of the evening.

Henry and Ryan Cahill tagged on scores for Gort na Móna but a stronger and fitter Carey kept the scoreboard ticking over as they made the most of every opportunity to make sure they were well clear of the magic number of 25.

As the contest ticked towards stoppage time Connor McBride brought his tall to 3-10 for the evening with two goals in less than a minute, with the first one in particular being a little bit special.

After being first to Seamus McCouaig’s long free, the corner forward flicked the ball over his marker’s head to fire past Mark Rea in the Gorts goal.

Attention now turns to Sunday’s semi-final against Cushendun, throw-in is at 2pm.

Teams and Scorers:

Gort na Mona: Mark Rea, James Connolly, Gavin McKenna, Liam Dixon, Patrick Cournane, Padraig McHugh, Conor Healy, Sean Doyle (0-2), Neil Henry (0-3f), Ciarán McMullan (0-2), Ryan Cahill, Tiarnán Ó Cadhaigh, Reece Coleman, Declan Hughes, Conor McCann,

Subs: Niall Healy for McCann (15), Darren Boyd for Ó Cadhaigh (47).

Carey Faughs: Cathal McAuley, Daniel Hill, Sean McBride, Zach Mac Eacháin, Michael McVeigh (0-2), Peadar McVeigh, Seamus McCouaig (0-1f), Daniel McBride (0-3), Patrick Butler (0-1), Shea Hunter, Sean McBride (0-1), Caolán Mac Eacháin (2-4), Patrick Gillan (0-6), Séamus Black (2-1), Connor McBride (3-10 6f 1 ‘65’).

Referee: Mr Darren McKeown (St Galls).