All County U-17 Football League Div One (round two)
Erin’s Own Cargin 2-07 Aghagallon 1-01
Cargin under-17s kept the winning trail as they proved too strong for Aghagallon when they recorded a 2-07 to 1-01 win over the reigning minor champions on their Toome arena on Sunday last.
This curtain raiser to the senior game on a sodden Toome sward saw the ultimate seeds of victory sewn in the opening minutes as a strong approach from central defender Ben Mc Larnon opened the door to the posts.
The centre back ‘s cross field delivery was sent to the net by corner man Dylan Gallagher and the Toome lads were on the way.
Callum Gribbin, who was taken directly to the hospital at conclusion with what turned out to be a broken wrist, added a point to the home sides tally when he despatched between the posts in the 5th minute but although they dominated proceedings the posts were to prove elusive for the Toome lads.
Despite possession aplenty the home side did not add a further score until Cahir O’ Boyle steered a 30 metre free between the posts to punish an indiscretion on Callum Gribbin in the 20th minute.
Another foul on the advancing Callum Gribbin saw the roving full forward dust himself off to plant the awarded place kick all the way over from 45 meters.
Cargin continued to find a resilient St Mary’s rear guard a hard nut to crack but they broke through in the last minute as Callum Gribbin’s strong advance and a Pat O’ Neill cross opened the door for Cahir McCann to finish to the net and ensure a 2-03 to 0-00 interval lead.
Having failed to score in the opening period the Aghagallon lads were quickly off the mark in the second as Keelin Gardner delivered firmly between the posts in the 33rd minute.
A fine score from the wing half forward and when he fired to the back of the net a minute the visitors looked on the comeback trail.
Cargin rallied and back to back points from Ben Mc Larnon and Pat O’ Neill restored order to proceedings.
Cian Scullion and Cahir O’ Boyle raised further white flags in the closing stages and at conclusion the home side were to cross the line full value for their 2-07 to 1-01 winning scoreline but victory did come at a price as injury to Callum Gribbin will ensure a lengthy spell on the side line.
Cargin: Daniel Mc Cann, Eoin Scullion, Hugh O’ Donnell, Patrick Matchyk, Cahir O’ Boyle (0-02), Ben Mc Larnon (1-00), Ciaran Mc Peake, Charlie Mc Cann, Cian Scullion (0-01), Diarmuid Quinn, Patrick O’ Neill (0-01), Jack Harney, Ryan O’ Neill, Carl Mc Cann, Callum Gribbin (0-02), Dylan Gallagher (1-00)
Subs
Jack O’ Neill for C Mc Cann
Brian Darragh for P Machick
Brian Darragh for P O’ Neill
Conleth Hamill for E Scullion
Aghagallon: Joe McDonald, Sam Thomas, Niall Mulholland, Joe Mc Carrick, Conor Magill, Oran Kerr, Eoin Maginnis, Gareth Reavey, Eoin Mallon, Keelin Gardiner (1-01), Niall Gowdy, Patrick Gowdy, Sam Mc Caughan
Referee Malachy McToal (Sean O’ Leary’s)