Homefit Division 1 ACFL
Tir na Nog 1-08-0-11 Lámh Dhearg
Kevin Herron reports from Whitehill
Ryan Murray was sprung from the bench and proved to be his sides savour as Lámh Dhearg came from behind to claim a point from Whitehall this evening after a 1-08-0-11 draw with Tir na Nog.
Behind to Darragh Fagan’s 16th minute strike, the visitors were required fresh impetus from the bench- with Ryan Murray and Marc Jordan entering the fray.
Murray would land five of his sides eleven points over the course of the evening to ensure his side left with a share of the spoils – at the end of what was at times a feisty encounter.
Terry McCrudden converted an early free to give the Lámhs the early advantage. Despite Tir na Nog creating plenty of opportunities during the first quarter, they were unable to register their first score until the 13th minute when Ciaran Logan claimed an advanced mark from Sean-Paul McAtamney’s kick-out and fed Connor Hastings to swing over the leveller.
McCrudden would get on the end of an intelligent pass from Carl Maxwell, claim a mark and convert to nudge his side back infront.
But the only goal of the game would elevate Tir na Nog into the driving seat and a position they would hold for the majority of proceedings.
Oliver McAtamney showed hunger and desire to attack John Finucane’s kick and fist the ball to Joshua Higgins, the midfielder side footed the ball into the path of Darragh Fagan to sweep the ball to the net and give his side a 1-01-0-02 lead.
The hosts extended their advantage through an Aaron McNeilly free and an easy score from play from goal-scorer Fagan in the immediate aftermath.
Declan Smith would conjure up a response following a patient build-up from his side and Terry McCrudden then kicked his third point of the half after collecting Declan Lynch’s pass and converting a second advanced mark.
A fine effort from Ciaran O’Neill dropped over the bar to open up a three-point lead again and Tir na Nog thought they had their second goal of the evening through Fagan.
The wing-half forward was picked out with an excellent pass from Ryan O’Neill- but his effort crashed off the far post and out to safety.
Declan Lynch was obstructed and that led to McCrudden converting a free with the last kick of the half to leave his side trailing 1-04-0-05 at the midway point.
Tir na Nog hit the halfs opening score after a patient move that saw the ball move from side-to-side in order to draw the visitors out, eventually Caoimhin Duffin made a run from deep, adjusted himself and shot over the bar.
This prompted an instant response as Marc Jordan and Ryan Murray were summoned from the bench in order to attempt to stem the tide and turn the game in their sides favour.
Midway through the second-half the visitors were given a numerical advantage after Connor Hastings picked up a second yellow-card and departed; following a high challenge round the neck on Ryan Murray.
The 14-men came up with the next score though- Caoimhin Duffin poked the ball to Oliver McAtamney to swing over and make it 1-06-0-05.
After almost 20 scoreless second-half minutes Lámh Dhearg finally landed a much-needed score through substitute Murray.
Barry McCormick slipped a pass off the shoulder for Darragh Fagan to hit back immediately and restore their sides four-point lead.
The Lámhs were beginning to find more attacking joy as Marc Jordan showed nifty footwork and dropped a shot over the black spot.
Ryan Murray then converted back-to-back frees, the second of which was an excellent effort from a very tight angle to ensure that just a single point separated the sides with minutes remaining (1-07-0-09).
Tir na Nog appeared to have wrapped the game up after referee Fiontann McCotter allowed an advantage and Ciaran O’Neill shot over his second point of the evening.
But a foul on Marc Jordan presented Ryan Murray with the chance to convert his third free since his introduction and he dually obliged to make it one-point game once more.
In attempting to land the equaliser, Murray was upended off the ball and awarded a potentially equalising free, but in the aftermath Ben Rice struck out and was given his marching orders- with the ball then hopped.
Although the Lámhs fought for a share of the spoils and gained it when Declan Dunne found Declan Smith and he had the presence of mind to pick out Murray to land an outstanding point for his fifth since his introduction to level at 1-08-0-11.
There was no time for either side to grab the winner as referee McCotter sounded his full-time whistle in the aftermath of Sean-Paul McAtamney’s kick-out and the dup had to make do with a point apiece.
Tir na Nog: SP McAtamney, E Higgins, B McLarnon, D Martin, C O’Neill (0-02), C Duffin (0-01), O McAtamney (0-01), J Higgins, R O’Neill, C Logan, K Sherrin, D Fagan (1-02), B McCormick, A McNeilly (0-01f), C Hastings (0-01).
Lámh Dhearg: J Finucane, R Murray, M McGarry, P Larkin, R Diamond, P Mervyn, F Mervyn, C Hannan, D Lynch, C Maxwell, B Rice, D Smith (0-01), T McCrudden (0-04, 0-02f, 0-02m), S Tully, N McGarry. Subs: R Murray (0-05, 0-03f) for S Tully (35), M Jordan (0-01) for C Hannan (35), D Dunne for N McGarry (46).
Referee: Fiontann McCotter (Sarsfields)