Antrim Football League Division 1
Casements 0- 19 v 0- 9 St Marys Ahoghill
This local derby rarely disappoints in terms of competitiveness, and a good sized crowd turned up to Kelly pPark under lights to watch the latest instalment of this intriguing ewncounter. The hosts were enjoying an unbeaten start to their league campaign, but stats rarely matter when these teams meet, though after an hours football that stat remained unchanged as Portglenone go top with maximum points from four rounds.
Ahoghill travelled light with four or five absentees from their anticipated line up, and as the game started to unfold it was clear this was taking its toll on the gallant visitors who brought all they had to this encounter.
Casements were mostly running the ball through the middle third, creating overlaps and loops which resulted in some excellent scores, a notable duo from impressive Niall Delargy, and a varied selection of scores across the team as the hosts began to assert their dominance on proceedings with half time approaching.
The hosts lead 0-5 to 0-2 after 15 minutes with Aidan McAleese 0-2, Niall Delargy, Conall Delargy and Michael Hagan on target for the home side and Thomas McGlone and Gerard Graham replying for the visitors.
The second quarter followed in a similar vein to the first as Niall Delargy, Aidan McAleese, Ciaran McKenna and Michael Hagan brought the Casement’s total to 0-9 with James O’Connell replying with two for the Cloney side and the lively Dan O’Neill on target with a late point.
Nevertheless there were only four points between the sides at the break and although Ahoghill still had belief that this was manageable they needed a bright start to the second half to get back into the contest.
Much of the activity was taking place around the middle third, as both teams probed for openings or a well placed kick pass to moving forward lines. Oisin Doherty marked his return to action to Portglenone after a recent layoff with some excellent passages of play and a few scores of his own and will have a big part to play for Casements as the season goes on.
The second half continued in very much the same vein, Casements holding most of the possession and keeping scoreboard ticking over and Ahoghill trying hard to manage the deficit.
Niall Delargy added his third of the evening and further scores from Michael Hagan, Oisin Doherty, 0-2, Delargy again and Aidan McAleese moving their side 9 in front and the game more or less over by the end of the third quarter.
A couple of good opportunities opened up for both sides but in truth James O Connell, their dangerman upfront was well marshalled throughout by Ronan Delargy and as the game filtered out both managers ran their benches.
Ahoghill never gave up and PJ O’Connell, Dan O’Neill and Donal Graham tagged on consolation points going down the home straight but when Conall Roberts blew the final whistle it was the hosts who remained unbeaten after this fairly comprehensive nine point victory.
Casements: Ryan ONeill, Ronan Delargy, Daniel McNicholl, Jonathan Convery, Ryan Convery, Ciaran McKenna, Caolan Tierney, 18 Niall Delargy, Fergal OKane, Ronan Kelly, Michael Hagan, Stephen Kelly, Oisin Doherty, Aidan McAleese, Conall Delargy. Subs Used Shane Delargy, Conor McGee, Oran Mc Garry, Paddy Kelly.
Ahoghill: Francis Neeson, Seamus McKeever, James Magee, Harry O’Donnell, Conor McGarry, Eamonn Brady, Diarmuid Graham, Fionnbar O’Neill, Thomas McGlone, Gerard Graham, Donal Graham, Daniel O’Neill, James O’Connell, Ronan Graham Colla McDonnell, PJ O’Connell
Referee: Conall Roberts
