ACFL Division 1
Casement’s Portglenone 0-15 Erin’s Own Cargin 2-11
The anticipated celebrations in securing a first ever senior league title have been put on hold for a time as Casement’s failed to cope with the challenge offered by the visiting Cargin in a close fought encounter before a big attendance at Kelly Park on Wednesday evening.
A win or at least a share of the spoils wound have sealed the deal for the home side and indeed for most of the observers that deal did look sealed for a while as they held advantage 0-15 to 2-08 as full time approached.
In the event the Toome men were not about to settle for a honourable defeat and late points from Conhuir Johnston (2), and replacement Paul McCann saw the reigning county champions cross the winning line at 2-11 to 0-15 and the home side’s celebrations cancelled, at least for now.
The script was written as Casement’s hosted Cargin and a win for the home side would ensure a first ever division 1 league title would rest in the Portglenone based club rooms if John Mc Keever’s men were to add another couple of points to their impressive haul from a successful season to date.
The Toome men had climbed into second place in the ratings, four points in arrears of the home side and although they were fully expected to provide a stiff challenge, a home win was anticipated by most observes.
Casement’s took the lead in the opening minute as Paddy Kelly pointed with Oisin Doherty following suit soon after to move the home side two ahead.
Cargin got off the mark via a Justin Crozier 11th minute point, a smart score from the wing back who was on the cusp of another fine performance.
No quarter was being asked or given by any in the early stages but a fine point from a free by Michael Hagan saw Portglenone open up a two point lead again with Conhuir Johnston closing the gap at the other end a few minutes later after being set up by Justin Crozier.
The opening quarter saw little between the sides as Paddy Kelly and Cargin’s Tom Shivers exchanged points but focus was about to turn to the other end as back to back free kicks from Michael Hagan and Paddy Kelly moved the home side 0-06 to 0-03 clear.
A useful lead earned in the context of a close contest but that was not to last as Gerard McCorley sent Jamie Gribbin away to break the Casement’s defensive line before placing Eunan Quinn who deliver to the back of the net.
Casement’s looked stunned and before they could recover a lofted delivery saw Quinn dragged down at the expense of a penalty.
Tom Shivers delivered the 31st minute award to the back of the net to see the visitors nip ahead and the same player followed with a point a couple of minutes later after collecting a John Carron delivery.
Casements regained their composure to add an injury time point through Michael Hagan after a fine Niall McKeever delivery but as the half time whistle sounded it was Cargin who led 2-04 to 0-07.
Justin Crozier added a point a couple of minutes into the second half to extend the Cargin lead and Paddy Kelly for the home side and Eunan Quinn exchange further points before Portglenone hit a period of supremacy.
They struck with points from Paddy Kelly and Oisin Doherty to close the gap to the minimum as the home support roared their approval.
Cargin retained that minimum advantage as the end of the third quarter but a great point from Paddy Kelly as he defied an acute angle to send another free between the posts had the home side back on level terms.
This one looked like going down to the wire as Cargin substitute Tomas McCann fired between the posts in the 47th minute to regain advantage but it was to prove short lived.
Back came the home side with back to back points from Paddy Kelly and Michael Hagan to see the hosts move ahead once more as the intensity and excitement increased.
Cargin went searching for an equaliser and Tom Shivers was denied by a post but the ball was recycled by Gerard Mc Cann for David Johnston to fire over and it was all square again at Kelly Park.
As the last few minutes approached the home crowd were on their feet as Michael Hagen converted a 56th minute free to edge his side ahead once more and the league title looked within touching distance.
The visitors were not about to call it a day however as a John Carron fetch and delivery opened the way for Conhuir Johnston to fire over in the 59th minute and see the Toome men back on terms.
Was there to be a winner was the question as the game enter injury time and in the event it was the Toome men who provided the answer as late replacement Paul McCann split the posts and when Conhuir Johnston added another from 45 metres in the 34th minute that was that.
Disappointment for Portglenone but their destiny is still in their own hands. Win away to Ahoghill and at home to Creggan in their final two games and a first league title is still theirs.
Casements: Ryan O’ Neill, Ronan Delargy, Dan Mc Nicholl, Jonny Convery, Caolan Tierney, Niall Delargy, Conor Mc Gee, Stephen Kelly, Niall Mc Keever, Ruairi Hagen, Dermot Mc Aleese, Ciaran Mc Kenna, Michael Hagen (0-04), Oisin Doherty (0-05), Paddy Kelly (0-06)
Cargin: Shea Laverty, Conan Johnston, Kevin Mc Shane, Gerard Mc Corley, Justin Crozier (0-02), Kevin O’ Boyle, Ronan Gribbin, Gerard Mc Cann, John Carron , James Laverty, David Johnston (0-01), Conhuir Johnston (0-03), Tom Shivers (1-02), Eunan Quinn (1-01)
Subs
Tomas Mc Cann (0-01 for J Gribbin (inj)
Sean og O’ Neill for J Laverty (inj)
Paul Mc Cann (0-01) for Ger Mc Cann (inj)
Referee: C J Roberts (St Johns)
