Ulster Senior Football League, Section A Round 2

Lámh Dhearg 1-06-3-11 St. Malachy’s Castledawson

Kevin Herron reports from Hannahstown

Three first half goals helped Castledawson on their way to victory over Lámh Dhearg at Hannahstown on Sunday afternoon in their Ulster League clash.

The Derry outfit didn’t waste any time in flexing their authority and hit the net within the first 60-seconds with Pearse Keenan squeezing a low shot into the net.

Fearghal McKenna opened his account for the afternoon with a free before Adam Murray replied for the hosts.

Murray claimed a mark and swung the shot over and two minutes later converted a free after a foul on namesake Ross.

Castledawson doubled their goal tally on the 12th minute. Scorer of the first Keenan played a pivotal role, confidently carrying the ball from defence and laying it off to Aidan Keenan and he in turn found Colman Bradley to apply the finish and make it 2-01-0-02.

Points were traded in the aftermath as Jody Quinn kicked an adavanced mark and Rian Connaire replied with a wonderul free off the deck.

The visitors found the net for the third time by the quarter-hour mark. Aidan Keenan cut-out Rhys Camlin’s kick-out and quickly found Sean Mac Oscar to sweep home and make it 3-02-0-03. A further goal may have arrived moments later, but Connaire’s fisted effort rose over the bar for a point.

Aidan Keenan added a close-range point to finish his sides scoring for the half. There was still time for a brief Lámhs rally before the half time whistle.

Ben Rice dropped in a high ball and the towering Jody Quinn managed to get a touch on it and steer the ball to the net.

Padraig Mervyn then swung a fine shot over the bar in added time as Castledawson held a 3-04-1-04 lead at the midway stage.

Fearghal McKenna extended his sides advantage with the opening two points of the second period. He guided over a free before blasting over from play minutes later.

Adam Murray was on-hand to open his sides account from a close-range free on the 41st minute, but it failed to shift the momentum.

Castledawson added another three unanswered points. Rian Connaire and Odhran Mac Oscar hit quickfire scores.

Fearghal McKenna may have added his sides fourth goal in the last ten minutes, breaking forward at pace- though Lámhs keeper Gerard Smyth turned the goal bound effort past the post at the expense of a 45′ whic Connaire converted.

Lámh Dhearg hit their final score of the afternoon after substitute Conall Breen was fouled and Adam Murray kicked his fourth free of proceedings.

Tallisman Fearghal McKenna added two further scores to his personal tally before the conclusion, dropping over anangled free and then kicking an excellent point to ensure his side ran out 3-11-1-06 winners at the conclusion and earn their first win of the campaign.