Antrim Football League – Division 1
Casements 0–16 Cuchullians 0-04
Portglenone manager John McKeever asked his players to stand up after a couple of recent below par performances, and he will be content with the response as Casements proved just too strong for visitors Dunloy, who had travelled with expectation following their noteworthy display against resurgent Creggan in their previous outing.
Boosted by the return of county panellists Dermot McAleese and Daniel McNicholl, the home side began with intent, and dominated the opening half, looking much livelier going about their business and restricting Dunloy to limited possession of the ball.
An excellent Ronan Kelly two pointer opened proceedings in the second minute, and chipped in with several more white flags, before impressive Dunloy playmaker Tom McFerran opened his sides account at the end of the first quarter. Further scores from Oisin Doherty, Ruairi Hagan and a long range effort from Ciaran McAleese opened up a gap on the scoreboard, which Dunloy mainstay Declan Smyth narrowed with a long range free to leave just four points between the teams at the break.
On the restart Dermot McAleese ran through Dunloys middle to knock over the first of his three excellent long range second half points, assisted by his county colleague Daniel McNicholl who also showed prominently throughout.
Portglenone racked up a total of seven scores without reply in the second period to put the result beyond reach, the result of good workrate all over the pitch. Dunloy to their credit kept up the fight, and it took a fantastic reactive point blank save from Casement custodian Kevin Mullan from the lively Oisin McCamphill to deny the visitors from putting a more respectable look on the scoreboard.
The biggest cheer from the local support was for the seasonal introduction of both team captain Niall Delargy and the imperious Enda Lynn who took the opportunity to post two eye catching scores during his fifteen minute cameo.
McCamphill got Dunloys only score of the second half with a minute remaining, but this contest had been settled a long way out, as Casements ran out 12 point winners.
Tom McFerran, Declan Smyth, Anton McGrath and Oisin McCamphill gave all they had for Dunloys cause, whilst many of Casements players can be happy with their own individual efforts, including Paddy Graffin, Kevin Okane, the marauding Oisin Doherty brought out to the half forward line, and the recently returned duo from injury Fergal OKane and Ryan Convery, whilst county panellist Daniel McNicholl also caught the eye, and Dermot McAleese looked the outstanding player on the pitch.
Casements are starting to tick, and for Dunloy, it’s a case of securing enough points to remain in safe water territory, whilst waiting for the availability of six or eight leading players of their own, which will leave them a very dangerous opponent for anyone as the season goes on.
Scorers;
Portglenone, Ronan Kelly 0 – 05, Dermot McAleese 0- 03, Oisin Doherty 0 – 02, Ciaran McAleese 0 – 02, Enda Lynn 0 – 02, Daniel McNicholl 0 – 01, Ruairi Hagan 0 – 01.
Dunloy, Declan Smyth 0 – 02, Tom Boyd 0 – 01, Oisin McCamphill 0 – 01.
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