ACFL Division 3
Ardoyne 2-9 St. Agnes 0-11
In an enthralling game of open football played at Fennell Park on Friday evening, Ardoyne pulled off a major shock in defeating unbeaten St Agnes’. The league leaders were first on the scoreboard with an opening point from top scorer David McGaharan, but Ardoyne responded with a point from open play from McAuley and a free from Padraig McGreevey.
League form was reflected in the remainder of the first half as St Agnes’ stamped their authority on the game. McCrea kicked over three points, while Mulgrew saw an excellent attempt on goal tipped over the bar by Tiarnan Hughes in the Ardoyne nets. Hughes was in fine form between the posts for Ardoyne and pulled off a series of saves that kept the Ardoyne men in touch at the short whistle.
Half-Time: Ardoyne 0-03 St Agnes’ 0-06
As the second half got underway it looked as though St Agnes’ were ready to push ahead. A high ball into the Ardoyne Square rebounded off the post and the follow up shot saw Hughes produce another top class save.
The pace of the game increased as the second half unfolded and the Ardoyne men seemed to gain in confidence. Kevin Lynch fired over a two pointer followed by a further point. McGaharan responded for St Agnes’ as the intensity of the game increased. The pace of McAuley was causing problems for St Agnes’ defence, but the match began to turn in Ardoyne’s favour following a lob by McAuley that was flicked into the St Agnes’ net by Kevin Lynch.
With Lynch and McAuley now combining well, Ardoyne eventually pulled ahead with a goal from an in-form McKernan. The remaining 10 minutes was a full blooded encounter with Ardoyne sensing an important victory and St Agnes’ fighting to hold on to their unbeaten record.
Despite this defeat, St Agnes’ hold on to top position in the league but will be disappointed with their unbeaten run coming to an end. Ardoyne will be delighted to take the scalp of the league leaders but will take more satisfaction from the renewed sense of belief and the discipline on display.
Full-Tine Score: Ardoyne 2-09 St Agnes’ 0-11
Ciceam Ard Eoin: Tiernan Hughes, Odhran Mullan, Micheál McGreevy, Conor Magee, Joe Gibson, Pearse Marley, Finnén O’Brien, Daniel Moore, Gary McKernan (1-0), James Og McAuley (0-02), Kealan McCallan (0-01), Eoghan Corrigan, Padraig McGreevy (0-01,1f), Cahal Keown (0-01), Kevin Lynch (1-04, 0-02F)Cormac Barnes, Fiontan Lagan,
Naomh Una: Colum Carroll, Cormac Flannery, Mark Caldwell, Killian McCormick, Patrick Carroll, Ryan Reilly, Conor Kennedy, Ronan Gilligan, Patrick Mulgrew (0-01), James Campbell, Declan Crummey, Declan McLarnon (0-02), Ronan Carroll, David McGaharan (0-05), Barry McCrea (0-03, 0-2f), Neill Gillespie, Conor Gilligan, Kevin Floyd
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