IFC Group 2
Davitt’s 0-12 St. Teresa’s 1-13
St. Teresa’s took a step closer to a place in the IFC play-offs when a goal from Niall McCann after 13 minutes of the second half would prove the difference against Michael Davitt’s at windy Davitt’s Park on Sunday.
The gale that blew down the West Belfast venue would prove to be a major contributor to the Glen Road side’s first half dominance as they led by 0-8 in a first half where they were nearly always on top.
Davitt’s failed to raise a flag during that period and while they became more proficient in front of the posts after the break, it was St. Teresa’s ability to keep the score board moving that would prove the difference in the end.
Niall McCann got the Glen Road side of the mark from a free in the 6th minute and John Mallon converted a second after Aaron Slane in the Davitt’s goals was penalised for taking too long from his kick-out.
The early momentum for St. Teresa’s continued as Eoghan Hamill pointed then added another great 2 pointer from out on the left but they had to be thankful to their keeper, Mark Small who made a smart save as the home side briefly threatened.
Conor Mallon, Anton Taylor and John Mallon from a free moved St. Teresa’s 0-8 to 0-0 ahead at the break but given the strength of the driving wind they were to face in the second half, would 8 be enough?
HT 0-0 TO 0-8
Anthony Rowntree finally got the home side going with a point in the 4th minute and followed with another 2 pointer from distance and when keeper, Aaron Slane raised another orange flag in the 6th minute the deficit was down to three and the visitors looked in trouble.
They rallied however and their ability to keep possession and work their scores saw Conor Mallon split the posts and John Mallon added another from a disputed free before Niall McCann got in for the game’s only goal in the 13th minute.
Suddenly that 3 point lead had been increased to 8 and the visitors could rest a little bit easier as Philip Maguire replied to a Niall McParland point for Davitt’s.
Davitt’s were still battling hard as Conor John Sullivan struck a fine 2 pointer which again brought a response from Matthew Mallon with a point at the other end.
A sustained period of pressure going down the home straight saw Aaron Slane, Paul McLaughlin and Padraig McParland from a free close the gap to a goal by the 29th minute but again the visitors found a response.
Conor Mallon pointed as the game moved into injury time to move his side 4 in front and then Aodhan Dougan made an excellent block on his own line as Davitt’s launched one last ditch attempt to save the contest.
This win moves St. Teresa’s into second place in Group 2 with all their games played and one foot in the semi-finals though they could be caught by Naomh Comhghall who travel to Glenavy in their final game.
The Antrim town men would have to record a big win at Chapel Hill however and while Barry Burn’s side are capable of victory, the margin needed looks too great.
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