ACFL Division 2
Naomh Comhghall 2-6 St. James’ Aldergrove 0-14
Report and Pics: Dominic Kelly
Played at Dunsilly in near-perfect conditions, this Division 2 clash between Naomh Comhghall CLG and Naomh Séamas lived up to expectations, with the visitors arriving higher in the league standings and intent on maintaining their strong form.
The Antrim town side made an electric start, with Miles Devine opening the scoring inside the first minute. However, Naomh Séamas responded immediately through Cormac McGarry to level matters. Naomh Comhghall CLG then began to settle, moving the ball with pace and purpose as they looked to exploit their quick full-forward line.
Their growing dominance told on the scoreboard, with James McCabe converting a point in the 5th minute before Dylan Murdock followed up almost instantly with another fine effort. The home side continued to look dangerous in attack and were rewarded on the 9th minute when midfielder Aaron McGaw finished a well-worked move to the net.
Naomh Séamas, though, showed their quality and resilience. McGarry struck an excellent two-pointer to keep his side in touch, but Naomh Comhghall remained on top for much of the first half, adding further points through Ryan Clarke and Tiernan Floyd. The visitors closed the half strongly, however, with a two-pointer from Ferghal Burke narrowing the gap to leave the hosts behind 1-3 to 0-7 at the break.
Naomh Séamas carried that momentum into the second half, taking control early on with two quick points from Brian McQuillan. Although Tiernan Floyd responded for the town side, Naomh Comhghall then endured a difficult spell, losing their rhythm for a sustained period.
Sensing their opportunity, Naomh Séamas surged ahead with a series of well-taken scores from Oisín Fogarty, Christopher McSteen and Seamus McGarry, turning the game firmly in their favour.
To their credit, the Antrim men rallied late on. Aaron McGaw struck for his second goal of the game to give the home support renewed hope, and substitute Tomás Patchett added a point to close the gap further.
However, Naomh Séamas showed composure in the closing stages. Cormac McGarry and Ryan Owens both landed excellent late points to seal the victory for the visitors.
In the end, Naomh Séamas’ strong second-half performance proved decisive as they claimed a 2-6 to 0-14 win, overcoming a bright start from Naomh Comhghall CLG in an entertaining and hard-fought encounter.
TO VIEW MORE PICS FROM THE GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
https://myalbum.com/album/dJfQiw4Bh48yfW/?invite=fc93359c-0173-467a-a849-6829e1907cc7