Antrim Football League – Division 1

Sarsfields 1-11 Rossa 1-17 at the Bear Pit

Rossa secured a vital ACFL Division One victory over local rivals Sarsfields on Wednesday evening at the Bear Pit. Following a sluggish opening half from both sides, a blockbuster second-period performance and a decisive late goal from Thomas Morgan ensured the Jeremiah’s claimed a 1-17 to 1-11 win. The result gives Rossa much-needed security heading into their final two fixtures, while Sarsfields are left fighting for top-flight survival and must secure victories in their remaining games.

The visitors started brightly, surging into an early four-point lead inside the opening ten minutes. Goalkeeper Mick Byrne opened the scoring with a ’45’, which was quickly followed by points from Dominic McEnhill, Thomas Morgan, and Eoghan McMenamin. Sarsfields eventually found their rhythm when a driving run by Jay Maguire set up Liam Mitchell, who rifled a brilliant shot into the top corner of the net. Despite further Rossa points from Colm Fleming, Niall Crossan, and Peter Byrne, a late free by Conor Glenholmes cut the deficit to just two points at the break.

The intensity and quality stepped up significantly after the restart. Rossa pushed ahead with a string of points, but the home side responded fiercely. Cormac Murray landed a spectacular two-point effort with the outside of his boot, and substitute Daniel Smyth hit a quick-fire double to haul the Paddies right back into the contest. However, just as Sarsfields closed the gap, Morgan found space and fired into the roof of the net from a tight angle to give Rossa critical breathing room. Dominic McEnhill then took control in the closing stages, steadily keeping the scoreboard ticking to see out the six-point victory.

Sarsfields, B McCaul, J Ward, C Laverty, M McPoilin. P McPeake, L Mitchell (1-0), D Gorman, C Moley (0-1) and C Murray (0-2) C McKernan, J Maguire,F Jemfrey, T Scillen (0-1), N Ferris, and C Glenholmes (0-2) Substitutes used included J McNally (0-1), D Smyth (0-3), and C McDonnell (0-1).

For Rossa, M Byrne (0-1), M McKernan (0-1), G Walsh, F McDonald, P Byrne (0-1), S Beatty, N Crossan (0-1), M McEnhill, E McMenamin (0-1) , D McEnhill (0-6), E Fleming, D Rogan (0-1), C Fleming (0-2), T Morgan (1-3), D Rocks. Substitutes used included L McEnhill, D Morgan, and C Walsh.

Referee – Brendan Toland.