Antrim Northern Switchgear SFC Group 4
Portglenone 2-16 Aghagallon 0-18
Referee Conall Roberts
Report and Pictures from Brian Hamill at Erin’s Own, Cargin
Portglenone survived a spirited Aghagallon comeback to book their place in the knock out stages of the Antrim Senior Football Championship after a fiercely contested encounter that was ultimately decided by two first-half goals from Shane Delargy.
Aghagallon made the brighter start and led through scores from Ruairi McCann, Jonny Hannon and Enda McCartan, with Portglenone struggling to gain a foothold in the opening exchanges. The visitors moved four points clear before Portglenone gradually worked their way back into the game.
The turning point arrived midway through the first half when Michael Hagan struck for a goal in the 14th minute. Hagan found the net again eleven minutes later, giving the hosts a crucial cushion despite Aghagallon’s impressive accuracy from distance.
Further scores from Kevin Mullan, Caolan Tierney, Aidan McAleese and Oisin Doherty helped Portglenone edge in front, but a late two-point free from Luke Mulholland left just two points between the sides at the interval, with Portglenone leading 2-6 to 0-10.
Aghagallon continued to threaten after the restart and drew level entering the final quarter through a series of two-point scores. Eunan Walsh was particularly influential, landing two two-pointers, while Jonny Hannon also added a two points as the visitors fought back strongly.
Portglenone responded impressively. Caolan Tierney and Paddy Graffin added important scores before both sides emptied their benches. With the game in the balance, scores from Dermot McAleese and substitute Niall Delargy restored Portglenone’s advantage.
Aghagallon again closed the gap to a single score, but Portglenone had the final say when Odhran Doherty landed a crucial point in the 65th minute to seal a hard-earned three-point victory.
Although Aghagallon landed four two-point scores and trailed by only two points entering the final minutes, the two goals from Michael Hagan during a decisive first-half spell ultimately proved the difference.
Portglenone team:
1 Kevin Mullan (0-1)
2 Daniel McNicholl
3 Shane Delargy
29 Ciaran Lynch
5 Dermot McAleese (0-1)
6 Connor McGhee
7 Ruairi Hagan
8 Aidan McAleese (0-2)
22 Michael Donnelly
10 Paddy Graffin
11 Oisin Doherty (0-1)
12 Stephen Kelly (0-2)
23 Michael Hagan
14 Odhran McAleese
15 Odhran Doherty
Subs 13
Tom Duffin (0-2)
18 Caolan Tierney (0-2)
28 Niall Delargy (0-1)
Aghagallon Starting Line-up
- Luke Mulholland (0-2)
- Kieran Hamill
- Aiden Mulholland
- Cormac Mulholland
- Eunan Walsh (0-6)
- Jamie Lamount (0-1)
- Ciaran Maginnis
- Pauric Maginnis (0-1)
- Jack Lenehan
- Padraig Gowdy
- Enda McCartan (0-1)
- Eoin Brankin
- Jonny Hannon (0-5)
- Ruairi McCann (0-2)
- 19. Stephen Devlin
Substitutes:
Aidan Brady, Oisin Lenehan and EJ Loughran
Referee Conal Roberts (St. John’s)
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