When Tir na nOg turned around trailing by 4 after facing a stiff breeze in the opening half at Slemish Park on Saturday evening there were many who felt that they had done the hard work and would push on to defeat opponents St. John’s and avoid the dreaded relegation play-off series.
However it was the Johnnies who displayed the greater craft and knowhow playing into the second half breeze but in the end it was a period of indiscipline late in the game that would ultimately contribute to Tir na nOg’s downfall.
With the sides tied at 0-15 to 2-9 following an excellent Ciaran O’Neill 2 pointer, Ryan McNulty edged the Corrigan Park side ahead again from a disputed point which referee Ray Matthews initially signalled wide but changed his decision after consultation with his linesman.
Tir na nOg’s, Sean Duffin drives at the St. John’s defence
Paddy McBride then added another from a free for dissent and then Emmet Murray was penalised for a challenge after a free had been awarded and the ball was moved forward with McBride converting to put the ‘Johnnies’ three ahead.
Suddenly a game that had been in the balance had swung decisively in favour of the Whiterock side and it was a setback that Tir na nOg never looked like recovering from.
Instead Ronan Quinn added a point with two minutes of normal time remaining and then Conor Hand soloed 40 yards before placing the ball in the corner of Sean Paul McAtamney’s net and it was well and truly over.
The opening exchanges of this group 1 bottom of the table decider in Ballymena were fairly even with Aaron McNeilly fisting over to give the Randalstown side an early lead and Paddy McBride replying from a 2 pointer to move St. John’s ahead with 8 minutes gone.
With the wind behind them St. John’s were guilty of a number of poor wides but Conal McGlade fisted over before Ciaran O’Neill replied with a good point into the breeze to leave just one in it with 13 minutes gone.
Conor Hand races clear for the goal that secured victory for St. John’s
McGlade increased that lead to two again but the Whitehill side were moving the ball intelligently into the wind and they exploited a gap in the opposition defence and Eamon Og McAllister finished to the net from close range after being set up by Dylan McLarnon.
At this stage Matthew Leydon had replaced Pearce Donnelly in the Johnnies’ goals after the net-minder had pulled up injured but the Corrigan side recovered to lead by four at the break with Ryan McNulty, Paddy McBride, Odhran Quinn 0-2, Ronan Quinn and McBride again on target.
The Tir na nOg reply came from two converted Aaron McNeilly frees but given the strength of the breeze that St. John’s 4 point lead certainly didn’t look insurmountable.
In truth the South West side never really made full use of the elements in their favour in the second half and were much too passive in their play and it was McBride who restored the St. John’s for point lead with a point on the break after McNeilly had opened from a close range free.
Indeed it was their opponents who dictated the pace of the game on their own terms and Conor hand hit a fine point after a slow build up as the opposition defence dropped deep.
One man who was pushing forward for the Whitehill side was Sean Duffin and he drove at the heart of the Johnnies defence before hanging his pass across goals where Emmet Murray was on hand to palm home and there was only two between the sides.
Eamon Og McAllister and Conor Adams exchanged points and Ciaran O’Neill responded to a Sean Wilson point with a 2 pointer to level matters with 8 minutes remaining but the big push from the South West side never materialised.
Instead it was St. John’s who punished those acts of indiscipline with three points on the bounce and when Conor Hand produced that moment of genius it was all over.
There was a sense of relief about the St. John’s celebrations after the game and with their side still involved in the Senior Hurling championship they have put their football season to bed with a place in division 1 secured for another season.
Tir na nOg will have to dust themselves down and go again as they did last year but they look to have more than enough to negotiate the dreaded play-offs but, like the other sides who will still be involved in that scenario come tomorrow evening, it is something they would much rather have avoided.
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The next phase of the football championships is scheduled for this week-end Friday/Saturday/Sunday 29th/30th/31st August with all of the games fixed at neutral venues.
SFC Group 4 – Sat 30th August
Saturday Creggan (4.00pm)
St Mary’s Ahoghill v St Paul’s
Having conceded their place in division One, St Mary’s Ahoghill opened their championship account with a win at Aghagallon in round one underlined the fighting qualities within the Cloney side.
They lost heavily to St Brigid’s in round 2 but a win here and victory for St. Brigid’s over Aghagallon could see the Ahoghill men finish second in the group and a place in the quarter-finals
St Paul’s are without a win to date in Group 4 but the Shaw’s road men are not to be discounted and they will hope to finish with a win as they travel to Creggan.
A close one is anticipated in this one but Eamonn Brady’s men will start as slight favourites and they may well gain the verdict.
SFC Group 4
Glenavy Saturday (4.00pm)
St Mary’s Aghagallon v St Brigid’s
Having endured a less than positive league campaign, St Mary’s Aghagallon received another blow when they lost to St Mary’s Ahoghill in the opening round of Group 4 but they got their campaign up and running last day out with a win over St. Paul’s in round 2.
St. Brigid’s have been the form team in the group and have recorded big wins over St. Paul’s and St. Mary’s Ahoghill to date and while Aghagallon could provide a stiff challenge, St. Brigid’s look capable of overcoming that challenge.
Sat 30th August – SFC Group 1
Group 1
Kelly Park Saturday (6.30 pm)
Cuchullian’s Dunloy v Erin’s Own Cargin
This one brings together the 2023 finalists when Cargin recorded a 2-10 to 0-11 win over Cuchullian’s and this pairing are certain to attract a big crowd to Kelly Park.
Ronan Devlins’s side are on a mission to gain a 4th senior title in succession and their seventh in the past eight years with near neighbours Kickham’s Creggan having halted the sequence when they proved successful with 1-12 to 0-07 win over St Mary’s Aghagallon in 2021.
Cuchullian’s have often been there or thereabouts on the championship trail over the years but more so in hurling and although they have been active on the football scene in recent years the Cuchullian’s last gained a senior title back in 1936.
Cargin have recorded wins over Tir na nOg and St John’s but this looks like their toughest test to date as they line out against a Dunloy side which has been in fine form in this campaign.
The Cuchullian’s really impressed in round one with an emphatic 2-30 to 1-11 first round victory over St. John’s but they got it much tighter in round two with a 4-15 to 5-08 win over Tir na nOg.
Cargin will start this one as favourites but if Dunloy can field at full strength then they could push the Toome side all the way.
SFC Group 1
Ballymena Saturday (6.30pm)
St John’s v Tir na nOg
After a poor league campaign and an opening day hammering to Dunloy in the championship, St. John’s did show improvement in Round 2 when Cargin visited Corrigan Park but still ended on the losing side.
The Toome men were installed as the firmest of favourites to gain the verdict in that one and finished 4-15 to 1-11 ahead but St. John’s showed some improvement from round 1 but a strong finish and a late goal blitz from the Toome men opened the door to victory.
St John’s hinted at improvement however and they will travel down to Ballymena to meet Tir na nOg feeling they can win this one.
Tir na nOg lost to both Dunloy and reigning champs Cargin in their opening two fixtures but performed much better than St. John’s against the same opponents.
They led their hosts Cargin in Toome in round one before a strong finish saw the home side finish ahead and were again competitive against Dunloy at Whitehill before losing by 418 to 5-08.
Neither side can now qualify for the quarter finals but both will be keen to avoid bottom spot in the group and a place in the dreaded relegation play-offs and this one could be mighty close with a tentative vote going to Tir na nOg based on their respective championship campaigns to date.
Sunday 1-00pm (St Enda’s)
SFC Group 3
All Saint’s Ballymena v Lamh Dhearg (1.00pm)
The contestants in this one have lost their opening two games in Group 3 and defeat for either would ensure a place in the relegation play-offs so while qualification is out of reach for both, there is still much at stake here.
Both Sunday’s opponents lost to Creggan and St. Gall’s in what was deemed the group of death with All Saints starting well in both their games but fading badly late in both their games.
Lamh Dhearg pushed both St. Gall’s and Creggan to the wire and their greater experience at this level will see them start this one as firm favourites and All Saints will need to be at their best for the full 60 plus minutes if they are to gain their first Group 3 win.
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Creggan Kickham’s v St Gall’s
SFC Group 3
(Dunsilly Pitch One) Sunday – (1.00pm)
This could be the game of the round as previously unbeaten Creggan and St. Gall’s cross swords at Dunsilly to decide who will top Group 3.
Both Sunday’s opponents have recorded victories over Lamh Dhearg and All Saints and both have impressed in the championship to date.
Both the contestants are considered as contenders in the race for the title and this could be a close one and should attract a good crowd to Dunsilly.
This one could go either way but Kickham’s will start as slight favourites and they may well finish in front.
Sunday 31st August
SFC Group 2 Sunday – (4.00pm)
(Toome)
O’ Donovan Rossa v Con Magee’s Glenravel
With one victory each in the championship, this meeting of Rossa and Con Magee’s in Toome is certain to be a close hard fought encounter with victory bringing the reward of a place in quarter-final to the victor.
Both sides lost to Group leaders, Casement’s, Portglenone but recorded wins over St. James Aldergrove with Rossa earning a 3-14 to 0-12 win away from home whilst Con Magees recorded a 3-14 to 2-11 victory at Fr. Maginn Park.
Rossa will start as slight favourites but this one could go either way and a draw cannot be ruled out
St James Aldergrove v Casement’s Portglenone
Sunday – Whitehill (4.00pm) SFC Group 2
Casement’s have recoded two victories to date and are going well at the moment and last year’s beaten finalists have been installed as favourites to go all the way by some observers.
The Portglenone men were not asked serious questions to date and have recorded convincing wins over the visiting Con Magees and away to Rossa.
St James have had a poor start in the championship, losing to both Rossa and Glenravel and although they will give this one their best shot another Casement’s win and a place at the top of Group 2 looks likely.
IFC Group 1
Moneyglass Friday – 6-45pm
St. Ergnat’s v Naomh Padraig Lisburn
St. Ergnat’s opened their IFC campaign with a good win over Sarsfields in Moneyglass but had to wait 17 days for their next game away to St. Enda’s.
They were pushed hard by the Glengormley side but earned a draw and a win here would put them in a strong position.
The Lisburn side performed well in Division 2 of the league but anything other than a St. Ergnat’s win looks unlikely and my vote goes to the home side
IFC Group 1
Rasharkin Saturday 6-00
Rasharkin v St. Enda’s
St. Mary’s Rasharkin have nothing but pride to play for in this one with relegation to division 3 already decided and defeats in both their opening championship game.
St. Enda’s could yet gate crash the qualification places in Group 1 should Moneyglass or Sarsfields slip up and that could be the carrot for the Hightown side who should win this one.
IFC Group 2
Enright Park Saturday 6-pm
Gort na Mona v Naomh Comhghall
St. Joseph’s Glenavy look to have tied up Group 2 with three wins from 3 and St. Teresa’s and Davitt’s look like contesting second place so Gort na Mona and St. Comgall’s look to be playing for pride in this one.
Both sides are capable of better than their results to date have shown but if Barry Burns’ side are at their best then Naomh Comhghall can edge this one.
IFC Group 2
Sunday 2pm Davitt’s
Davitt’s v St. Teresa’s
Second place in Group 2 is the prize for the winners of this one with St. Teresa’s on 3 points from 3 starts and Davitt’s on 2 from 2 starts.
A win for either would almost certainly earn them second place in the group and home advantage could play a part.
A lot will depend on just what St. Teresa’s side will turn up as they have mixed the good with the mediocre in the present campaign but I give a tentative vote to the Glen Road side.
GRAHAM TARMAC JFC Round up
Friday JFC Group 1
Friday 6-15 Fennell Park
Kickham’s Ardoyne got themselves back in contention of a qualification place in Group 1 with a big win over O’Donnell’s last day out and should have enough to beat St. Malachy’s in this one.
JFC Group 2
Eire Og v Pearses
Friday 7-30 pm at Eire Og
Eire Og have raised a few eyebrows with their performances in Group 2 when they hit 5 goals in their opening day win over Laochra Loch Lao and Wolfe Tonnes suffered the same fate as they hit another 5 on day two to top the group.
This one could be closer but the vote goes to goal scoring specialists, Eire Og.
JFC Group 1
O’Donnell’s v St. Agnes
MacRory Park Sunday 2-00
St. Agnes have been the outstanding performers in division 4 this year as they gained promotion to division 3 and they have carried that form into the JFC.
They recorded a big win over Ardoyne in round 1 with St. Malachy’s failing to field in round 2 and a win here would see them top the group and they should have enough to overcome the challenge of O’D’s.
Northern Switchgear Antrim Senior Football Championship, Group 3
Creggan Kickhams 2-16-2-11 Lámh Dhearg
Kevin Herron reports from Staffordstown Road
A late Joe McAteer strike wrapped up a hard fought 2-16-2-11 victory for Creggan over Lámh Dhearg which saw them advance to the quarter final of the Northern Switchgear Antrim Senior Football Championship.
The sides were level after an evenly matched opening half and were still tied going down the home straight, though with the Lámhs trailing by two points and desperately pushing for a share of the spoils, Kickhams countered and McAteer slotted home the insurance goal.
Lámh Dhearg approached the game knowing that defeat would see them drop out of contention for the knock-out stages after St Galls victory over All Saints on Saturday evening.
Keelan McCann landed a 2pointer score to get the hosts up and running with Conor Small converting a free a few minutes later.
It was from the same scenario that Lámh Dhearg opened their account for the afternoon when a number infringement allowed Mark Finnegan to stroke over from close range.
Points were traded between Jamie McCann and Adam Murray and a Sean Duffin point gave the hosts a 0-5-0-2 lead after 12 minutes.
The game was tied for the first time with ten minutes to the break after a foot-block was spotted and Mark O’Neill signalled for a penalty. Mark Finnegan stepped up and made no mistake, sweeping the ball low past Oisin Kerr.
Successive scores from Duffin and Conor Small had Kickhams ahead again, with Mark Finnegan kicking his second free of the half in response.
The Hannahstown side forged ahead for the first time in the 28th minute when Kerr parried Declan Smyth’s shot and Adam Murray blasted the loose ball to the net to give his side a 2-3-0-7 lead.
They were unable to maintain it to the break however as Matthew Rodgers clipped over back-to-back points to ensure that there was parity at the interval.
Rodgers made it three scores on the spin with a point within three minutes of the restart, but Adam Murray replied at the other end.
Creggan were back in the driving seat when they netted their first goal of proceedings. Matthew Rodgers shot looked to have tailed wide, though Shea McCann was adjudged to have kept the ball in play at the byline and his low angled shot beat John Finucane to make it 1-10-2-4.
A converted Conor Small free extended the hosts advantage before Ryan Murray conjured his first of the afternoon at the other end.
Further points were traded between Owen McKeown and Liam Quinn, though Calum Fegan-Lappin shot over to narrow the margins .
The bare minimum separated the sides when Mark Finnegan kicked his third free of the afternoon and a two-pointed Finnegan score from play had his side in front again (1-11-2-9).
A second Liam Quinn point levelled things up and the sides traded further points through Rodgers and McKeown as the game ticked towards its conclusion.
Rodgers popped over his fifth of the afternoon and with the game in added time, Jamie McCann doubled the hosts advantage from a close range free.
In a frantic finish, the Lámhs were reduced to 14-men was Ben Rice was red carded for an off the ball incident and Creggan finished things off when they countered at pace and substitute Joe McAteer fired low to the net to wrap up a hard fought 2-16-2-11 win and ensure his side a quarter-final spot with a game to spare.
The Staffordstown Road outfit will take on St Galls with the winner topping the group, whilst Lámh Dhearg will fight it out with All Saints to avoid the relegation play-offs at the groups conclusion in two weeks.
CREGGAN KICKHAMS: O Kerr, L McLernon, E McAteer, F Close, D McAteer, E Carey-Small, J McCann (0-2f), K McCann (1×0-2pf), K Small, S Duffin (0-2), C Small (0-3, 0-2f), R McCann, S McCann (1-0), M Rodgers (0-5), L Quinn (0-2).
SUBS: J McAteer (1-0) for S Duffin (45), C McCann for S McCann (50), S Maguire for D McAteer (50), T McAteer for L Quinn (58).
LÁMH DHEARG: J Finucane, Ross Murray, P Mervyn, D Lynch, D Smyth, B Rice, O McKeown (0-2), M Jordan, P Fitzsimons, T McCrudden, R Murray (0-1), E Matassa, M Finnegan (1-5, 1×0-2pt, 0-3f, 1-0p), A Murray (1-2), C Fegan-Lappin (0-1).
SUBS: R Diamond for E Matassa (42), J Quinn for T McCrudden (48).
REFEREE: Mark O’Neill (ARMOY)
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St. Gall’s produced a power packed second half performance to overcome the challenge of All Saints at a sun kissed Milltown on Saturday evening. The Ballymena side had enjoyed the better of the first half exchanges and led by eight points at one stage thanks to an excellent goal from Conor Stewart who caused the opposition endless problems throughout the opening period.
The Milltown mentors appeared to identify the problem the big All Saints number 9 was causing and the Antrim county man was less affective in the second period as the home side gradually took over, clawing back the All Saints lead before pushing on to win convincingly.
Niall Burns, who was outstanding for St. Gall’s comes under pressure from Joe Rafferty, All Saints
Niall O’Neill for St. Gall’s and Sean O’Callaghan for the visitors exchanged early points before Conor Stewart fisted over to give the visitors the lead.
St. Gall’s responded and Kavan Keenan pulled off a great block to deny Niall Burns before Liam Lynn for the Milltown side and Joe Rafferty exchanged further points.
Paddy McAleer restored the visitors two point advantage before Lynn cut in from the left to fire over in reply but another fine effort from McAleer restored the Ballymena side’s two point advantage with 10 minutes gone.
The visitors were enjoying much the better of the exchanges at this point and veteran keeper, Kevin Niblock got down smartly to deny Conor Stewart but the All Saints mid-fielder would not be denied for long as he cut through the St. Gall’s defence and placed his shot in the corner of the net.
Baker Bradley’s side were in full swing at this stage as Ronan McKillop added a fine point and James McDonnell added another before Daniel Quinn fisted over at the other end to reduce the gap to six.
It was short respite for the home side however as the All Saints scoring spree continued with McAleer kicking his fourth of the evening from a close range free after the ball had been moved forward for dissent.
Lynn was leading the St. Gall’s resistance and he replied at the other end but another converted free from McAleer and an excellent McKillop 2 pointer had the Slemish Park side 8 in front and seemingly coasting.
St. Gall’s had been second best for the most of the opening half but they continued to battle and Con Doherty pointed after taking a fine pass from mid-field.
Substitute, Patrick Ferris attack’s the St. Gall’s goal
Back came the Milltown side again and good fortune or misfortune (Depends what side you were on) struck when Niall Burns rose to fist a tantalising delivery off the crossbar and in the melee that followed Callum Walsh forced the ball through a crowded goalmouth.
Buoyed by this piece of good fortune Niall O’Neill laid the ball off to Niall Burns who popped over and suddenly that 8 point gap was down to four.
The visitors looked shocked but they did reply through the industrious Stewart but Daniel Quinn made an immediate reply and further exchanges between Quinn and Stewart had it 1-13 to 1-9 in favour of the men in white at the break.
Second-Half:
That Walsh goal had certainly changed the momentum of the game and the increasingly influential Burns pointed an early free to cut the gap to three but points from Stewart and Connell Lemon in reply should have settled the visitors as they moved five ahead once more.
The Niall Burns influence was starting to tell for the Milltown side however as he pointed two frees and Daniel Quinn added another from play as the home side began to dominate the kick-out.
The turning point in the half arrived in the 41st minute when ‘Cece’ Walsh hung his pass across the face of goal and Conn Doherty dived to fist to the net and give his side the lead for the first time since the opening minute.
The Ballymena side looked rattled but they did reply through a Paddy McAleer free but the momentum was now very much with the home side and Burns restored their lead from a hotly disputed free.
Paddy McAleer, All Saints has his shot blocked by Conor Burke, St. Gall’s
All Saints were still fighting to get their game going again and Paddy McAleer restored their lead from another 2 pointer but it was Niall Burns who was now dictating matters and he powered through a static All Saints defence to fire home his side’s third goal of the evening.
A minute later it was as good as over when Burns rounded keeper, Ryan Stewart for his side’s 4th major of the evening with McAleer relying from a close range free but it was goals they needed and to be truthful they never looked like coming.
Instead it was St. Gall’s who pointed through a fisted effort at the other end as All Saints rang the changes and things got a little heated for the first time in another wise sporting game when Eoghan McCabe was dragged down.
Common sense prevailed however with the visitors going direct route one in the closing minutes but the home side stood strong under the dropping ball to advance to the play-offs for the first time in four years.
All Saints now face Lamh Dhearg in their final group game and, depending on the outcome of Sunday’s encounter between the Hannastown men and Creggan, might well be needing a win to avoid the dreaded relegation play-offs.
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St Gall’s: K Niblock; C McGirr, G Adams, C McCabe; G O’Neill, E McCabe, L Lynn 0-3; C Burke, C Ryan; N Burns 1-6 (0-4f), B Bradley 0-1, C Walsh, N O’Neill 1-1, C Doherty 1-1, D Quinn 1-4
Subs: D Wilson, N Fallon, N McCurdy, C Murray, E Walsh, E McCurdy, C Kerr, M Murray, P Óg Murray
All Saints Ballymena:R Stewart; M Downey, K Keenan, C O’Brien; J Rafferty 0-1, S O’Callaghan 0-1, J McDonnell 0-1; C Stewart 1-6, E Killough; C Lemon 0-1, P McReynolds, P McAleer 0-6 (0-3f) R McKillop 0-3 (1x2P); S McVeigh, C Campbell
Subs: Conor Brennan, H Connon R Thom, P Mitchell, M Watt, S McDermott, P Ferris, R McVeigh, D Bradley
Northern Switchgear Antrim Senior Football Championship, Group 2
Rossa 0-12-2-14 Portglenone
Kevin Herron reports from Pairc Rossa
TWO second half goals were enough to see Portglenone seize the initiative in Group 2 of the Northern Switchgear Antrim Senior Football Championship as they defeated Rossa 2-14-0-12 at Paric Rossa on Saturday evening.
Sean Byrne hammered home early in the second half and Michael Hagan slotted home a second late on to see his side run out winners and as they look on course to top the group come the conclusion in two weeks time.
Goal! Portglenone full forward Michael Hagan celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal
It was Portglenone who started brightly with back-to-back scores within the first two minutes. Oisin Doherty swung a high shot over from Ryan O’Neill’s lay off and then Niall Delargy kicked a second point.
Stephen Beatty replied at the other end after playing a neat one-two, though Doherty restored his side’s two-point lead after taking possession from Niall Delargy.
A quick tap and go from a free allowed Diarmaid Rogan to hit back and after almost 10-minutes without a score, Rossa nudged ahead through a Gerard Walsh two-pointer from the edge of the arc that made it 0-4-0-3.
Parity was restored when Dermot McAleese’ dipping shot dropped over but Daire Murphy hit back at the other after collecting an inside pass from Niall Crossan.
The visitors should have found the net after 20-minutes however Mick Byrne blocked Michael Hagan’s effort with his foot.
An angled Dominic McEnhill point doubled his side’s advantage for a brief period until Hagan opened his account for the evening.
The Bannsiders hit the front again through a two-pointer Paddy Kelly free and Sean Byrne followed up with a score from play to open up a 0-8-0-6 lead.
Rossa’s Gerard Walsh and Portglenone’s Aidan McAleese battle it out under a high ball
Rogan doubled his tally at the other end, but the hosts trailed by two at the midway point as Aidan McAleese popped over on the stroke of half time.
Dominic McEnhill halved the deficit with a converted free in the early stages of the second half, but Portgleone stole a march when Sean Byrne hit a bullet of a strike into the roof of the net past namesake Mick to make it 1-9-0-8.
A close range Mick Byrne free closed the gap on the 40th minute and the hosts almost pulled level when Stephen Beatty’s shot was blocked and fell to the path of Daire Murphy, he knocked the ball across to Diarmaid Rogan and his palmed effort goalwards was somehow scrambled off the line by Daniel McNicholl.
The hosts went close to finding the net again through a stinging strike from half time substitute Thomas Morgan which clipped off the bar and over for a point.
Paddy Kelly replied instantly at the other to maintain his sides goal advantage, but they survived a further let off when referee Brendan Toland allowed an advantage and a wicked McEnhill shot crashed off the underside of the bar, Byrne was unable to convert the resulting free.
They did reduce arrears to the bare minimum when Gerard Walsh kicked a 2pointer free from the edge of the arc.
Kelly kicked a high shot between the posts for his third of the evening and after Ryan Convery galloped forward a few minutes later, Aidan McAleese swept over to restore the goal lead.
The game was drifting away from Rossa when Paddy Kelly swivelled and shot over his third point in the space of 10-minutes and it was game, set and match a minute shy of the hour mark.
Mick Byrne’s kick out failed to take elevation and was charged down by Niall Delargy, a series of passes later and the ball was slipped into the path of Michael Hagan to thump home and make it 2-13-0-12.
The Bannsiders successfully saw out the closing stages with a further score courtesy of Dermot McAleese finishing the job for the Ports who have secured a place in the last eight and should top the group if they avoid defeat against Aldergrove in two weeks time.
Dermot McAleese dives in to block a shot by Rossa centre back Niall Crossan.
ROSSA: M Byrne (0-1f), C Orchin, G McGrath, F McDonnell, T Murphy, N Crossan, R Gowdy, G Walsh (0-4, 1×0-2pt, 1×0-2ptf), S Beatty (0-1), R Grant, C McDonald. D Rogan (0-2), D Murphy (0-1), D McEnhill (0-2, 0-1f), E Fleming.
SUBS: T Morgan (0-1) for E Fleming (HT), E McMenamin for R Grant (HT), A Devlin for C McDonald (39), C Walsh for R Gowdy (53), O McVicker for D Murphy (57).
PORTGLENONE: K Mullan, R Delargy, K O’Kane, R Convery, C McGhee, J Convery, D McNicholl, P Kelly (0-5, 1×0-2ptf), D McAleese (0-3), N Delargy, O Doherty (0-2), P Graffin, S Byrne (1-1), M Hagan (1-1), A McAleese (0-2).
SUBS: R McKeever for P Graffin (45), C McAleese for S Byrne (54), N McKeever for R Convery (59), S Kelly for P Kelly (60+2), F O’Kane for M Hagan (60+4). REFEREE: Brendan Toland (LÁMH DHEARG)
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