Junior's escape catastrophic defeat

Luke Bohan scoops the ball into the net for the opening goal

Magh Cuilinn had to rely on a long range injury time free from Paul Burke to avoid exiting the Junior C1 Championship. The nightmare scenario seemed hardly possible as Moycullen controlled the game throughout but the failure to convert numerous opportunities and the concession of some poor goals saw the 2012 season almost gone.

Mágh Cuilinn were greatly on top in the opening minutes but it took several opportunities before David Bohan registered the opening score. Frank Enright converted a free before Michael Dempsey delivered a low ball across the square for Luke Bohan to sweep into the net.

Dempsey notched a goal up for himself a couple of minutes later, when he regained possession after his first effort was blocked and drove the ball across the goalkeeper from close range. With Mágh Cuilinn 2-02 to no score ahead and not flattered by it, Sylane finally got on the scoreboard with a free. Michael Dempsey responded immediately, taking possession in front of his marker and swinging over a point on the turn. Sylane began to come into the game and having won a series of 20m frees and having failed with first attempt on goal, they chose to take their points. Their three points were interrupted by two further scores from Michael Hurney after a long incisive run and Frank Enright finding some space on the right to swing over a score. Mágh Cuilinn probably deserved to be more than 2-05 to 0-04 ahead at halftime.

and Sylane were minded to go for the jugular. Paul Burke looked on as this year's goalie combined with last year's goalie, John Faherty, to deflect the ball out for a 65m. When the 65m was missed, two of the aforementioned Enright frees did restore the lead to six points. It looked like Mágh Cuilinn might have weathered the storm until they received another body blow and Sylane were lifted once again. John Faherty, Michael Darcy and Paul Burke saving penalty

Goin' Goin, IN. Sylane goal No 2 Barely settled on the six point lead, Michael Darcy came forward to collect a high ball, his initial parry was flicked forward and the lone Sylane player won the three man race to touch the ball home. The game was now only had a three point margin. Mágh Cuilinn introduced Shane Barrett at centre forward and Ger Molloy at full to try to freshen things up. Frank Enright's fourth point from a free of the half stretched the lead to four points briefly with ten minutes left but Sylane responded.

Sylane were now the team playing with determination, with Mágh Cuilinn hanging on. After a succession of wides, substitute Ian Noone declined the shot on goal to score CIMC's only point from play in the second half with four minutes left. Once again, Sylane responded to restore the three point margin and supporters faces started to look a little tense.