Second Half Goal Rush Heavily Favours Mágh Cuilinn

Post date: May 6, 2014 2:28:18 PM

Mágh Cuilinn 9-13 Kiltormer 4-06

Magh Cuilinn recorded their second win of the campaign with a comprehensive win over Kiltormer in Baile Doite.

Given the close nature of all the previous encounters and Kiltormer's position above Mágh Cuilinn in the league table, there was some nervousness about the challenge posed by the visitors. The news of Kian Mac Lochlann long term injury and Ciarán Scully's continued injury absence did not improve matters although Ger McDonagh had recovered from his wrist injury.

The game started as a close affair with Shane Clancy neatly taking two points from play but Kiltormer had accumulated three in return after five minutes. Two points from Joe Lydon, one from a '65 and another from Clancy put Mágh Cuilinn ahead while the defence was shutting up shop at the other end. This was best shown by Neil Mulcahy stepping out from centre back, meeting a strong run by his Kiltormer counterpart and dispossessing him. Inside Micheál Joyce, James Dempsey and Walter Mcdonagh were giving leeway. With Daniel Faherty coming out to assist, Tim McDonagh was getting onto a lot of ball at centre forward. Joe Lydon might have had a goal when making a great run through from the left but his shot cleared the bar for a point. Daire Davoren picked up a poor clearance and returned the ball directly over. Shane Clancy latched onto a long ball and bore down on goal but like Lydon his shot was narrowly over the crossbar. Kiltormer managed a single point in reply. An opportunity similar to Clancy's fell to Daniel Lydon and this time his shot found the top of the net. Mágh Cuilinn led at halftime 1-08 to 0-4 points.

As was proved in Ahascragh, a half time lead is no guide to how the second half will go and after the first chance fell to Mágh Cuilinn, it was Kiltormer who exerted the early pressure. Then Sean Barrett fed Shane Clancy accurately in the left corner, but instead of taking on the shot from a tight angle found the in-rushing Daire Davoren on the opposite wing perfectly and Davoren dispatched the chance to the net. With Gareth Kenny and Andrew McDonagh hurling a lot of ball from midfield and Aaron Connell covering acres, the forwards had a huge supply of ball. Daniel Lydon's point was followed by his second goal to give Mágh Cuilinn an unassailable lead it appeared but Kiltormer pounced on some loose play to score a goal of their own. Daniel Lydon scored his third goal before despite catching and clearing the ball once, Tom O'Connor in goal was called upon to save again but in an attempt to tidy up the rebound a defender deflected the ball into the net. The score had now reached 4-09 to 2-04. Mágh Cuilinn responded with Daire Davoren scoring a peach of a point from the corner of the 45m and the sideline, a minute later Joe Lydon matched the effort from the exact same spot. Shane Clancy combined again with Sean Barrett to complete a trio of points. Kiltormer introduced their goalkeeper outfield but their shot on goal went over rather than under. Daire Davoren shot from 25m found the net after a slight deflection and after another Joe Lydon effort on goal was blocked, Shane Clancy just lifted the breaking ball into the net. With the score now at 6-12 to 2-05, Kiltormer to their credit launch an all out onslaught which yielded 2-01 in a short period. However the short revival ended when Daniel Lydon added to his haul in quick succession, deflecting the incoming ball wide of the goalkeeper first with his stick and next after feigning to catch with a flick of his hand. Tim McDonagh staying closer to goal in the final minutes helped himself to a deserved 1-01 to complete the scoring. Mágh Cuilinn have three fixtures left in the group phase against Ballygar, Carnmore and Annaghdown. Three wins will guarantee a semifinal place with two probably good enough to earn a play-off.

Mágh Cuilinn: Tom O'Connor, Walter McDonagh, James Dempsey, Micheál Joyce, Andrew McDonagh, Neil Mulcahy, Gareth Kenny, Aaron Connell, Joe Lydon, Daire Davoren, Walter McDonagh, Sean Barrett, Daniel Faherty, Daniel Lydon, Shane Clancy.

Subs: Gerard McDonagh for Daniel Faherty, Alan Carr for Aaron Connell, Oran Mac Lochlann for Daniel Lydon,