Senior Football Division 2 Playoff: Killeavy 0-10 Silverbridge 3-08
All roads led to Mullaghbawn on Saturday afternoon, for the 2pm showdown between Silverbridge and Killeavy.
This was winner take all stuff, and there was an expectant crowd despite the howling wind and rain. Killeavy played with a
very strong breeze in the opening period, so a large lead at the break looked essential. Killeavy started in good shape, Mark Stanfield
combining with Gerard Byrne to fire over a beautiful point. Byrne was then on hand to convert a free and give Killeavy a 2 point lead.
Things then started to go wrong. Silverbridge played through a running midfielder who was clean through on goal and fouled from behind
for a penalty. The spot kick was converted, and posed a huge setback for Killeavy. Stephen McDonnell responded with a good score, but Killeavy were
somewhat sloppy on the ball in defence, conceding two needless points, one through overplay and one when two defenders jumped for the same ball.
A further mistake on the ball led to Silverbridge carving the Killeavy defence open again to fire home a real body blow of a goal.
Two long range frees from Mark Stanfield, and a free from Gerard Byrne meant Killeavy were three down and facing a strong breeze in the next thirty
minutes.
Half-Time:Killeavy 0-6 Silverbridge 2-3
A great start to the half when Stevie McDonnell fired over a point, but Killeavy although on top were facing a blanket defence, and it was extremely difficult
to penetrate. The Bridge also played the ball well out of defence on occasions and looked dangerous on the break. They fired over a couple of points before Gary Reel replied
with a fine score, moving up the field from defence. Barry McKevitt then had a shot for a goal saved and it definitely didn't seem like Killeavy's day.
Another Bridge attack found their ful-forward in space and he powered home the game - ending goal. The final fifteen minutes saw all Killeavy's efforts
fail to register the goals they required.
It's really hard to put a finger on why Killeavy were so flat on the day. The early goals put them really up against the wall, and things just didn't happen.
Nevertheless, it has been a great year for the team, bleeding many young players, and the spirit in the camp was superb. The training attendance I'm sure won't be matched throughout
the county with thirty players training most nights.
All credit must go to Pat Rice, Kieran King, Stephen McDonnell and Barry Duffy who did such a great job managing the team. The U21s still have thier championship, and next pre-season will
not be too far away!!
Full-Time: Killeavy 0-10 Silverbridge 3-8
Killeavy Team: B. Teggart, G. Reel(0-1), B. McKevitt,C Quinn(R. Teggart(45mins)), L. O'Hare, F. Mallon, P. Donnelly, P. Rocks(S. Toner 35mins), P. Watters, J. Duffy,
G. Byrne(0-2, 2f), S. McDonnell(0-3, 2f), M. Stanfield(0-3, 2f)), A. O'Hare, J. McKevitt(0-1) .
