Clann Eireann 0-09 Killeavy 2-08Killeavy travelled to Clann Eireann on Thursday evening to play their last away league match of the season. The game was played under lights, and Clann Eireann's grounds were in splendid order, on a very mild evening, perfect for the game. Clann Eireann haven't had a great season, but are always a tough prospect on their home patch. They signalled their intent with a great point straight from the throw-in, the midfielder feeding the full-forward, who turned and scored from thirty yards. A McDonnell free levelled before Killeavy conceded two further points, and Clann Eireann were the team who looked up for the match, rather than the promotion chasers. Some of the pressure was lifted when a poor Clann Eireann clearance was picked up by Stevie sixty yards out from goal. A great quick pass inside to Adrian Doran saw the full-forward turn the full back and crack home a great goal. It was a very even half after that, but Killeavy were handed another great lift when a speculative shot for a point from forty yards by McDonnell eluded the keeper and dropped into the net. Killeavy's other points in the half came from McDonnell, Doran and Raymie Teggart, as they really got to half-time with a very handy five point lead, having played poorly.Half-Time: Clann Eireann 0-05 Killeavy 2-04The second half was again very competitive, with a lot of close heavy exchanges in the midfield area. Adrian Doran scored a mirror image of the opening score of the match straight from the throw in. This time his goal bound effort scraped the bar on its way over. Both teams spurned a lot of chances in the half, with Clann Eireann always looking likely to get back into the match. Plus points were the introduction of Ryan McConville for his first senior game and the return of Coly Byrne to the lineout after his year Down Under. A fifty and a free from McDonnell, and a score from Mark Stanfield right on full-time meant Killeavy stumbled, rather than cruised to victory. It was definitely a performance to forget, although a five point win in Lurgan is a better result than Killeavy have gotten in recent years. Two home games left, and Gary Reel will be back in the lineup on Sunday, to hopefully add a bit of urgency to the side.Full-Time: Clann Eireann 0-09 Killeavy 2-08Killeavy Team: S. O'Hanlon, K. Martin, F.Mallon, K. McArdle, B. McKevitt, L. O'Hare, P. Donnelly, P. Watters, J. Duffy, R. Teggart(0-1), S. McDonnell(1-4, 2f, 1 50), M. Stanfield(0-1), G. Byrne, A. Doran(1-2), A. O'Hare.Subs: R McConville for K. McArdle(40 mins), P. Hannaway for G. Byrne(45 mins),S. Toner for R. Teggart(45mins), C. Byrne for P. Donnelly(55mins). 10 wides. |