Cullaville 1-09 Killeavy 0-15
After three abject defeats, Killeavy travelled to Cullaville on Friday night looking to turn around their flailing fortunes. Conditions were beautiful, sunny and pleasant for the game and Killeavy started very well, playing more football in the opening five minutes that the had in the previous three hours. Mark Stanfield and Gary Reel started in midfield, the only two players to emerge with any credit last week, and they really roasted Cullaville in the first half. Stanfield broke loads of kickouts and played some great ball to the forwards, while the mobility of Reel left his midfield marker looking completely perplexed at times. Stanfield opened the scoring with a free, while Reel followed up with a trademark point after a penetrating run. Indeed the forward line were also clicking, and Anthony O'Hare(2) and Barry Magee got the next three scores. Cullaville really only threatened from frees and banged over a few to stay in the game. Over the hour Killeavy conceded ground on frees on three occasions due to dissent to absolutely gift-wrap scores for Cullaville. This was very disappointing. Nevertheless, further misery was heaped on a beleagured Cullaville defence with scores from Gerard Byrne, Reel, Steve Malone, Shane Boylan and Barry Magee. Killeavy led by 6 at the break, and this could have been three or four more.Half-Time: Cullaville 0-04 Killeavy 0-10
Killeavy started the second half really strongly, and with a bit of a breeze at their backs. This was a mixed blessing as they stopped playing ball in through their full forward line, and attempted scores from very long range. This tactic appeared vindicated, however, when Stanfield kicked a monster score from 60 yards on the wing. Reel and Stanfield scored again to leave Killeavy 13-5 up, but a low-key close out of the match, which would have suited nicely, did not materialise. A Cullaville brace of points saw them start to edge into the game, and an opportunist goal had them right back in striking distance with the Killeavy lead cut to three. Killeavy, despite having dominated the opening 40 minutes, were now completely at sea, and Cullaville, who had been muted were playing the far better football. Indeed two further points left the Blues seemingly in pole position to sneak a smash and grab comeback. However, a few good late breaks saw Stanfield score a free and Shane Boylan kick a good point. Killeavy still had a few late goal chances,as Cullaville overcommitted to attack. Instead of kicking points and killing the game, the forwards drove several shots against the Blues Keeper and Killeavy almost paid dearly from the resulting counter - attacks. Nonetheless, the final whistle saw a deserved victory, despite a wobbly finish. Several lineup changes worked well for the team, and Ryan McConville had a solid hour at centre half back, and hopefully he can sustain this form. Every Killeavy fan will breathe a sigh of relief at this performance and result. Lets hope the team can build on this win. It was also good to see Karl O'Hare and Seamus Toner back fit and coming in as late substitutes.Cullaville 1-09 Killeavy 0-15
Killeavy Team: S. Duffy, C. Quinn, P. Watters,G. Magennis, P. Donnelly, R. McConville, L. O'Hare, G. Reel(0-3), M Stanfield(0-4 2F) , B. McKevitt, S. Malone(0-1), B. Magee(0-2), S Boylan(0-2), A. O'Hare(0-2), G. Byrne(0-1,1f).Subs: R.Teggart, S. Toner, K. O'Hare.