Killeavy 1-10 Mullaghbawn 1-12
Sunday afternoon saw Killeavy host Mullaghbawn, looking for a fourth win in a row in the league. Gary Reel, James Duffy and Seamus Toner were unavailable due to injury, so Stevie Malone joined Mark Stanfield in midfield, and Gareth O'Hare started in the half forward line. Mullaghbawn were seeking revenge for an early season 14 point drubbing. Killeavy were the better side early on, a great point from Steven McDonnell was followed in the next attack with a lovely point by Anthony O'Hare, after Mark Stanfield won the kickout. Killeavy struggeld to build on this, however, as Mullaghbawn looked to funnel players deep across their half back line. The tactic grew in effectiveness as the match wore on. Mullaghbawn were soon level, their two man full forward line looking dangerous on the break. A long range free from Stanfield and another point for O'Hare had Killeavy two in front again. A long ball in found O'Hare in space, and a gilt edged goal chance to give Killeavy a five point lead was spurned, as O'Hares shot flew wide. Killeavy were to rue this miss as minutes later, Mullaghbawn engineered an opportunist goal, from a long ball in, that enticed Sean Duffy off his line, but was won by the Mullaghbawn full forward who kicked the ball into the vacated goal. This signalled a strong ten minutes from the visitors, who kicked two further points that could easily have been goals. At half time Killeavy trailed by four.Half-Time: Killeavy 0-6 Mullaghbawn 1-7
Needing to up the intensity and pace in the second half, a defensive lapse saw Killeavy kick an early point through Gerard Byrne. However, they failed to build on this score, and Mullaghbawn were playing the much more cohesive football, defending in numbers, and breaking up the field in waves. The teams traded scores, but mullaghbawn still held a handy five point lead going into the last ten. Stanfield was now at full forward, and his abrasive style was at least taking the defence out of the comfort zone. Gerard Byrne was put through for a goal, but his effort brought a magnificent save from the Mullaghbawn keeper. Stanfield was then fouled for a penalty, and although his initial effort went wide, encroachment meant the referee ordered a re-take, and Stanfield buried the second attempt. However, Mullaghbawn held out comfortably in the last five minutes to deservedly take the points. Killeavy will be bitterly disappointed by this poor home defeat. They lacked urgency and intensity and will need to bounce back on Friday, when they travel to Pearse Og.Killeavy 1-10 Mullaghbawn 1-12
Killeavy Team: S. Duffy,C. Quinn,P. Watters,G. Magennis, L. O'Hare, R. McConville,P. Donnelly, S. Malone, M Stanfield(1-3 , '50, penalty), B. Magee, S. McDonnell(0-2, 1F), G. O'Hare, G. Byrne(0-2), A. O'Hare(0-2), S Boylan.Subs: C. Byrne for G. Magennis(38min), K. O'Hare for L. O'Hare(40min) , P. Rocks for G. O'Hare(50min).