FL Div 2: Syddan's ability to find the net proves crucial
May 21, 2018
Syddan's Graham Garland
SYDDAN 3-9 RATHKENNY 0-12
THE ability to find the net proved decisive as Syddan tightened their grip on top spot in Division 2 of the A League at Rathkenny on Saturday evening.
Syddan struck for three second half goals to see off their closest pursuers and stretch their unbeaten run to eight matches.
The hosts, who were minus their county contingent, had the advantage of the breeze throughout a closely contested opening half and led 0-7 to 0-5 at the break. The sides had earlier being level on five different occasions before points late in the half from Keith Curtis and Brian Lenehan gave Rathkenny the lead.
That advantage didn't last long though as Padraic Dillon set up Sean Clare for Syddan's opening goal within two minutes of the restart. Dillon then added a point before Gary Farrelly struck for a second goal from a Kevin Traynor pass on 38 minutes.
Jack Gore responded with a Rathkenny point to leave four between the teams and the home side then had a chance to reduce the deficit further when Keith Timmons was fouled for a penalty. However Brian Lenehan, whose five point haul in the opening half included two 45s, drove his effort wide of the target.
That miss proved costly as Rathkenny eventually got to within three points on two occasions in the final quarter.
However the destination of the points was decided two minutes from the finish when Graham Garland raced clear of the Rathkenny cover and blasted to the net.
SYDDAN - Ciaran Farrelly; Jack Reid, Ryan Summersby, Mark Fedigan; Stuart Fedigan 0-1, Andrew Garland, Michael Fedigan; Sean Clare 1-1, Kevin Traynor 0-1; Padraic Dillon 0-1, Cormac Rowe 0-1, Graham Garland 1-0; Brian Dillon, Gary Farrelly 1-1, Daire Rowe 0-3 (2f). Subs - Cathal Dardis for G Farrelly (49), Peter Sheehy for Traynor (59).
RATHKENNY - Richie Timmons; Thomas McGuinness, Ross Gore, Joe Gore; Stephen Crosbie 0-1, Christy Meade, Jack Thompson; Brian Meade, James Macken 0-1; Keith Timmons, Brian Lenehan 0-6 ( 2 '45s), Jack Gore 0-1; Owen Elliott, Donal Curtis, Keith Curtis 0-3 (2f). Subs - Mark Byrne for Thompson (36), Evan Crosbie for J Gore (53), Ivan Lenehan for Elliott (55).
REF - Paul Burke (Glen Emmets)
Rathkenny Report
Rathkenny 0-12 Syddan 3-9
Despite leading this one going into the break, Rathkenny failed to push on in the second half. Three second half Syddan goals were enough to ensure the away side took home the two points on offer and consolidate their position at the top of the table.
Rathkenny: Richie Timmons, Thomas McGuiness, Ross Gore, Joe Gore, Stephan Crosbie (0-1), Christy Meade, jack Thompson, Brian Meade, James Macken (0-1), Jack Gore (0-1), Barney Lenehan (0-6), Keith Timmons, Owen Elliot, Donal Curtis, Keith Curtis (0-3)
Evan Crosby for J Gore, Ivan Lenehan for O Elliot, Mark Byrne for J Thompson, Daithi Downey, Colin Curtis, Niall Brannigan
