MFC: Simonstown reeled back in by Dunshaughlin
September 20, 2014
Simonstown Gaels 0-12
Dunshaughlin 1-10
Simonstown's minor team asserted early on in this MFC first round tie played in damp conditions in Simonstown on Friday night.
Three first half points from Christopher O'Neill, a brace each from Brian McGrath and Ben Tracey and one from Daniel Battigan afforded the home side an eight points to four interval lead. The home team defended sternly in the opening period. Impressive displays from Cillian Farrell, Aaron Farrelly and midfielder Brían Conlon helped keep the visitor's total to four converted first-half frees.
Despite a good start to the second half from the team in sky blue, Dunshaughlin rallied and dominated for the third quarter of this tense and exciting encounter. Frees were plentiful, and three more helped Dunshaughlin get closer to the home side. However, an excellently worked team goal with ten minutes remaining gave Dunshaughlin a three point cushion. Despite points from Simonstown's Christopher Smith and Ben Hoey in the closing exchanges, Simonstown came up short and were left to rue some squandered opportunities. The game finished Simonstown 0-12, Dunshaughlin 1-10.
Simonstown - Darren Forde, Aaron Geraghty, Cillian Farrell, Oisin Lavin Kelly, Daniel Byrne, Aaron Farrelly, Dáire Meegan, Christopher Smith (0-1), Brían Conlon, Daniel Battigan (0-1) Brian McGrath (0-2), Paul Woods, Ben Hoey (0-3), Christopher O'Neill (0-3), Ben Tracey (0-2). Subs: Shane McHugh for Geraghty, Jack Murray for Hoey, Eoghan Prior for Battigan
