Ballinlough 1-12
Ballinabrackey 0-3

Ballinlough picked up their third victory of the week, following up Tuesday's B-League encounter with Dunshaughlin and Wednesday's A-League defeat of Na Fianna, with this comprehensive win over Ballinabrackey in Kilskyre on Sunday morning.

The game was slow to get going, with both teams missing early chances, in part due to the strong breeze at play. Ballinlough eventually opened the scoring through a well struck free off the ground by James O'Higgins. Moments later Jack Tunney doubled the advantage with a curling effort off his left boot.

The visitors soon levelled matters, first knocking over a free, before they sent over an impressive forty-five. Powerful full forward Simon Deevy got things back on track for the 'Lough, finishing off a good team move with a nice score.

The Reds dominance was beginning to show, and they slowly started to pull away from Ballinabrackey towards the end of the half. Jonathan Francis Montgomery got the games only goal soon after, his blistering pace allowing him to get free of the defence before his lethal shot found the back of the net.
James O'Higgins closed the half out with a brilliantly struck free to leave his side leading 1-04 to 0-02 at the change of ends.

The hosts took complete command of the game in the second half, as Ballinabrackey struggled to regain a foothold in the contest. Ballinlough corner back Joe Farrelly got the half's opening point finishing off a flowing team move involving Emmet Smith, James Baugh and Simon Deevy, before energetic wing back Paul Monaghan extended the lead further with a superbly finished score.

Jack Tunney took over free taking duties for the hosts for the second period, and found his range twice in quick succession., before Monaghan doubled his own tally for the day with a hugely impressive score.

At this stage, Ballinlough led by ten points and there was no way back for the visitors, but still the Ballinlough defence were ruthless in repelling every attack thrown their way. James O'Keefe and Mattie Farrell had the beating of their men on nearly every occasion, while Emmet Smith and James Baugh were a vital link between defence and attack throughout.

The 'Lough refused to rest on their laurels and pushed on to extend their advantage. Niall Farrelly got the point his hard working performance deserved, before Tunney struck over another free from distance. Conor Maguire got the Reds last score of the afternoon with a beautiful curling effort that dropped just over the black spot to bring their tally to 1-12. Ballinabrackey picked up a consolation point in the final minute, leaving the hosts with a twelve point winning margin.

This result means Ballinlough have five wins from their five games, and they will go full of confidence into the remaining fixtures.

Ballinlough: L. Gibney, M. Farrell, J. O'Keefe, J. Farrelly (0-1), P. Monaghan (0-2), E. Smith, J. Baugh, Junior O'Reilly, K. Beirne, N. Farrelly (0-1), J. O'Higgins (0-2), P. Briody, J. Francis Montgomery (1-0), S. Deevy (0-1), J. Tunney (0-4). Subs: C. Maguire (0-1), A. Fox, D. Francis Montgomery, M. McInerney, O. Brady.

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