Cortown 0-12 St Mary's 0-4

Cortown bounced back from a defeat a fortnight ago with a facile win against an underwhelming St Mary's side in Seneschalstown.

Following a cagey opening and weathering an early storm from the Donore men, Cortown gradually warmed to their task and completely dominated the first half playing some lovely football in the process.

Davy Rispin opened the scoring from 40 metres from a nice offload from Brían Smith.  This was immediately followed by a score of hiw own from Smith following a nice interchange from Theo Staunton and Tommy Smith. Mary's opened their account with a close range effort from big Liam O'Neill.

Cortown nosed themselves two in front with Theo Staunton this time finding Oisin Smith who calmly slotted over with his weaker left foot. The workrate across the board was outstanding with Decky Clarke, Barry Canning and Mikey Rennicks all excelling in defence.

Josh Keating made hard yards and won a hard earned free for his side that was duly converted by Rispin. Oisin Smith was denied by a terrific fingertip save from Saints netminder Adam Byrne but Goalkeeper Colm McGearty expertly nailed the resulting 45 for the dominant men in yellow.

James Lynch hit back for Damien Sheridan's charges but this was only temporary respite with Rispin curling over following a penetrating run from Charlie Smith.

A great turnover from Elliot Reilly followed by a pinpoint Stevie Clarke delivery resulted in Brían Smith. Cortown claimed the kickout and a speculative Tommy Smith effort rebounded off the upright only for Rispin to fist over.

Oisin Smith won and converted a close range free to open up a comprehensive 0-9 to 0-2 lead for Cortown at the break and in truth it could have been more but for some spurned goal opportunities.

The second half was a drab affair with Cortown effectively managing the game and nullifying Mary's to scraps. Hugh Staunton dictated the tempo with plenty of help from the experienced Daragh O'Halloran.

Tommy Smith fired over a long range effort to break the second half duck with Mary's shortly replying with one of their own.

Brían and Tommy Smith (free) closed out the scoring from a Cortown standpoint. Hugo Whoriskey did dish out three red cards amongst the two sides in the remainder of time, all of which could be aptly put down as the 'soft' variety.

Cortown did carve out a few other decent goal scoring chances but all of which went abegging. Nevertheless, Cortown secured an emphatic victory with a really solid team performance across the board.

The win qualifies Cortown for the Semi-Finals with a game to spare. A win on the final day against Drumconrath would seal second position.

Cortown: Colm McGearty 0-1, 45); Barry Canning, Decky Clarke, Josh Keating; Mikey Rennicks, Daragh O'Halloran, Elliot Reilly; Hugh Staunton, Stevie Clarke; Theo Staunton, Brían Smith (0-3),
Davy Rispin (0-4, one free), Tommy Smith (0-2, one free), Oísin Smith (0-2, one free).

Subs: Colm Kerrigan for Rispin; Kevin Muldoon for Reilly; Daragh Smith for S Clarke; Aaron Smith for C Smith; Mickey Costello for Barry Canning.

Referee: Hugo Whoriskey (St Pat's)

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