Down SFC: Mayobridge clinch five-in-a-row

September 29, 2008
Mayobridge 0-12 Loughinisland 0-8 Mayobridge captured their fifth successive Down Senior Football Championship title at on Sunday after overturning a half-time deficit to see off Loughinisland by four points Pairc Esler, Newry. Three points from the Loughinisland centre-forward Ryan Stranney helped the underdogs into a 0-6 to 0-4 lead at the interval, while Noel Sexton landed half the holders' scores in the opening half-hour. Loughinisland had lost their captain Dan Gordon early on in the game through a foot injury, which would proved a blow in the second-half as Alan Molloy looked to be made hold down the burden at centre-field on his own. Both John Caldwell and Michael Walsh were sent on at half-time for Mayobridge and proved a difference for the champions, with the latter providing two points and Caldwell starring at centre-field. The victor's stormed into a four-point lead after the break with ace attacker Benny Coulter and Sexton very much hitting the fore front to establish a 0-11 to 0-7 lead before Sexton's penalty was stopped by Kieran Gordon eight minutes from time. Loughinisland responded quickly with a score that would always leave the champions lead on a knife-edge, but Coulter's late score provided some insurance before referee Gavin Corrigan sounded the long whistle that signaled Mayobridge as five-time champions on the trot.

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