Cavan Gaels fresh from their recent SFC victory over Gowna, played hosts to Lacken Celtic in the Cavan SFL Division One at Terry Coyle Park, Cavan on Saturday, 13th of October. The points were vital for both sides with the home side anxious to consolidate their position at the top of the league table, and Lacken Celtic hoping to pull away from the relegation area. Both sides fielded strong sides for this clash, which was very competitive throughout, and the outcome was in doubt right to the final whistle. In the end, the Cavan Gaels held on for the win by a four points margin 1-11 to 1-7. Such was the closeness of the game that it took a last minute goal from talented youngster Martin Dunne to ensure a home win. The opening half was close and competitive with no quarter asked or given, and the visitors were ahead by 1-5 to 0-5, thanks to an opportunist goal from a free by former county senior star, Finbarr Reilly. The Cavan Gaels management made a number of switches at the start of the second-half in the hope of getting a grip on the game. However, Lacken still were playing with confidence and a surprise result looked on the cards with the match entering the final quarter and they ahead by two points. And the Gaels could have been in deeper trouble at the start of the last quarter, when it took a fine save by Eoghan Elliott to save an almost certain goal. This save was vital and was the turning point in the game. The Gaels then upped their performance all over the field, and thanks to their superior fitness and the Martin Dunne late goal they held on for a narrow win and two further league points. The Cavan Gaels management will be glad to get this game out of the way, and the tough test against the Lacken side will stand them in good stead for their Ulster club opener against Donegal champions, St. Eunan's on Sunday next, 21st of October in Kingspan/Breffni Park. This game also showed the county champions have real strength in depth, and that is good news ahead of their UIster club campaign. It is hard to believe that Lacken Celtic are striving to get away from relegation trouble at the present time. This performance on Saturday against the county champions, was full of heart and commitment and they are a side not lacking in real ability. They almost caused a real shock, and with a little luck on the day they could have got something from this game. On again former county senior player, Finbar Reilly was their top marksman with 1-4, and looking at the forward talent in the county at the present time, especially at senior level he is still one of the best and most accurate forwars around. Cavan Gaels - Eoghan Elliott; Cathal Collins, Darren Rabbitte, Shane McGlade; Gearoid Collins, Eamonn Reilly, Karol Crotty; Enda King, Nicholas Walsh; Tommy McCormack (0-2), Anthony Forde (0-2), Domonic Reilly (0-3); Sean Higgins (0-1), Cormac Nelligan (0-1), Michael Lyng. Subs - Martin Dunne (1-1) for Cormac Nelligan; Kevin Downes (0-1) for Tommy McCormack; Levi Murphy for Sean Higgins. Lacken Celtic - C. Smith; Shane O'Reilly, Paul Brady, Terry Hyland; Joe Soraghan, James Moynagh, John Sheridan; Trevor Crowe, Raymond Galligan; Martin Brady, Mark Hyland, Frankie Mulligan (0-1); Paul Magauran (0-2), Finbar Reilly (1-4), Philip Moynagh. Subs - Donal Shanaghy for Frankie Mulligan. Referee - Seamus O'Connor. Tweet

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