Cumann Pheadair Naofa senior footballers emerged victorious from a hard-fought, sporting game against Annaclone on a scoreline of 1-10 to1-08. This narrow victory ensured that the Blues booked their spot in the second round of the Down GAA Senior Football Championship sponsored by Morgan Fuels. After a pre-match rain shower, the Mayobridge skies cleared to leave a fine evening for football.
The Seasiders raced out of the blocks with Niall McGovern firing over two superb points from play before Ross McGarry added a free leaving the Blues with a stellar three point advantage after ten minutes. Annaclone opened their account in the fourteenth minute before captain Ryan Boyle responded for CPN from a tight angle. However, Annaclone seized control from this moment and reeled off four consecutive scores without reply to give them a one point lead. Ruairi Cowan fired over from distance but Annaclone immediately responded before Burren whistler Darren O’Hare brought an end to the first half with Annaclone leading by the narrowest of margins; 0-6 to 0-5.
Just after the restart, Annaclone were awarded a penalty which corner forward Owen Pyers duly despatched to the top right corner of the goal. However, minutes later Blues captain Ryan Boyle launched the ball goalwards from the side-line; the ball bounced, rebounded off the post and finished in Chris McCartan’s Annaclone net. This fortunous goal was followed by three consecutive Warrenpoint scores from Patrick Murdock, James Heaney and Ross McGarry. This left the blues with a two point advantage entering the final quarter. Annaclone reduced the margin to one before Paul Og Carty restored the Blue’s lead. Both sides exchanged scores in the closing minutes with the score finely balanced at 1-10 to 1-08. Neither side added to their tally. However, there was one final twist in the tale when Annaclone almost snatched victory with the ball rattling off the base of the Warrenpoint post in injury time.
The blues can be encouraged from some impressive performances from Gary McMahon in goal and Patrick Murdock at full back. Ryan McAleenan and James Heaney can be pleased with strong second half showings, while Niall McGovern’s industry in the opening minutes was rewarded with scores. Cumann Pheadair Naofa will look to continue their Championship run in the next round.
