Cumann Pheadair Naofa Senior Footballers defeated Bryansford in an eagerly-anticipated first round tie of the Morgan Fuels Senior Football Championshipon Thursday evening last. The game was hosted by Mayobridge in blustery conditions for football, which made for a low-scoring first half. Bryansford opened the scoring with a well-worked point before Niall McGovern smartly pointed to tie the game up at one point apiece. Bryansford seized the initiative with two pointed free-kicks, sandwiched either side of a sublime point from play, opening up a three point advantage for the Ford. Indeed, their dominance in this period could have resulted in more scores, with the crossbar twice coming to the Seasiders’ rescue. Jamie Grant struck a long-range point with the outside of his boot and this was quickly followed by another point when attacking defender, Ryan Boyle, raided into the Bryansford half to land a crucial score. The referee blew the half-time whistle shortly after with the game finely-balanced with Bryansford leading by the minimum, 0-04 to 0-03.
Bryansford opened the scoring in the second period to stretch their advantage to two points. Points from Ross McGarry and John Boyle respectively tied up the match before Bryansford edged in front once more, with a lovely point from play. However, from this moment, the Blues entered a purple patch, yielding five unanswered points in what was the telling period of the game. Ross McGarry kicked a nice point which was followed a curling, left-footed Aaron Magee point. The influential Jamie Grant landed his second of the game to open up a two-point advantage. Cumann Pheadair Naofa’s dominance continued when Donagh McAleenan coverted a free-kick, a score which was swiftly followed by a point from second-half substitute Ryan Mallon. Bryansford replied with a Danny Savage point but a determined Warrenpoint outfit continued attacking, landing three more points in succession; two frees from Ross McGarry either side of a second Ryan Mallon point. Bryansford clipped over what was to be the final score of the evening, with Cumann Pheadair Naofa prevailing on a scoreline of 0-13 to Bryanford’s 0-08.
John Boyle, Paddy Murdock and Ryan Magee were dominant in the Blues’ defence, while Jamie Grant was impressive in midfield. Ross McGarry landed a personal tally of 0-04 in the second half and the introduction of Ryan Mallon played a pivotal role in the Cumann Pheadair Naofa victory. The Warrenpoint side now advance to the second round of the Morgan Fuels Senior Football Championship where they await confirmation of their opponents in Monday’s draw. There were strong performances all over the field for Niall McAleenan’s men.
Dancers Final Preparations Ahead of All Ireland Fleadh
Cultural officer Carmel McGrath has said the dancers are in full swing with a heavy practice schedule with teacher Turlough O’Neill ahead of their trip to Ennis Co.Clare on Saturday where they enter in senior set & Ceili competitions and the 12-15 Ceili competition.
We wish all our teams a safe journey and all the best as they represent Club and County.
