Senior Football ACFL Division One: 6 July 2017
Castlewellan 1-12 vs Cumann Pheadair Naofa 1-12
Cumann Pheadair Naofa senior footballers enthralling contest with Castlewellan ended in stalemate on a scoreline of 1-12 apiece. Played in the backdrop of a fine summer’s evening, albeit with an early shower, the Blues’ opened the scoring through Donagh McAleenan, before Castlewellan opened their account to level matters. Aaron Joe Magee re-established the Seasiders’ lead, but this was swiftly cancelled out by a fine Castlewellan point. The sides again exchanged scores before Ross McGarry landed an impressive 45 and Niall McGovern nailed a sweetly-struck left-footed shot to leave Cumann Pheadair Naofa two to the good. Castlewellan narrowed the margin to one but Aaron Joe Magee rifled the ball to the top left corner of the Castlewellan net moments later with a superb solo-run. This goal had a galvanising effect on Cumann Pheadair Naofa who hit the next two points through Ruairi Cowan and Ryan Magee.
Castlewellan converted a free-kick in response, however, Paddy Murdock clipped over a fine left-footed effort to stretch the margin back to six points. It was Castlewellan who had the final say of the half, firing between the posts to leave the scoreboard reading; Cumann Pheadair Naofa: 1-08 Castlewellan: 0-06.
The Blues’ were quick off the mark in the second period, with Niall McGovern efficiently pointing a dead-ball. Castlewellan replied with a free of their own before Aaron Joe Magee extended his personal haul to 1-02 from play. From this moment onwards, Castlewellan launched their comeback, reeling off 1-04 without reply to level the match after a dominant fifteen minutes. To the Seasiders’ credit, they stifled the Castlewellan momentum somewhat with a Donagh McAleenan free-kick which was quickly followed by a magnificent Ross McGarry score from the right-hand side of the posts. Castlewellan replied with a point to reduce the deficit to the minimum and set up a tense injury-time period. Castlewellan managed to work a well-finished score after dominating possession in the closing minutes to draw the game.
The Warrenpoint team will be encouraged by a number of strong performances, with a languid forward-line wreaking havoc in an impressive first-half, which saw Aaron Joe Magee bag a wondergoal. Ciaran McCartan was excellent throughout, while John Boyle had an outstanding first period. The result leaves the Blues’ 5 th in the standings with a tally of fourteen points. Next up, Cumann Pheadair Naofa host Kilcoo at Pairc Liam Ui Ír on Monday 17 th July with throw-in at 7:30pm.
