Skryne 2 – 13, Senchalstown 2 – 12
Needing at least a draw to qualify for the final of the B.League division 5 football competition, Skryne had to dig very deep to get over the line in this hard fought match on Monday evening. Played in Skryne, under almost perfect conditions with only a slight breeze in weather terms , this match was up for the taking by either side right up to the final whistle. Senchalstown were first of the mark with a point after three minutes but Kevin O’Reilly cancelled that out almost immediately. Niall Morley then sent Skryne ahead with a free but this too was cancelled out one minute later. O’Reilly put Skryne in front again with twelve minutes gone but Senchalstown got back in front with a goal shortly after, leaving the score at Skryne 0 – 3 Senchalstown 1 -2. Brian Smyth then hit over a superb point from out in the left corner to leave just the minimum between the sides with twenty two minutes gone. Kevin Reilly traded points with Senchalstown and with twenty five minutes on the clock Sean Cassidy received a pass from Conor O’Brien and had no hesitation in finishing to the back of the net. Skryne were now back in front but with the first-half nearly up Senchalstown added another point to make the half time score Skryne 1 – 5, Senchalstown 1 -5.
Cassidy and O’Reilly pushed Skryne into a two point lead early in the second half. Then Senchalstown enjoyed a period of dominance and scored 1 – 2 to make the score Skryne 1 – 7 Senchalstown 2 – 7, Felim O’ Rourke pulled one back from a 45 but this was quickly cancelled by the Kentstown side. Skryne substitute Cian Lynch put over another with a fine individual effort but this again was cancelled out almost immediately. Time was fast running out for Skryne who were once again four points in arrears with only six minutes left on the clock. However Felim O’ Rourke and Kevin O’Reilly,from a free, cut this to two points. When it looked like Senchalstown would hold out for the spot in the final of this competition Conor O’Brien shot the ball to the back of the net to put Skryne a point in front in the closing stages. Jamie Jordan added a point to make it a two point game with time already up. Referee Michael McDonagh found a further six minutes broken play and Senchalstown laid siege to the Skryne end in the hope of rescuing the game . However brilliant defensive work from the Skryne backs in particular Johnny Quinn and full Back Vinny O’ Reilly, who brought of a spectacular high catch at the end, kept the Kentstown side at bay and the Tara men held out for a one point victory. Amongst those who deserve special mention is Skryne Goalie Adrian Doyle who kept his side in the game with some fine saves during the match.
Full time score Skryne 2 – 13, Senchalstown 2 – 12
Skryne : A Doyle, S McEnroy, D. Harrington, P. O’Leary, J. Conroy, V, O’Reilly, D. McAvinney, A. Carty, P. Dogherty, K. O’Reilly (5, 4f), J. Quinn, C. O’Brien(1-1), S. Cassidy(1 -1), B. Smyth(1), N. Morley(1 f). Subs F O’ Rourke (2, f,45)for Harrington, D. Rogan for McEnroy, C. Lynch(1) for McAvinney, J. Jordan(1) for Morley
Referee: Michael McDonagh
