Honours even under new lights in Skryne
An Scrín 0-14, Dunshaughlin 2-08
PR Coyne A League Division 1 – Round 2
Skryne GFC, a club always moving forward, marked a historic occasion at Fr. McManus Park as Minister of State and local TD, Thomas Byrne, officially switched on the newly installed floodlights on the main pitch. The evening’s celebrations were complemented by an exhilarating clash between Skryne and reigning county champions Dunshaughlin in Round 2 of the A League Division 1.
A Fiercely Competitive First Half
The match lived up to expectations, delivering an intense and competitive spectacle. Making his first appearance of the year, Padraig Finnerty wasted no time in making an impact, opening the scoring for Skryne with a well-taken point from the right-hand side inside three minutes. Dunshaughlin responded with three unanswered points before Neil Burke converted a free to keep Skryne within touching distance.
As the half progressed, Dunshaughlin edged ahead again, but Skryne rallied, with Oisín Keogh and Billy Smyth leveling the game. However, just before the break, Dunshaughlin struck a crucial blow. Winning possession from the kickout, they moved swiftly upfield, where Aaron Murphy unleashed a thunderous shot into the roof of the net. Burke’s second converted free ensured Skryne remained within two points at halftime. Half-time: Skryne 0-05, Dunshaughlin 1-04.
Thrilling Second Half Ends in Stalemate
Skryne wasted no time after the restart, as Finnerty once again made his mark, scoring a superb two-pointer to restore parity. The teams continued to exchange scores in an exhilarating third quarter. One of the standout moments came when Ciarán Lenehan disrupted a Dunshaughlin attack before launching a long pass forward which was picked up by Oisín Keogh, who shrugged off two defenders and sent the ball sailing over the bar, giving Skryne a narrow one-point lead midway through the half.
Dunshaughlin soon responded with a moment of danger as Fursey Blake surged into the Skryne penalty area, firing just wide. Moments later, they made no mistake, breaking down the right flank before squaring the ball across the goalmouth, where Seán O’Neill was perfectly positioned to palm it into the net. Aaron Murphy added a point to extend their lead to three with 13 minutes remaining.
Skryne, undeterred, fought back with four points to Dunshaughlin’s single effort, with Mark Swan leveling the match after winning the ball in front of two defenders before pivoting and curling a superb effort over the bar. As the clock ticked toward the 30th minute, Dunshaughlin edged ahead once more, leaving Skryne in desperate search of an equaliser. The defence was holding firm with newcomer Conor Reuter showing that he can slot right in at this level with some impressive defending alongside talisman John O’Regan.
Skryne’s persistence paid off in dramatic fashion. In the dying moments, Dunshaughlin were penalised for encroachment and Skryne were awarded a free on the 13-metre line. With the game on the line, Billy Smyth stepped up and coolly slotted the ball over the bar to rescue a draw and secure Skryne’s first point of the league campaign.
Final Score: Skryne 0-14, Dunshaughlin 2-08.
Skryne: Ian Gillett; Jack Swan, Ciarán Lenehan, John O’ Regan; Niall Lenehan, David Carroll, Shane Smyth; Ciarán Quinn, Harry Rooney; Padraig Finnerty, Neil Burke, Billy Smyth; Conor O’ Brien, Oisín Keogh, Charlie Swan.
Subs used: Tom Lenehan, Mark Swan(0-01), Liam Donohoe, Conor Reuter, Cormac Pentony
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