St Pats/St Brigids Gaels v Creggan
The Geals knew that a much better performance would be needed against a Creggan team who had been much superior in the two teams final league match. The game started off nervously with neither team settling early on. Geals took an early two point advantage with well worked scores and midfield dominance. The visitors came back into the game with center half forward Conor Small instrumental in their equalising brace. Caolan Lynch and Conor O Doherty linked up very well several times with the latter a constant scoring threat from play and frees. A great save from the Creggan keeper denied Lynch a gaol from close range. Keelan Mc Calister and Alex Lavery worked tirelessly in the half back role with Lavery the carrying the ball time and again into the danger zone. Cormac O’hanlon was moved onto the dangerman small and was the man of the match performer from that point. Midfielders O’Botle and King dominated midfield aand Creggan won almost no clean ball in the first half. Boyle was able to get on the end of a good team move to point and the teams went into the break with the scores 0-8 to 0-5 in favour of the home team.
The visitors started the second half the better and were level after 5 minutes. The Geals pulled one ahead again before the first goal of the game. A textbook tackle spilt the ball from an unrushing Creggan attacked – unfortunately it fell right to a team mate who’s first time volley hit the back of the net. The home team were not put of their game plan however and you could see the instant extra effort. Eamon Compston made several interceptions and also fine long passes missing out the sweeper to find the constantly active Lynch. The direct running at goal won several frees and O’Doherty was able to capitallise. The second goal of the game was the decisive score. A long ball had been kept in by Mc Calister minutes before causing trouble – the second time he punched it towards goal Lynch was there to toepoke home. Marko Cernick got forward to score to cap an excellent performance. The home team were 4 ahead going into the last 5. Creggan threw everything at the end but found Niall Lundy and Finn Mc Kernan blocking the dangerzone. The home team ended up deserved winners by 6 points
There is still room for necessary improvement before a semi final with Lamh Dearg but everyone left Musgrave determined to do so.
