Dowling double crucial

SEAN O’MAHONYS GERALDINES 2-12 2-9

A goal in each half from David Dowling helped the O’Mahonys overcome the Geraldines and move up to third place in Division One.

The Gers went into the game level with the Dreadnots at the top of the table and they started well with corner forward Glen Trainor scoring the opening score of the game.

However, the Dundalk side hit back almost immediately and with almost their first attack they scored a goal with David Dowling finding the back of the net. In what was a breathtaking start to the game the Gers responded with Dara Hamill finding the back of the net after a wonderful move involving James Craven, Josh Arrowsmith and Conal Hoey. Back came the O’Mahonys and they went two points clear with a fine point from Stephen Kilcoyne. A Dara Hamill score with a minute remaining of the opening half left just a point between the teams and a minute later it was all level as Conall Hoey split the posts to leave it 1-5 apiece at half time.

Jim McEneaney opened the scoring for the Gers in the second half after a powerful run by Gerard Hoey and they went two points clear thanks to a fine Kevin Pepper effort.

However, that was as good as it got for the Gers as the O’Mahonys began to dominate scoring three points in a row to lead by one. A well worked move seen David Dowling receive the ball in front of the Gers goal and he made no mistake from close range rattling the back of the net for the second time in the game. With 10 minutes to go the Gers were five behind and they probably knew it was not going to be their day when Sean’s keeper Kevin Brennan pulled off an outstanding save to deny McEneaney from close range. The excellent Kevin Brennan was beaten in the final minute as Dara Hamill scored his second goal to leave a goal between the sides but time was against the Gers and it was the Dundalk side who claimed victory.