Castletown repeat county final victory over Gusserane

CASTLETOWN GUSSERANE 2-11 1-6

CASTLETOWN MADE the long trip south to take on Gusserane in the first round of the EBS All-County Football League Division 1 on Saturday.

The previous meeting between the teams was of course the Senior football final of 2019 when the travelling side were victorious.

Both teams used the opportunity to try out new talent, many of whom who would have faced each other when the clubs clashed in the Under-20 championship a few short months ago. The Gusserane boys came out on top on that occasion in Coolgreany.

The game was played with a gale-force wind blowing straight down the field. Castletown had the advantage of the wind but it took until the seventh minute before the opening score was registered, a well-worked goal by Robbie Brooks.

Gusserane had the lion’s share of possession in the half but found it hard to convert it to scores. They still would have been reasonably satisfied going in to the half-time break trailing by just 1-6 to 1-2 all the same.

The Gusserane goal was scored by Seán Ryan. Brendan Halpin’s points from play and placed balls accounted for the bulk of the Castletown scores.

The second-half belonged to Castletown, despite facing in to the elements. Points from Halpin and the impressive Rory Heffernan ensured that there were always at least four between the teams.

A second Robbie Brooks goal in the 60th minute put the result beyond doubt and Castletown ran out winners on a scoreline of 2-11 to 1-6. Referee was Pat Kehoe.