Opportunist strike ‘lands’ Rovers a last eight spot
HUNTERSTOWN 1-8 ST MOCHTAS 0-7
CTI BUSINESS SOLUTIONS IFC GROUP D HUNTERSTOWN Rovers made it two wins from two in Group D with a four-point victory over St Mochtas at Dunleer on Saturday to book their passage into the quarter-finals of the Intermediate Championship.
In what proved to be a rather lacklustre encounter, Rovers had the edge on their opponents form most of the game and ultimately it was an opportunist first half goal from Alan Landy that proved the difference between the teams.
As in their first game against Fechins the previous week, Hunterstown may not have been at their free-flowing best, but they always looked to have enough in reserve against a St Mochtas side who will be disappointed that they were unable to take something from the game.
The Louth Village men enjoyed some good possession, particularly in the second half, but were left to rue a total of 13 wides that prevented them from putting any real pressure on Rovers. However, it must be said that the strong cross-field made finding the target more than a little bit tricky.
The Mochtas did kick the opening score of the game through Declan Byrne and although Paul Carrie levelled from a free, Byrne restored his side’s lead on ten minutes.
However, that was as good as it got for the Mochtas as Hunterstown, driven forward by Tony McKenna, took charge of the game. Points from Alan Landy, Glen Matthews and Ryan Ward had their side two points to the good before Landy reacted quickest to drive a loose ball to the back of the net on 18 minutes, putting his side 1-4 to 0-2 ahead.
The remainder of the half was
rather uneventful with only one further score from Darren McMahon to cut the gap to 1-4 to 0-3 at the break.
The Mochtas began the second half in determined fashion and points from Byrne and McMahon cut the gap to just two points after 35 minutes. However, Rovers were able to respond to that sense of danger as Tony McKenna landed a free before David Finn drove a goal chance over the bar.
The Mochtas were working hard to get into the game but found space difficult to find in front of the posts thanks to a well-organised defence. They did pull one point back through a fine Andrew
English point and were denied a goal when sub Nigel Farrell saw his effort brilliantly blocked by Paul Carrie.
With nine minutes remaining, Declan Byrne’s point made it 1-6 to 0-7 and his side were still in with a chance but unfortunately for the Mochtas the wides continued to come. Hunterstown made their opponents pay for those wasted chances with late scores from Carrie and Landy to seal the win.
St Mochtas still have the chance to book their place in the last eight when they take on St Fechins in the final group game, although they will be well aware of the need to raise their performance if they are
going to advance. HUNTERSTOWN ROVERS: Niall Carrie; Paul Taaffe, Brian Matthews, Martin Lennon; Patrick Taaffe, Paul Carrie 0-2, Richard Taaffe; Tony McKenna 0-1, David Finn; Paddy Mooney, Brendan Lennon 0-1, Ryan Ward 0-1; Alan Landy 1-2, Padraig Matthews, Glen Matthews 0-1. Subs: Robert McNeice for P Mooney, Keith Brennan for Richard Taaffe, Conor Matthews for G Matthews.
ST MOCHTAS: Fergus English; David Lennon, Andrew English 0-1, Liam Lawlor; Darren McMahon 0-2, Gary Connolly, Barry Mulholland; Gareth O’Reilly, Shane McMahon; Philip Englishby, Stephen McCooey, Gavin Breen; Liam McGranaghan, Declan Byrne 0-4, Eamon O’Neill. Subs: Donal Gernon for G Connolly, Nigel Farrell for G Breen, Gary Connolly for L McGranaghan, Emlyn Clerkin for P Englishby.
REFEREE: Colin Halligan.