Bevan gets Fechin’s out of a ‘Duff’ spot
CTI Business Solutions IFC Group A A SPECTACULAR goal from Bevan Duffy 11 seconds into the second half proved to be the catalyst for St Fechins as they fought back to book their place in the Intermediate Championship quarter-finals.
After scoring a narrow win over Hunterstown on Tuesday night in their rescheduled opening round game, the Termonfeckin side secured top spot in Group 1 as they came strong in the second half to of this encounter at Clan na Gael Park on Sunday evening.
The Mochtas looked to be in a good position when they went into the break with a well-deserved three-point lead but that was wiped out upon the resumption when Duffy latched on to a Paul Matthews pass and crashed the ball into the top corner from 20m.
It proved to be the turning point for the Fechins as they began to play with a greater confidence and their composure in front of the posts, particularly through Ronan Holcroft and Joseph Corrigan ensured that the came out on top.
Despite the greasy conditions which made life difficult for the players, the teams produced an entertaining encounter but it was the Fechins who settled quickest and three points from Holcroft had them 0-3 to 0-1 in front after eight minutes after Gareth O’Reilly had opened the scoring.
The Mochtas then took a grip around the middle and gained control of the match thanks to five successive points from Jamie Farrell, Gerry Garland, Eamon O’Neill, Andrew English and Declan Byrne.
Holcroft pulled one back for the Fechins but O’Neill had the final say of the half to see his side lead by 0-7 to 0-4 at half time.
The Louth Village side’s hopes of building on that advantage were shattered within 11 seconds when Duffy scored the only goal of the game and that was the signal for his side to take the initiative.
Although both sides created chances, the Fechins were much more clinical as Corrigan (2) and Niall Devlin pointed to see their slide lead by 1-8 to 0-8 at the end of the third quarter.
The Mochtas didn’t have the scoring threat required to get back into the game and could only manage three points from Declan Byrne in the second half.
Although the Louth Village side got back to within two points with seven minutes remaining, the Fechins always looked to be in control completed the win with points from Holfcroft (3) and Devlin.
ST FECHIN’S: Niall McDonnell; Colm O’Neill, Niall McCabe, Conor Haughney; Leo McGrane, Alex Smith, Matthew Flanagan; Bevan Duffy 1-0, Donal Ryan; Brian Devlin, Ronan Holcroft 0-8 (4f), Joseph Corrigan 0-3; Eoghan Duffy, Paul Matthews, Niall Devlin 0-2. Subs: Fergal McNally for A Smith, Paul Dillon for E Duffy.
ST MOCHTA’S: Jason Callan; David Lennon, Philip Engishby, Liam Lawlor; Andrew English 0-1, Declan Byrne 0-4, Conor Garland; Darren McMahon, Eamon O’Neill 0-2 (1f); Jamie Farrell 0-1, Gerry Garland 0-1, Barry Mulholland; Gareth O’Reilly 0-1, Stephen McCooey, Emlyn Clerkin. Subs: Ciaran McMahon for E Clerkin, Robert Wallace for L Lawlor BC.
REFEREE: Kevin Brady. Pictures: Aidan Dullaghan