Sharper Knocknagree stave off bold Castlemagner bid
McSweeney to net. Castlemagner recovered from a tentative start, Timmy Murphy pointed a brace.
Still matters continued to be going according to the script with Daly and O’Connor on target with tasty points for the champions.
However Castlmagner weren’t found wanting, encouraged by the input of Donal Gayer, Jack Cott, Conor Glavin and Seán Falvey. Cott pointed and the game looked to be in the melting pot after Falvey won a penalty only for Cott’s kick flash wide of the left hand post.
Thereafter Castlemagner passed up further opportunities as Knocknagree points from O’Connor and McSweeney secured a 1-7 to 0-5 lead at the break.
The exchanges continued to be keen upon the resumption, Castlemagner shading the scoring stakes. Crucially, Knocknagree offered the tenacity to hold the initiative, driven on by Donough Moynihan, Andrew Sheehan, sweeper Tadgh Long and Danny Cooper.
And going forward, Anthony O’Connor darted into space to pick up a great run from McSweeney to find the net. Castlemagner refused to be daunted and took heart from points by Murphy.
That said, Knocknagree weren’t prepared to allow the challengers build upon serious momentum and answered from white flags to O’Connor and McSweeney.
During the latter stages, Castlemagner weren’t short of energy and attempted to plot their way out of trouble after Bryan Barry netted from a penalty in the 57th minute.
And while Castlemagner threw everything they had on trying to save the game, Knocknagree weren’t going to be outdone.