Duhallow can emerge from Valley

Duhallow v Valley Rovers

AT the same stage last season, the pair served up a dramatic tussle in Macroom, Duhallow required a late late show when a Gerry O’Connor goal snatched a dramatic victory.

Slow starters, Duhallow fell behind by seven points midway through the opening half. And though improving to narrow the arrears to three at the break, the deficit widened soon after the restart.

That presented Duhallow with a massive test of their resolve and the response was compelling. Chipping away at the deficit, they trailed by a point and there was an element of good fortune about the all important goal in the 60th minute, a Kevin Crowley effort for a point dropped short, O’Connor attempted to fetch and from the breaking ball, the Boherbue player toe poked home the goal and a two point win.

Both Duhallow and Valley Rovers will feel its within their capabilities to reach the penultimate hurdle following encouraging performances to date in the campaign. That indicates a lively hour’s football is in prospects yet club fixtures will again impact on Duhallow’s preparations, likewise Valley Rovers are carrying a heavy dual involvement.

All too easy for Duhallow in the opening round, encountering few problems on overcoming Seandún. That put Duhallow into the next phase where put in an impressive performance to defeat UCC.

A lengthy wait to a clash against St Nicks, Duhallow were up for the job yet a ring rusty performance saw a flattering seven point victory margin achieved. That late flourish Duhallow answered saw substitute Daire Moynihan net with Paul Walsh, Michael Vaughan and Eoghan McSweeney posting points.

Valley Rovers are building from a productive underage structure, winning County Under 21 titles in 2013 and 2015 is now bearing fruition. That became evident on proving too strong for Mallow in Round 1. And they followed up to easily overcome Clyda Rovers next time out, Fiachra Lynch and Eoin O’Reilly top performers in attack.

Valley are availing of Division 1 League status to create an impact, they will look to the guidance of David Lynch, Noel and Hughie O’Donovan in defence with John Cottrell and Kevin Canty bringing an influence to the mid field region. At this time of the season, its not easy combining club and divisional duties, a number of Duhallow players on double duty over consecutive days.

The Duhallow management are sure to be concerned about the well-being of players involved in the heat of club championship in the next few days for Newmarket and Boherbue.

On paper, a big physical Rovers are sure to dead keen to overturn last season’s reversal, surely spurred by an impressive victory over Clyda Rovers last time out. Indeed Duhallow’s resolve will be tested if they are to clinch a place in a semi final, provided they can improve on the showing against St. Nicks, they might just shade it.

Verdict: Duhallow