Newmarket fancied to get past Knocknagree

Knocknagree v Newmarket Saturday, September 26 Kiskeam 4pm

WITH three Duhallow teams in the last four along with Cill na Martra, at least one from the Barony will contest the decider and this clash is an eagerly awaited affair with contrasting progress.

From a roller coaster journey, Knocknagree are here in a road full of bumps yet they can’t be discounted from advancing to a third county final in four seasons. The reigning IFC holders have risen above adversary, looked to be heading for a surprise defeat on trailing Naomh Abán by seven points only to shoot eight after a water break and eventually secure a draw.

And it looked curtains on conceding seven goals and a hefty defeat to Cill na Martra yet the gods favoured Knocknagree to advance to the knockout phase. Into a quarter-final and a recovery mission was required to overcome Nemo Rangers, All Ireland Junior captain Matthew Dilworth netted a late goal to secure the spoils.

There is a strong Duhallow presence aboard with

Pa Doyle, Michael Mahony, Daniel O’Mahony, Eoghan McSweeney, Fintan O’Connor and John Fintan Daly backboning the side though key striker AnthonyO’Connor remains an absentee.

Likewise injuries have curtailed Newmarket from fielding at full strength in the Group format, amongst the absentees were Aidan Browne and Kevin O’Sullivan. Still Newmarket offered imposing displays to better Na Piarsaigh, Aghada and Castletownbere to secure a direct passage to a semi final.

The efforts of Josh O’Keeffe, Bart Daly, T J Bronan, Alan Ryan, Barry O’Connor and the O’Keeffes in attack are well versed in the requirements of the day. From last season, Newmarket had cause for reflection allowing eventual champions Éire Óg erase a seven point deficit in the second half and take a decisive push toward outright honours.

Not since 1968 have Newmarket defeated Knocknagree in championship football at Junior or Intermediate ranks.

On current form, Newmarket are fancied to succeed but this will be a battle to the wire and knowing Knocknagree’s campaign, they won’t wobble until the fat lady sings. Don’t be surprised if Knock’ were to complete a journey and return to another county final but a tentative vote goes to Newmarket.

Newmarket