The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Rangers’ resolve secures a vital draw
Laune Rangers 3-8 Rathmore 2-11
A SPIRITED second half comeback by Laune Rangers at home last Sunday afternoon produced a share of the spoils and a precious league point for them in their efforts to retain their Division 2 status.
Come the end of the season it could well prove to be hugely significant in terms of their battle for survival.
Rathmore were comfortable and cruising for long periods, but, two goals within a minute from Daniel Macbeth in the final quarter really turned the contest on its head and prevented Rathmore from completing what looked like being a pretty routine victory.
Credit Laune Rangers for resurrecting their challenge with admirable endeavour, but really Rathmore when they reflect on their performance, and, the result will surely feel that they let a victory slip from their grasp.
They got off to the perfect start with a goal from John Moynihan inside the very first minute. With relative ease he side stepped a number of defenders along the end line before neatly dispatching the ball past Tony Lyons.
Two pointed frees from Mark Reen meant that the visitors led by five points after as many minutes, and, with Laune Rangers completely at odds with the situation at this early stage one never anticipated what ultimately would transpire in the latter stages of an enthralling final quarter.
Mark Reen and Colm O’Shea exchanged pointed frees at opposite ends, and, with O’Shea converting this time from play with a very good finish the margin separating the sides was four points (1-3 0-2) at the end of the opening quarter.
Conal Kelly had featured prominently in the role of sweeper up until this particular juncture, but, after John Moynihan had extended Rathmore’s lead with another point, Rathmore wasted a number of gilt edged goal opportunities with a tendency to over elaborate in the build up and a failure to be decisive in front of goal.
Certainly it was a period in the game when Rathmore could well have put the issue completely beyond doubt, even if, they did add four more unanswered points before the interval break to leave them comfortably in front (1-8 0-3) at half-time.
Laune Rangers restarted with a bit more urgency and reduced the deficit courtesy of a pointed free from Colm O’Shea inside three minutes. They maintained their momentum and were rewarded with a David Costello goal in the thirty ninth minute when he finished left footed high into the Rathmore net.
It was just the tonic which the home side required, but, it was short lived, being cancelled out within a minute by a Mark Reen goal from the penalty spot.
The award, which resulted in Ronan Sayers being black carded looked to be somewhat debatable with John Moynihan appearing to slip under pressure from the tackle by the Laune Rangers corner-back.
The resultant spot kick was converted pretty confidently by the unerring Mark Reen affording Rathmore once again a pretty comfortable scoring advantage (2-8 1-4).
Ciaran Doona kept Rangers fad- ing hopes alive with a surging run and a point after the opportunity momentarily presented itself as a goal chance.
But, with Mark Reen offering a swift response Rathmore restored a seven point lead (2-9 1-5) by the end of the third quarter.
Certainly there was little to suggest at that stage that Rangers would ultimately salvage the situation.
However, with John Sheehan resolute in defense and Ciaran Doona energetic and industrious on the forty, the home side continued to pursue the issue with a lot of intent with David Costello adding another point.
However, with such as Conor Jenkins defending with a lot of assurance and control Rathmore were still seven points in front (210 1-6) with over ten minutes of normal time remaining.
Rangers’ momentum never wavered and with Daniel Macbeth now relocated in the full forward line and finishing two goals from close range within a minute of each other the end result was very much in the melting pot.
Another fine score from the prolific Mark Reen afforded Rathmore some breathing space, but, it failed to put paid to the Laune Rangers challenge which produced a pointed free from Daniel Macbeth and a superb equalising score from distance from Conal Kelly. It concluded a comeback of massive proportions by Laune Rangers whose never say die attitude was rewarded in the end.
Rangers now face fixtures away to Listowel Emmets and at home to Listry and Glenflesk with at least two wins required to most likely make their position secure in the division.
Rathmore are still in contention for promotion with as many as six teams still very much in with a chance of going up to Division 1.
LAUNE RANGERS: Tony Lyons, Ronan Sayers, Aidan Cox, Paul Larkin, John Tyther, John Sheehan, Daniel Wittleton, Daniel Macbeth (2-1, 0-1f), Maurice Foley, Shane O’Connor Ciaran Doona (0-1), David Costello (1-1), Conal Kelly (0-1) Colm O’Shea (0-3, 2f), Jamie Clifford (0-1) Subs: Pa Sheehan for S O’Connor, Mark Healy for R Sayers (B/C), Shane O’Connor for C O’Shea
RATHMORE: Padraig McCarthy, Conor Jenkins, James O’Sullivan, Michael J Kelliher, TJ Friel, Cathal Murphy (0-1), Brian O Leary, Tadgh Moynihan, Daniel O’Sullivan, Colm Kelly, Donncha McCarthy, Brian Moynihan, Mark Reen (1-8, 1-0 pen, 5f), Eoin Lawlor, John Moynihan (1-2) Subs: Cillian O’Connor for E Lawlor, Tadgh Mahony for B O Leary
REFEREE: Mike Hennessy (Ballyduff)