Early goals see AGB over the line

MFC at Blessington goalkeeper Kyle O’Connor in the 21st minute, which could potentially have been a turning point in the game, but Blessington had to settle for a Sean Mescall point.

AGB dominated for the remaining 10 minutes of the half, with a second Darragh Fitzgerald goal the result of the pressure. Tiernan McBride made a good run to find Cormac O’Shea who hit the back of the net with another for AGB and a further two points, and one from Peter Hempenstall.

AGB had a fourth goal chance just before half-time but a brilliant block by goalie Adrian Ciecko left the sides 3-07 to 0-04 at the halftime break.

After words at half-time, Blessington came out strong at the start of the second half. Kian Nolan and Wayne Miley were excellent in defence for Blessington, but AGB got the opening score from Cathal Kelleher just after the six-minute mark.

AGB became unsettled and went through a 15-minute period before scoring again.

Two points from Sean Mescall and one from Adam Boland saw the spirits of the Blessington men lift. Another goal chance was once again blocked by goalie Kyle O’Connor in the 19th minute.

Blessington finally struck the back of the net in the 23rd minute with a Jack Cotter goal. Jordan McGarr added another point on, but AGB took control of the game for the last seven minutes with Stewart Mills and Darragh Fitzgerald tagging on two more points for a comfotable win on the night.

Blessington fought hard in the second half but two first half AGB goals killed them. Cathal Kelleher and Darragh Fitzgerald both had fine strong performances for the AGB men.

Scorers - AGB: D. Fitzgerald 2-02, C. Kelleher 0-03, C. O’Shea 1-03, P. Hempenstall and S. Mills 0-01 each.

Blessington: A Boland 0-03 (1f) S. Mescall 0-03 J. Cotter 1-00, S. Creighton and J. McGarr 0-01 each.

Blessington: Adrian Ciecko; Wayne Miley, Sean McGarr, Kian Nolan; Dara Richardson, Aaron Curran, Glen Farrell; Ciaran Mescall, Simon Creighton; Ferghal Hennessy, Adam Boland, Jack Cotter; Sean Mescall, Stephen Carroll, Jordan McGarr. Subs: Sean Boothman for Sean Mescall, Ciaran Paton for Ferghal Hennessy, Ethan Cotter for Ciaran Paton, Filip Ceimer for Dara McGorman, Ruairi Finan for Wayne Miley

AGB: Kyle O’Connor; Michael O’Sullivan, Tom Maher, Ciaran O’Shea; Jack Darcy, Jack McCall, Tiernan McBride; Cal Kelly, Jonathan Devearux; Peter Hempenstall, Cormac O’Shea, Stewart Mills; Gavin Bentley, Cathal Kelleher, Darragh Fitzgerald.

Referee: Keith Peppard (Hollywood)