Goals prove crucial as O Raghallaigh’s see off the Gers

THE O Raghallaighs came out on the right end of a contest that reflected the poor conditions, as the Drogheda men grabbed the all-important goals at crucial times.

The slippy conditions caused some poor handling in the Geraldines full back line and Keith Hughes took full advantage, gerabbing a couple of opportunistic goals.

Geraldines bounced back with points from Stephen Reidy and a Johnny Breen free-kick to cut the gap to 2-2 to 0-2 at the break.

The Geraldines came back into it in the second half with a fortuitous goal from a long Johnny Breen effort but were rocked by a controversial decision from referee John Murphy when he awarded the O Raghallaighs a penalty for a foot block. Ben Rogan stepped up confidently and stroked the ball home to reassert the home side's authority.

A couple of points from the Geraldines weren't enough with a Rogan point for O Raghallaighs edging the Drogheda outfit four in front. One of the only pluses for the Geraldines was Matthew Corcoran making his starting debut for the club at just 16 years old after a number of excellent substitute appearances. O RAGHALLAIGHS: Joe Flanagan; Graham Leech, Johnny Clerkin, James Morgan; Eoin Moore, James Noonan, Alan Doyle; Ciaran Brassil, Robert Mulroy; Joe Rogan, Chris Smith, Stephen smith 0-1; Ben Rogan 1-2, Damhan Finnegan, Keith Hughes 2-0. Subs: Craig McEnteggart for S Smith. GERALDINES: Sean McEneaney; Tiarnan Hand, Nicky Mackin, Ryan Trainor; Sean Watter, Gerard Hoey, Kevin Pepper; Stephen Reidy, Matthew Corcoran; Owen Brayden, Shaun Callan, Paul Clarke; Josh Arrowsmith, Shane O'Hanlon, Johnny Breen. Subs: Gareth Neacy, Cathal O'Brien.