Murphy lays down law

LANNLEIRE NAOMH MALACHI 4-12 2-8

A dominant second half display from Lannleire secured the points on offer in Courtbane on Sunday afternoon as they picked up their second win of the league campaign. The mid Louth outfit turned around a half-time deficit with an assured attacking display after the interval with wing forward Colin Murphy finishing with a hat-trick.

Both sides got into their stride quickly with three goals inside the opening ten minutes. Collie Rooney found the back of the net for the hosts in the fifth minute before Colin Murphy responded with his own major 60 seconds later. However, an individual effort from Jamie Kelly, who rifled past John King, edged the Mals into the lead.

Liam Callan and Murphy added points for the visitors but Rooney and veteran Ronan McElroy kept the Mals in front by the opening quarter. Alan Murphy and Padraig Moley traded long-range scores, as did Niall Lennon and Rooney, before a composed finish from Gary Monaghan cut the Mals lead to 2-4 to 1-5 at the break.

Upon the restart, Breen McGuinness capitalised on a mistake in the Mals defence to claim his side’s second goal of the contest. Although Lennon edged Lannleire further ahead, a brace of fine points from Rooney levelled the game by the 37thminute.

Lennon restored his side’s lead before Colin Murphy pulled on a loose ball that cannoned in off the underside of the crossbar to extend the visitors lead. The impressive McGuinness added a fine point as did Liam Callan as their side grew in confidence. Moley and Colin Murphy traded points before the latter finished with aplomb past net minder Mark Meegan for his second goal of the contest to seal victory.