Loss deals big blow to Duleek challenge

ST MICHAEL’S 0-18 DULEEK-B’STOWN 0-12

A SECOND successive defeat has Duleek-Bellewstown clinging to the pace-setters in their efforts to make a quick return to Division 1 of the ‘A’ Football League.

The result leaves the east Meath side with little room for error going into their four remaining matches.

They were well in contention against the table-toppers throughout the opening half of this clash played in Carlanstown, but their challenge fell away after that as the hosts tightened their grip on a promotion spot.

Anthony Burke, Conall McGinley and Jamie and Shane Crosby were in fine form for the visitors as the sides finished 0-7 each at the break.

St Michael’s raised the tempo at the beginning of the second half with quick points from Ronan Lynch (two) and Ciaran Lynch.

John Flood did his best to keep his side in contention with a number of scores, but the home side were finding it much easier to hit the target and they gradually pulled clear.

ST MICHAEL’S: D O’Connell; D O’Reilly, J Reilly, M Stafford; R Cassidy, M Halpin, C Drew; P O’Connell 0-3, F O’Reilly; R Lynch 0-3, C Lynch 0-7, D Lynch 0-1; R Reilly 0-1, O Meehan 0-1, S McDonnell 0-1. Subs: JB O’Reilly for D O’Reilly, S McCormack for R Reilly, B Tobin for F O’Reilly, S Briody for R Lynch.

DULEEK-BELLEWSTOWN: A Dowling; D Teeling, J Branigan, S Townley; K McCann, D Moore, G Reilly; S Crosby 0-1, R Clarke; J Flood 0-5, C Dunne, J Crosby 0-1; C McGinley 0-2, M Dowling, A Burke 0-3. Subs: D Heeney for J Crosby, C Flynn for Dunne.