Jocks advance
remainder of the game to deny the Dreadnots an opportunity to conjure up the goal they needed and the succeeded comfortably despite losing Eoghan Callaghan to a second yello card.
It was a bitterly disappointing end for a Clogher side who started the championship with such high hopes, but the signs were ominous for the ponderous Dreadnots from the early stages as they simply failed to stamp their authority on a game even while playing with the strong breeze.
Despite the boost of Pepe Smith’s reprieve from suspension and James Califf’s return from injury, the Clogher men once again failed to deliver. After taking a 0-5 to 0-1 lead inside the opening quarter with the help of points from Smith, Califf and Karl Monaghan they failed to take full advantage of the elements. The Maritins began to dominate around the middle and scores from Brian Berrill, McCullough, Callaghan, Conor Whelan and Sam Mulroy helped them cut the gap to 0-8 to 0-7 at half time.
The Dreadnots made a bright start to the second half and after Califf stretched the gap to two points, they looked as if they might find their rhythm at last.
However, those hopes were dashed by the lively Mairtins side who seized the initiative and not only went on to record a deserved victory, but also sent out a message that on this form they will fancy their chances of claiming the Joe Ward.
NAOMH MAIRTIN: Craig Lynch; Paul Berrill, Mick Fanning, Eoghan Callaghan 0-2; Padraig McDonagh 0-1, Brendan Reilly, Thomas Sullivan; Wayne Campbell, Gavin Mooney; Stephen Campbell, Sam Mulroy 0-1, Conor Whelan 0-2; Fra McCullough 0-3, Brian Berrill 0-2, Mark McCullough 0-1. Subs: JP Rooney 2-1 for C Whelan, Conor Healy 0-1 for G Mooney, Bryan McQuillan for P Berrill, Luke Harrington for M McCullough.
DREADNOTS: Kenneth Shevlin; Brian Gargan, Derek Shevlin, Barry Faulkner; Padraig Rath, Anthony Williams, Dermot Campbell; James Califf 0-6 (4f, 1 45), Liam Shevlin; Pat Lynch, Paraic Smith 0-5 (4f), David O’Brien; Karl Monaghan 0-1, Peter Kirwan, Cian McEvoy. Subs: Richard Kirwan 1-0 for K Monaghan, Anthony Lynch for D O’Brien.
REFEREE: Paul Kneel.