Syddan shine in Rowe’s absence

SYDDAN DULEEK-B’STOWN 4-12 1-10

SYDDAN continue to set a hot pace at the top of the Division 2 table and they easily saw off the challenge of the visitors to maintain their unbeaten run on Sunday morning.

They were without scorer-inchief Daire Rowe, but that didn’t prevent them from running up another high score.

Midfielder Sean Clare struck for two of their goals, while corner back Mark Fedigan and substitute Brian Dillon also found the net.

Anthony Malone’s side were well in contention for most of the way, but their challenge faded in the closing stages and Syddan took full advantage, adding 2-3 in the final eight minutes.

Clare hit his first goal after just four minutes with a low effort to the corner of the net and Syddan led by six points at one stage in the half before the visitors hit back to be on level terms approaching the interval.

It was Gary Reilly’s goal on 22 minutes that brought Duleekback into contention and they then added points from the impressive John Flood, Darren Mills and Brian Moore to drawn level at 1-5 each.

A pointed free late in the half from Michael Fedigan left Syddan ahead by the minimum at the break.

Gary Farrelly doubled Syddan’s lead within a minute of the restart and they went further ahead after Mark Fedigan pounced on a rebound to blast first-time to the net on 40 minutes.

With Flood, Steven Nolan and Reilly on the mark, the east Meath men remained in contention, but they failed to score in the final 12 minutes.

Clare’s second goal put daylight between the teams and Padraig Dillon (two) and sub Brian Dillon accounted for points before the substitute hit his side’s fourth goal in added time.

SYDDAN: DULEEK-BELLEWSTOWN: