Mattock hot streak continues in Ardee
MATTOCK RANGERS ST MARYS 2-10 0-14
MATTOCK Rangers brought their impressive Paddy Sheelan Cup form into the opening round of the Division 1 League as they came out on top against St Marys.
The Collon men made the short trip to Ardee for what proved to be a very close affair but in the end it was goals from David Reid and Ben McKenna that helped them get across the line.
Both teams went into the game on the back of some very good early season form that resulted in them setting up a meeting in the Paddy Sheelan Cup final, and that confidence was evident in the first half as they tried to gain the initiative.
However, it was Mattock who had the better fortune in front of goal and midway through the half David Reid got in to raise the first green flag as his side took a 1-5 to 0-6 lead at half time.
The second half followed a similar pattern with Mark Fay, who finished with seven points to his name, working hard to keep the Marys in touch.
However, the vital score of the half arrived in the opening minutes when Ben McKenna fired in the second goal. That gave the Collon men sufficient breathing space and they were able to hold out for a two-point victory.
MATTOCK RANGERS: Mike Englishby; Alan Caraher, Sean Gilsenan, Ben Markey; Conor Leneghan 0-1, Niall McKeown 0-2, Ryan Leneghan 0-1; Daniel Bannon 0-1, Hugh Donnelly; David Reid 1-4, Aaron O’Brien, Ben McKenna 1-0; Terry Donegan, 0-1, Adrian Reid, Michael McKeown.
ST MARYS: Alan McGauley; Brendan Matthews, Philip Trainor, Conor Keenan; Wayne Matthews, Karl Faulkner, Kian Moran; Joe Mulholland, Eimhin Keenan; Liam Jackson 0-2, Ronan Carroll 0-3, Darragh McConnon 0-1; Conor Gillespie, Cian Commins 0-1, Mark Fay 0-7. Subs: David Carroll for B Matthews, Donal McKenny for W Matthews, Ciaran Keenan for C Commins, Robbie Clarke for C Gillespie.