Ivan’s the man with dramatic last-gasp goal

A LAST-GASP goal from substitute Ivan Lenehan secured a share of the spoils for Rathkenny in this high-scoring encounter at Seneschalstown last Saturday evening.

The draw keeps Rathkenny firmly in the race for promotion and a quick return to the top tier following their relegation at the end of last season. They still, however, trail table-toppers and neighbours Syddan, with the sides set to clash in a round-eight tie.

Seneschalstown led by six points at one stage in the second half before their lead was wiped out. But they managed to open up a three-point advantage entering the closing stages and seemed set for the win until Lenehan struck with a goal in added time.

Lenehan, who was introduced as a sub five minutes into the second half, was making his first appearance since suffering a cruciate ligament injury almost 12 months ago.

Both sides were short a number of regulars, but there was an interesting midfield tussle between two former county stars, Joe Sheridan and Brian Meade. The sides enjoyed spells of dominance throughout, with the hosts finding the net late in the half to lead 1-8 to 0-9 at the break. That goal came from Keith Curtis. They eventually drew level before the home side regained the lead after Finnegan, Wogan and Joe Sheridan accounted for points.

Keith Timmons pounced for a Rathkenny goal on 50 minutes after an effort from Lenehan had rebounded off the crossbar.

Further scores from Niall Lyons, Sheridan and Wogan left Seneschalstown three clear entering added time, but proceedings took one final twist with that late effort from Lenehan to keep Rathkenny firmly in the promotion hunt.

Seneschalstown finished with 14 following the late dismissal of Joe Cowley. SENESCHALSTOWN: David Gordon; Mark Fox 0-1, John Smith, Brian Maguire; Niall Lyons 0-1, Joe Cowley, Adam Carey; Niall Hickey, Joe Sheridan 0-2; Niall McCabe 0-1, Cathal Finnegan 1-3 (1f), Alan Mulvany; Dylan Keating 1-2, James Meade, Robert Wogan 0-5 (2f). Subs: Ryan O’Dowd for Mulvany, Ronan Conneely for Maguire, Sean Carey for Meade, Robert Ruddy for Lyons.

RATHKENNY: Colin Curtis; Joe Gore, Ross Gore, Niall Brannigan; Stephen Crosbie, Thomas McGuinness, Jack Thompson; Brian Meade, Christy Meade; Keith Timmons 1-0, Brian Lenehan, Jack Gore 0-3; Owen Elliott 0-2, Donal Curtis 0-4, Keith Curtis 0-6fs. Subs: Ivan Lenehan 1-0 for B Lenehan, Mark Byrne for Thompson, Evan Crosbie for Timmons.

REF: Joe Synnott (Donaghmore/Ash)