Battling Gers grab play-off lifeline
GERALDINES MATTOCK RANGERS 0-12 0-9
GERALDINES guaranteed themselves a chance to avoid relegation from Division 1 when they claimed victory over Mattock Rangers at Haggardstown on Friday night to book a place in the relegation play-off.
The home side went into the game knowing they required victory to finish above Dundalk Gaels and avoid the automatic relegation place and in the end they achieved their objective with Conor Rafferty and Jim McEneaney providing crucial scores.
The duo were in good form in the opening period as they landed five points between them, while Shane Rogers and Stephen Reidy were also on target. Despite those points, the Gers were unable to shake off a Mattock Rangers side who battled throughout despite already being guaranteed a place in the top four.
David Reid was once again to the fore for the visitors as his points ensured Mattock went in at the break level at seven points apiece.
The greater urgency of the Gers was evident in the second period as they upped the tempo and they eventually secured the win with the help of late points from Rafferty, James Craven and McEneaney.
GERALDINES: Sean McEneaney; Tiarnan Hand, Daniel Corcoran, Jack Traynor; James Corrigan, James Craven, Gareth Neacy; Michael Rogers, Stephen Reidy; Shane Rogers, Jim McEneaney, Shaun Callan; Paddy Hoey, Conor Rafferty, Josh Arrowsmith.
MATTOCK RANGERS: Mark Lenehan; Alan Caraher 0-1, Sean Gilsenan, Ben Markey; Ryan Lenehan, Niall McKeown 0-1, Brendan Leacy; Dan Bannon, Hugh Donnelly; David Reid 0-5, Adrian Reid, Shane Hickey; Michael McKeown, Cathal Clarke, Terry Donegan. Sub: Ronan Kilbane 0-1, Ben McKenna 0-1.