Blues stay on course for NEFL double
ARDEE took the only points that the cup holders have dropped in the league when the sides drew earlier in the season at Muirhevnamor.
On Friday night a place in the semi-finals of the Cup was on offer and it was very much in the balance at the interval, as the first-half ended in stalemate.
Although the holders had the chances to have netted on a few occasions, it was not one of their more distinguished displays missing some important players Billy Smith, Tiernan Mulvenna and Robbie Gavigan, along with Thomas McShane.
However, some critical examination at the break produced a big improvement in the second half, and centre-half half Adrian Rafferty put them ahead in the first ten minutes when from close range he turned in Nathan Murphy’s cross.
Substitute Brendan Hughes then made an instant impact as he doubled the visitors advantage with Man of the Match Cody Magill the architect, winning the
ball and playing a lovely through pass.
Ardee then lost their cool when before the ball was even centred they were reduced to nine men, with two players sentoff, including their goalkeeper who received a second yellow card, and an outfield colleague was shown a straight red card.
The holders proceeded to retain possession of the ball, and put the outcome beyond doubt and moved a step closer to perhaps carrying off the double with two late goals.
Gary Clarke scored his second goal in as many games after working a one two with Mickey O’Kane, and Vinny Smith who also was introduced grabbed their fourth with a great finish from another cross by full-back Murphy.
The holders meet leaders Boyne next Thursday, needing to win to deprive the Boynesiders of the title and keep their own hopes alive, and then look to defeat Trim in their last game to regain the pennant after lifting it for the first time the season before last.
Central defenders, Jimmy Cooney and Adrian Rafferty played a crucial part in keeping out Ardee in the first-half, when the young Ardee forwards caused a lot of problems. MUIRHEVNAMOR: Michael Cooney, Brian Begley, Jimmy Cooney, Adrian Rafferty, Nathan Murphy, Cody Magill, Philip Duffy (Niall Hearty), Colin Finan (Brendan Hughes), Martin Smith (Vinny Smith), Mickey O’Kane.