Dromtariffe and Emmets renew rivalry in U-21 football replay

DROMTARIFFE and Robert Emmets failed to be separated in a thrilling Central Stores, Kanturk Duhallow U-21 C FC Final and the indications are little or nothing will divide the pair when they renew rivalry in the replay at Glantane this Friday night.

The pairing is no surprise, the sides on parade, the best, each strong and skilful as evident in the drawn tussle as both sides exhibited plenty of resilience and skill in testing conditions.

Emmets secured the game’s equalising score courtesy of Darren O’Keeffe, the general viewpoint was a stalemate emerged just about the correct outcome. That said, for long stretches, Dromtariffe’s team ethic looked sharper, working diligently to recover from the concession of an early goal.

And once Dromtariffe goaled from an opportunist Mark Lynes strike, they had Emmets on the backfoot, confirmed on the turnover when kicking four consecutive points into the teeth of the elements.

In fairness, Emmets responded well to their predicament, not found wanting on forcing parity three times during the second half. By doing so, Emmets revealed alot of character though more consistency will be required on this occasion.

However Dromtariffe are a tough nut to crack and for the greater portion of the hour in the drawn encounter, they looked the sharper combination to succeed. A repeat performance in the replay may be good enough for Dromtariffe to collect the silverware.

The second semi final to the U-21 BC between Boherbue and Duarigle Gaels is rescheduled for Kiskeam on Sunday. Holders Duarigle were pushed all the way by a gutsy Knocknagree in a thrilling opening round.

On the balance of play, the Gaels just about deserved their victory yet challengers Knocknagree can take alot of positives from a game that hung in the balance right up to the last whistle. Duarigle displayed great character as the positive play of Shane Hickey, Colm O’Leary, Colin Walsh and Mike Twomey brought order to their game.

Meanwhile, a scoring spree during the opening half steered Boherbue well clear of Croke Rovers. At the end of the hour, there was no disputing that Boherbue emerged worthy victors, largely trouble free for last season’s runners up after utilising a strong wind to establish an early dominance.

Key to Boherbue were Jack Daly, Colin O’Keeffe, David O’Connor, Bryan Herlihy and Gerry O’Sullivan.

Expect an attacked conscious Boherbue have a right go yet Duarigle might hold the balance to shade a narrow win between two quality sides.