Knocknagree encounter few problems from Croke Rovers U-21s

Knocknagree 2-21 Croke Rovers 3-4

KNOCKNAGREE recorded a resounding victory over Croke Rovers to a one sided Central Stores, Kanturk Duhallow U-21 B FC quarter-final at a rain-lashed Knocknagree.

A deplorable night for football yet Knocknagree weren’t found wanting, a forceful opening half laid the foundation for this highly impressive showing. Fair dues to a young Croke Rovers outfit, never giving up but Knocknagree’s greater energy and a potent forward unit emerged a major difference between the sides.

Indeed Knocknagree settled into the ball game from the outset, backed by the elements, they made it happen through a combination of hard work, clever play and a capacity of finding scores much easier.

That came about from points by both Denis and Niall O’Connor with Daniel O’Mahony and Paul O’Connor netting goals for a clear 2-16 to 0-1 advantage at the break.

To their credit, Croke Rovers rallied, encouraged by the play of Danny Linehan, Killian Buttimer and Cillian O’Sullivan. Indeed the Castlemagner and Kilbrin combination were rewarded on goals from Buttimer, Daniel O’Sullivan and Michael Buckley.

Still the deficit remained pretty hefty as Knocknagree saw their task to a successful conclusion to secure a ticket to a semi final date against Kanturk. KNOCKNAGREE: A O’Sullivan; G Looney, M Doyle, P Lock; T O’Mahony, D O’Mahony 1-1, S Twomey 0-1; M Mahony 0-1, G Vaughan 0-2, D Twomey 0-2, D O’Connor 0-6, T O’Connor 0-1; E Herlihy, P O’Connor 1-1, N O’Connor 0-5.

CROKE ROVERS: D Vaughan, A Heffernan, I O’Sullivan, D Lucey, C O’Sullivan, D Linehan 1-0, S McMahon, D O’Mahony, K Buttimer 1-1, D Murphy 0-1, R O’Mahony, J Bourke, S Curtin, D O’Sullivan 1-0, M Buckley 1-1.

REFEREE: J Keating (Millstreet)