St Michaels produce late smash and grab against Knocknagree

VISITING St. Michael’s stung Knocknagree with a late salvo on netting a match winning goal to yield a vital win. The classic tale of two halves looked on the cards, the wind assisted the city side forging ahead 0-6 to 0-1 at the short whistle.

Knocknagree summoned up a comeback and looked to be well positioned when forcing parity entering the closing stages. Driving forward in a series of raids, Knocknagree appeared well versed to take the lead for the first occasion.

However the contest turned on its head when on a breakaway attack, St Michaels caught the opposing defence napping, a long range effort from Eric Hegarty found the net. Earlier St Michaels dominated the opening spell, Andrew Murphy, Eric and Keith Hegarty points secured the 0-6 to 0-1 advantage. Indeed Knocknagree’s position might well have been more precarious after ‘keeper Damien Browne saved from the penalty spot.

Backed by the elements in the second half, Knocknagree sprang to life to dominate proceedings and set about reducing the deficit.

Indeed, Knocknagree began to make inroads, Denis O’Connor. Chris White, Timmy O’Connor and Mchael Mahoney pointing.

And when Niall O’Connor boomed over a mighty point from distance to force a deadlock, Knocknagree looked well positioned to take control.

Back came St Michaels, an opportunist goal from Eric Hegarty took the wind out of the Knocknagree sails for a match winning goal.

ST MICHAELS: M Burke; J Golden, A O’Callaghan, L Carroll; P Cunningham, B Cain, C Hanley; E De Burca 0-1, E Hickey; E Sheahan, A Murphy 0-2, J Murphy; D Meaney 0-1, E Hegarty 1-2, K Hegarty 0-2

KNOCKNAGREE: D Browne; Neal O’Connor, D Mahoney, G O’Connor; T O’Connor 0-1, M Mahoney 0-1, S Daly; T O’Mahony, David O’Connor; C O’Connor, Denis O’Connor 0-3, K Cronin; C White 0-1, P O’Connor. Niall O’Connor 0-1 Subs: D Twomey, K Buckley, R O’Connor