Close battle in South Sligo as Tourlestrane lead
ON Saturday evening Tubbercurry Senior men hosted Tourlestrane in the Division One Furey’s Coaches Senior League.
In the first quarter, Tourlestrane had taken a comfortable lead with a well taken goal from John Kelly added to earlier points from Liam Gaughan and Brian Egan.
Tubbercurry then quickly came into the game and the gap started to narrow.
James Leonard was shown the red card by referee John Gilmartin just before the half time whistle as Tourlestrane were left with a lot to do with just 14 men.
They went to the dressing room with a four- point lead with a tight second half in store.
The second period saw points come quickly from Gaughan and Cian Gilmartin with both teams playing hard and fast.
While bravely going down on a ball to deny a certain goal, Tubbercurry keeper Colm McGee was unfortunate to sustain an injury and had to be substituted.
This inspired Tubbercurry to a spirited fight back and a well taken point from Brian Morahan left just a goal between the teams.
Cathal Henry sustained a hand injury and had to take to the bench and his substitute Aaron Murtagh took some fine scores also.
Stephen Kilcoyne and Stephen Henry both scored in the closing minutes but neither team seemed willing to let go of the win with Tourlestrane having to work all the harder with only 14 men.
Fine defending on both sides paid off closing down their opposition.
Tubbercurry scored an opportunistic goal after a scramble in the Tourlestrane goalmouth and after a entertaining game of football Tourlestrane came out on top with a narrow one- point margin.
Both sides are in action this weekend which sees Tubbercurry travelling to take on Calry/ St Joseph’s.
Tourlestrane welcome north Sligo outfit St Molaise Gaels.
In the Furey’s Coaches Division One table, Tourlestrane are leading after six rounds.
They have won all of their six games and are leading south Sligo’s Coolaney/ Mullinabreena, who also won at the weekend by two points. Tubbercurry are in third with nine points, while at the bottom of the table, it is Curry, who are yet to win a game after five rounds, they are behind Drumcliffe/ Rosses Point.