Stradbally prevail in hard fought game
The Stradbally team observe a minute's silence prior to their SFC 'B' quarter-final against Courtwood at Annanough in honour of Robbie Moore who passed away during the week Photo: Paul Dargan
Stradbally 1-14
Courtwood 1-8
The well-appointed venue at Vicarstown welcomed Stradbally and Courtwood last Friday evening for the first game in this year’s Senior ‘B’ Football Championship. This competition may not have the attraction of the four big games at headquarters over the weekend, however these two attracted a huge attendance in perfect conditions.
Stradbally went down this road last year and earned their place back at the top table. However it had not been their intention to travel that route again this year, but hampered by some serious injuries saw them suffer defeat in two championship outings.
Courtwood had begun the year turning heads with their performances in Division 1 of the ACFL, capped when they reached the final and only lost after extra time to St Joseph’s. Since then their form has dipped and that found them just down the road from home last Friday.
The All Whites started well but kicked six wides before finding the target. In contrast, with limited possession, Stradbally kicked three early points starting with two from Liam Knowles and Jack Deegan. Courtwood opened their scoring with a point by centre forward Alan Kinsella before Colm Begley made it 0-3 to 0-1 after 13 minutes.
Ryan Little narrowed the gap to the minimum but then Stradbally turned the game when midfielder Jack Deegan, making a welcome return to the green jersey, ran down field and blazed the ball past the Courtwood keeper, Matthew Byron, from close range.
Chances were then missed at both ends before points were traded between Cian Doyle and Jack Deegan again. When Tom Shiel stood over a free, he stretched the Stradbally lead out to a goal and six, with Courtwood still on three points.
Stradbally closed the half with another wide but went to the break leading 1-6 to 0-3.
Courtwood management were not happy. They had seen their side win much possession in middle of the park yet had just three points to show for all that on the board. Stradbally knew Courtwood would be a bigger threat on the restart, knowing a loss could be very costly.
Drama unfolded within minutes of the resumption when referee, Eugene Dowdall signalled a penalty for Stradbally when he deemed a Courtwood defender had fouled Ciaran O’Neill. More drama followed when Matthew Byron dived full length to his right to deny Stradbally full back Liam Knowles and deflect the ball out for a 45, which David Donoghue duly converted.
Five minutes into the new half Courtwood, playing into the pavilion end, were awarded a penalty for a foul on Alan Kinsella. Niall Dunne took on the responsibility and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
Cian Doyle posted a point two minutes later. Courtwood followed with two wides and when Stradbally won a free, Tom Shiel made no mistake. Courtwood midfielder Niall Dunne delivered another great point and now three points was the deficit.
Now the scene was set for a great final quarter, and the teams would not disappoint. Tom Shiel and Dylan Keane traded points. Next Eoghan Slattery placed Niall Dunne for a great score and a minute later Rob Tyrell set up Alan Kinsella and he cut the margin to a single point.
Stradbally did not panic and responded positively with points from Eoin Buggie and Colm Begley. Both sides then kicked wides in desperation. Matthew then came out field to take a long distance free but it peeled off narrowly wide.
Stradbally finished strongly, pulled out all the stops and added insurance points by Tom Shiel, who showed he still has great vision.
Stradbally now advance to play The Heath in the semi-final, the side they beat in last year’s final while Courtwood should survive another challenge from Ballyfin who suffered a big loss to Clonaslee/St Manman’s at the weekend.
SCORERS:
Stradbally: Jack Deegan 1-2, Liam Knowles (fs) and Tom Shiel (0-1f) 0-3 each, Colm Begley and Eoin Buggie 0-2 each, Colm Begley and David Murphy 0-1 each.
Courtwood: Niall Dunne 1-3 (1-0 pen 0-2fs), Alan Kinsella 0-2, Ryan Little, Dylan Keane and Cian Doyle 0-1 each.
STRADBALLY: Darren Maher; Conor McDonald, Liam Knowles, Jack Langton; James Devoy, Eoin Buggie, Ronan Creery; Jack Deegan, Colm Begley; David Donohue, Conor Buggie, Cian O’Neill; Tom Shiel, Conor Goode, David Murphy.
Subs: Fionn McEvoy for O’Neill (55m), Gary Comerford for Shiel (57m).
COURTWOOD: Matthew Byron; Barry Donnelly, Robbie Flynn, Adam O’Halloran; Jake Doyle, Sean O’Flynn, Niall Donoher; Niall Dunne, Rob Tyrell; Dylan Keane, Alan Kinsella, Eoghan Slattery; Ryan Little, Cian Doyle, Paul O’Flynn.
Subs: Nathan Little for Donnelly (43m), Colm Wilson for P. O’Flynn (57m).
Referee: Eugene Dowdall (Ballylinan)
