U-16s Battle Back to Win Quarter Final
On a showery looking evening. Match got off to an even enough start with Knocknagree scoring the first point inside of five minutes, Newmarket replied with an Ian Flanagan goal. However that would be probably the only highlight of the first half for Newmarket, as any other chances of scores fell short and easy pickings for the Knocknagree defence to clear. Knocknagree proceeded to score some very impressive scores in a first half total of 11 points, half time 1-0 to 0-11.
The second half seemed to start in much the same manner as the first ended. But Knocknagree now seemed to find it hard to capitalize on any advantage they had. As the half moved on to ten minutes there was a remarkable resurgence within the Newmarket team and to a man they raised there game. Newmarket now had a clear advantage and the scores started to come, a few points from Bryan O’Connell and Ian Flanagan paving the way. An Alan Forde goal with about 15 minutes to go seemed to raise the whole game as the deficit was now down to 4 points, Knocknagree scored 2 more points with the game now running close, further points for Timmy O’Keeffe and Bryan O’Connell brought the deficit to a single point with only minutes to go. Knocknagree raced up the other end of the field to score a point, putting 2 between them. So for the last minute it was all hands to the pump for Newmarket. Newmarket had now to proceed up the field in the hope of closing the gap as time was running out. A free was awarded bout 30 yards out, taken by Bryan O’Connell. The free dropped short and a bit of a scramble ensued. Bryan O’Connell had followed up snatched the ball form somewhere turned and scored a great goal to put Newmarket ahead by a point. From the following kick out the ref blew his whistle for time. A close call, but Newmarket just holding out to win by a single point. To quote two old cliches, this was a game of two halves, first half all Knocknagree, second half all Newmarket. Also Goals win games. A great contest where unfortunately there could only be one winner. Final Score 3-6 to 0-14
Damien Kelly | ||||
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Liam O’Callaghan | Brendan Stack | Darren O’Keefe | ||
TJ Brosnan | Danny Allen | Andy Twomey | ||
Ian Flanagan (1-1) | Conor Cronin | |||
Timmy O’Keeffe (0-1) | Bryan O’Connell(1-4) | Jonathan O’Connor | ||
Eddie Allen | Alan Forde (1-0) | Nicky Barrett | ||
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