Brave under 21 footballers go down to Macroom
Newmarket’s under 21 football team were defeated by a strong Macroom side in the County semi final played at Banteer on Wednesday evening by 1-11 to 0-6.
Macroom took the lead thanks to a second minute point but a long period of play followed without a score with both defences on top, the Newmarket backs were under intense pressure at times, but performed admirably. Macroom then added a second point in the thirteenth minute and followed this with another quick brace of scores. Newmarket eventually got off the mark in the nineteenth minute when John Lane slotted over a free. Another eight minutes elapsed without a score but as the half concluded, Macroom added two points. Newmarket finished the half with a second point after a mammouth kickout from goalkeeper Niall O’Connor was latched onto by John Ryan who laid the ball off to the onrushing T.J. Bodie and he kicked over a fine point.
Newmarket tried hard to reduce the deficit upon the restart but it was Macroom who added to their tally thanks to two points. John Ryan pointed a free in the fortieth minute as again both defences held their opponents at bay for the next eight minutes. The game was put beyond Newmarkets reach when Macroom were then awarded a penalty. Despite an incredible double save from Newmarket goalkeeper Niall O’Connor, Macroom eventually found a way past the brilliant custodian at the third attempt. Two points followed as Cork senior panellist Fintan Gould landed a couple of spectacular scores. Newmarket kept battling and were rewarded with a strong finish. Team captain kicked over a fine point before then converting a long range free. John Ryan kicked over another point but Macroom completed the proceedings with a terrific last point to run out clear victors.
Newmarket will reflect on a memorable year in this grade after regaining the Duhallow title. Well done to all involved and to their team of mentors.
The Newmarket team was…
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| Niall O’Connor | ||||
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| David Guiney | Paul Cashman | Brian O’Riordan | ||
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| Robert Stack | Bart Daly (0-2) | Sean Doody | ||
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| Kevin O’Sullivan | Timothy Murphy | |||
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| John Ryan (0-2) | T.J. Bodie (0-1) | Michael Kenneally | ||
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| Nicky Flanagan | Ian Flanagan | John Lane (0-1) | ||
| SUBS: Ricky Reidy, William Lehane | ||||
