A classy Pobal Ui Chaoimh side claimed the North Cork Minor B Football Championship final after overturning a two goal second half deficit against Newmarket at Millstreet on Friday night. A fine spectacle ending 1-14 to 2-8 as a quite stunning second half performance left Newmarket reeling.

Pobal Ui Chaoimh started brightly and were rewarded with two points on the scoreboard by the sixth minute. Newmarket found their rhythm and in the seventh minute, Daniel Culloty passed to the on rushing Michael Cottrell who blazed a trail as he set off on a long solo run, leaving defenders in his wake before finishing superbly to the bottom corner of the net. Moments later, Michael Cottrell again took the plaudits on kicking an excellent point.

Midway through the half, Newmarket strengthened their position. The team attacked with pace and this time it was full back Donal Hannon who rampaged through the middle on a wonderful solo run. As he closed in on goal his goalbound shot was stopped by the goalkeeper, but Barry O’Connor was on hand to help the rebound into the net.

Gavin Forde added a fine point from play and after twenty minutes, Newmarket held a lead of 2-2 to 0-3. Pobal Ui Chaoimh were a threat throughout the half as they added a fourth point. Newmarket ended the half in the ascendancy as Daniel Culloty swept over an excellent point and Barry O’Connor converted a close in free to give Newmarket a half time lead of 2-4 to 0-4.

Pobal Ui Chaoimh stormed out of the blocks in the second half and pointed within two minutes. Newmarket replied as Gavin Forde kicked his second point of the night. Pobal Ui Chaoimh found the target once more but when Daniel Culloty pointed spectacularly from a free, Newmarket still held a two goal lead, eleven minutes into the half.

At this stage, Pobal Ui Chaoimh found the extra resources to completely dismiss the Newmarket challenge. Two points followed before a goal at the end of the third quarter spiralled the momentum. The sides were deadlocked, 2-6 to 1-9 with twelve minutes remaining as the spectators rallied behind the eventual winners. Another two points turned the pendulum in Pobal Ui Chaoimh’s favour but Newmarket kept in touch as Daniel Culloty pointed with six minutes to play.

The next two points were shared, a Barry O’Connor free ensuring just a single point separated the sides going into the closing minutes. Newmarket were pinned into their own half and excellent point taking, a feature of Pobal Ui Chaoimh’s performance ensured victory and a superb comeback.

Newmarket were obviously extremely disappointed as a team which has represented the club so proudly all year endured defeat for the first time in a fantastic season which has provided so many outstanding displays.

The Newmarket team and scorers…

Barry O’Connor (1-2), Michael Cottrell (1-1), Daniel Culloty (0-3), Gavin Forde (0-2).

Shane McAuliffe
Jamie Hayes		Donal Hannon		Jeremy Murphy
Con McAuliffe		Paudie Allen		Daniel O'Doherty
	Alan Ryan		Jonathan Flaherty
Peter Lynch		Gavin Forde		Michael Cottrell
Danny O'Connell		Barry O'Connor		Daniel Culloty
Subs: Eoin O’Connell