Shamrocks 2-5, Ballinhassig 1-6
Shamrocks recorded their second win in a row to put themselves in contention for the playoff stages of the B Football league with a narrow victory over a tough Ballinhassig side in Shanbally on Tuesday evening last.
The first half was pretty even with Ballinhassig winning way more possession around the midfield sector, however some resolute defending from Shamrocks and bad shooting let them down. Shamrocks played down towards the clubhouse in that half and really should have been more than 1-2 to 0-1 ahead at half time considering the strength of the breeze.
But Shamrocks weren’t direct enough in their play and the one time they did, Joey Brady at full forward tipped home the half’s only goal. Jamie Sweeney, who threathened a goal early on when he rattled the post had earlier opened the scoring followed by a Stephen Keane point.
The second half was going to be a battle and it looked like a battle that Shamrocks were going to lose as Ballinhassig scored a goal from a penalty and then scored 3 points on the trot to open up a 1-4 to 1-2 lead with 15 minutes to go.
However, Shamrocks, now with a man advantage dug deep and showed lots of character throughout the pitch to fight their way back into contention. They got more competitive around the middle and first Tony O’Mahony and then Cian Ronayne got vital points to leave the game level. The key score followed soon after when Jason Browne, up from half back, finished a great team move to the back of the Ballinhassig net.
Shamrocks now led by a goal with 7 minutes to go; Ballinhasig threw everything at the Shamroxcks defence who were outstanding in that period in particular. They got one point but time ran out in the end for them and Shamrocks held on. Next game Tuesday June 12th away to Ballygarvan. We might try and organise a training session next week, depending on the hurling situation.
Team: J. Wilson, K. O’Mahony, P. Prout, A. Hickey, J. Browne, C. Brady, S. Hurley, T. O’Mahony, S. Keane, C. Ronayne, S. Jordan, B. Cusack, S. Downey, J. Brady, J. Sweeney. Subs used – N. Hayes, P. Andrews, P. Lordan.
