Shamrocks 0-12, Blarney 1-6
This was an important win for Shamrocks in the scramble to qualify for a playoff place in the Div 1 league. Shamrocks moved to second in the with the hard fought win but as many as EIGHT clubs can finish in the top two at this point. Its a very competitive league, just like this game was.
Shamrocks should have won by more. To be more specific, they should have been more than 0-10 to 0-4 ahead at half time. They completely dominated possession and had some glorious chances in front of goal but unfortunately, they left their shooting boots at home; easily kicking double figure wides throughout the hour but thats something that can be corrected. Plenty of attacks broke down as well close in on goal in what was largely a frustrating first half, before a three point scoring burst before the break gave them more of a cushion.
Their profligary in front of goal in the first half nearly cost them. Blarney scored 1-1 straight from the throw in at the start of the second half. There followed 10 scoreless minutes before Blarney brought it back to a one point game, 0-10 to 1-6 with 13 minutes left. The game was there for either team to win. Shamrocks dug in and scored a wonderful point in the 17th minute of the second half, their first score in that period. This was followed by another from a free to give them a three point lead with 8 minutes to go.
The hits were going in and both teams were up for it at this point. But the teams cancelled each other out in that last 8 minutes plus the 2 of injury time and that suited Shamrocks perfectly as they just about held onto the 3 point margin. They can also thank the Shamrocks goalkeeper goal who made 3 excellent blocks, one in particular two thirds of the way through the second half when Blarney were looking for the equaliser
Well done to all for digging in on a wet night against good opposition.