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Crosserlough 5-08 Derrygonnelly 1-04
A ruthless display in front of goal in the early part of this game seen impressive Cavan champions Crosserlough defeat Derrygonnelly in this Paul McGirr Ulster Club Champions Tournament preliminary round game on Saturday afternoon in Gardrum Park, Dromore. Any pre-match nerves the Cavan boys had were soon banished as they got off to a perfect start with 1-01 in the first five minutes from full forward Darren Galligan, the goal coming after a tremendous catch and run from the dangerous Conor Lee who was proving very influential in the early stages before having to retire with a hamstring injury. After a Steven Smith pointed free from a narrow angle, both corner forwards Steven Harten and Caoilean Galligan found the Derrygonnelly net, again benefitting from great work from Lee. A rattled Derrygonnelly side finally starting to find their form and three points from Calum Jones and Shane McGullion (2) gave them a glimmer of hope, however this was short lived as wing forward Shane McVeety punished a poor kick out with Crosserlough's fourth goal. Darren Galligan then lofted over a fine effort from the right wing just before half time to leave the Cavan boys in a commanding position.
Much to their credit Derrygonnelly showed great fighting spirit in the second half, with their captain Connor Cameron putting in a commanding performance at full back repelling numerous Crosserlough attacks. Three further points from Galligan and Smith (2 frees) were followed by a scrambled goal from midfielder Tomas Keaney after the Derrygonnelly defence failed to deal with an incoming '45. However the loss of corner forward Caoileann Galligan to a double yellow signalled a period of Derrygonnelly dominance and but for sterling work in defence from man of the match Patrick O'Reilly the final scoreline would have been much closer. Derrygonnelly susbtitute Ciaran McGovern gave them a much deserved goal following a fine length of the field move and Nathan Jones added another point, but they were unable to make any further inroads as another pointed free from Smith completed the scoring. Although pleased with his teams first outing in the Paul McGirr tournament Crosserlough manager Tom Boylan was well aware that tougher tasks lie ahead 'We are delighted to get our first win under our belt, the boys started very well and the early goals gave them confidence to push on but the loss of Connor Lee was a major blow and we hope that Connor will be able to recover in time for our quarter final. Our second half performance was somewhat disappointing but the defence held out well, however St. Brigids in the next round will prove a much sterner test and we have a lot to work on before then'. Crosserlough will play newly crowned Antrim champions St. Brigids in the last quarter final which will take place on Sunday 9th November.
Teams: Crosserlough - Anthony Smith, Gavin Brady, Patrick O'Reilly, Conor Boyd, Brogan Kotze, Connor Reihill (capt), Jamie Smith, Owen Smith, Tomas Keaney (1-00), Shane McVeety (1-00), Steven Smith (0-04), Connor Lee, Steven Harten (1-00), Darren Galligan (1-04) & Caoileann Galligan (1-00)
Subs - James Smith for Lee, Michael Smith for McVeety, Edward Deveroux Gilsennon for Kotze & Brandon Doylan for Harten
Derrygonnelly - Osisn Smyth, Adrian Maguire, Connor Cameron (Capt), Stephen Leonard, Connor Maguire, James McGrail, Aaron McGlone, Odhran McBrien, Shane McGullion (0-02), Aidan McKenna, Nathan Jones (0-01), Gavin McGovern, Rian McGovern, Colm Jones (0-01) & Jason McGlone
Subs - Debhon McGovern for A McGlone, Ciaran McGovern (1-00) for R McGovern, Leigh Green for J McGlone
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