Fixtures & Results 2011 - ACFL Div 1

ACFL Div 1
27 Apr 2011


St.Mary's Rasharkin drop two points to Creggan

Rasharkin's senior footballers hosted Kickhams Creggan in League game number four of the season for both clubs in this mid week fixture. Both teams found themselves sitting level on the table collecting two wins and one defeat so far. Two first half goals by Creggan Skipper Adrian Dougan proved to be the difference in the teams as Kickhams took full advantage of St.Mary's under strength lineout.

Adrian Dougan settled the visitors inside the first minute when he dropped the ball over the Rasharkin crossbar. Mark Dougan doubled Kickhams lead two minutes later with a long range effort. Rasharkin persistence finally paid off after eight minutes when corner forward Brendan McMullan split the points. The home side then when from two down to two up in as many minutes when Declan McKay fired into the Creggan net after nine minutes. A great supporting move down the field by St.Mary's finished with Raymond O'Boyle playing McKay in on goals and the sharp shooter didn't disappoint. Brendan Hasson converted a thirty yard free after ten minutes to put Rasharkin firmly in the driving seat.

Mark Dougan converted two points after fourteen and fifteen to reduce the deficit to a single point before Brendan McMullan raised the white again for the Dreen men after seventeen. St.Mary's found themselves three up after Brendan Hasson landed another from the set piece five minutes before the break. Adrian Dougan cashed in on a defensive howler in the Rasharkin rearguard to side foot into an open net. The same player added another goal on twenty seven minutes, a high ball into the St.Mary's defensive caught out the back line, Dougan collected possession and made no mistake one on one with Donal McLernon. Rasharkin's half back Conor Hasson quickly responded to pull a point back to leave half time score 2-4 to 1-5 in favour of the Lough shore side.

Kickhams centre half forward Enda McAteer opened their second half account after two minutes, Decky McKay dropped over a converted free after five before Creggan's centre half back Ricky Johnston got himself on the score sheet following an impressive supporting run.

Decky McKay and Mark Dougan exchanged pointed frees after fifteen and seventeen minutes respectively. Ricky Johnston landed a match winning score on twenty minutes to give the vistors a four point cushion.

St.Mary's then rose to the challenge, Joey Quinn lobbed over a point after twenty two before Decky McKay took his personal tally to 1-3 when he landed a peach from forty five yards and more importantly reduce Creggan lead to two. The same player had a chance to add another from a free when referee Brendan Toland punished St.Mary's indiscipline and hop the ball. Kickhams finished strong and added three points from the set piece two impressive strikes from Mark Dougan and one form corner forward Hugh McNulty to leave full time score 2-11 to 1-9.

Rasharkin: Donal McLernon, Cahir O'Kane, Sean Hasson, Michael Hasson, Conor Hasson, Duirmuid Quinn, Thomas Doherty, Cathal Mooney and Benny Hasson, Joey Quinn, Alan McNeill, Declan McKay, Brendan McMullan, Raymond O'Boyle and Johnny McAleese

Referee: Brendan Toland (Lamh Dhearg)