ACFL Div 1: Ballinagh v Drumgoon

Ballinagh 3-07
Drumgoon 1-11

On Wednesday night last Ballinagh continued their impressive form in Division 1 of the Senior league with a narrow two-point victory over a hungry Drumgoon side. Drumgoon, sitting at the foot of the table and with a mere two points registered so far this year, defectively needed a win. With both teams unable to field full strength teams, spectators were left to witness what was a ‘below average’ game of football.

Drumgoon got off to a flying start and inside the opening 4 minutes took a three-point lead, with Brian Bates, Michael Mc Donald and Keith Fannin all pointing from play. Ballinagh responded through Declan Beard who pointed in the 12th minute. A fine solo effort by the lively Colin Gumley resulted in Ballinagh’s first goal. This provided the home side with a lead, and one, which was held for the remainder of the game.

Allen Durkin grabbed the first of his two goals in the 16th minute. Adrian Maguire delivered a long, high ball into Durkin who caught splendidly and drove his shot past G Bates in the Drumgoon goal. Declan Beard and Keith Fannin exchanged points in the 17th and 24th minutes respectively. Ballinagh extended their lead to five points with Beard once again finding the range. Drumgoon reduced the scoreline when Crossan kicked a fine point from a difficult angle. However Ballinagh finished the first half on a high with Allen Durkin netting his second goal and Colin Gumley pointing a free. This left the half time score Ballinagh 3:04, Drumgoon 0:05.

The second half began with Ballinagh’s Gary Kane pointing a fine shot from the right hand side after 9 minutes. To their credit Drumgoon never gave in and responded radiantly by scoring a goal and four points without reply. In this ten minute period Keith Fannin kicked two points, one free and one from play. Further points from Brian Bates and Paul Mc Cabe reduced the deficit to four. With 10 minutes remaining Jim Mc Nally played a long ball into Drumgoons full-forward Paul Mc Cabe. Mc Cabe left the bare minimum between the sides as he sliced the ball past Ballinagh’s keeper Daragh Mc Carthy. Colin Gumley and Philip Mc Dermott exchanged points in the 21st and 23rd minutes. Beard finished the scoring with a point in the 26th minute.

In what was a mediocre game of football Ballinagh, although achieving a result, will be disappointed their performance. The resilient Drumgoon side that portrayed great commitment and hard work in the second half will be extremely disheartened as relegation now seems imminent.

Ballinagh - Ballinagh: D Mc Carthy
A Duffy, C Brady, J Dunne
K Mc Bride, D Mc Inearney, P Galligan
P Maguire, A Maguire
G Kane, R Brennan, M Higgins
C Gumley, A Durkin, D Beard


Opposition - Drumgoon: G Bates
P Crossan, E Jackson, N Smith
N Fortune, P Mc Enroe, B Crossan
J Mc Nally, M Mc Donald
R Crossan, K Fannin, B Bates
P Mc Cabe, P Mc Dermott, P Mc Cabe


Referee - (Include the referee if you please)