Teconnaught GAC made a big first half effort to over-power visitors Ardglass GAC
Down GAA, Division 4,
League Match, 26 6 25,
Final Score: Teconnaght GAC 3-20 0-7 Ardglass GAC.
Teconnaught certainly were not taking anything for granted and had decided not to give the visitors room to breathe in the first half whilst the wind was slightly in favour of the home team.
A point from Caolan O’Shea from a Stephen Rooney pass signalled that Ardglass were up for an attacking game but they fell away as the home team bitzed then is an array of attacks.
Paddy Grant open the scoring for Teconnaught with a 2 pointer and this was followed by a point from Harry Smyth and another 2 pointer from Grant. Teconnaght picked up another point then Grant scored again giving them an early seven point lead while Ardglass attacks were being closed down.
Michael Magee was pressing hard for Ardglass but the home defence were resolute.
Paddy Grant had a huge scoring point after point as the Teconnaught team constantly pressed forward – he brough them into double figures with a superb kick. Teconnaught seem to have grasped new rule involving the D and have benefitted from their attacking football style.
Then in one attack rear teh Ardglass goalmouth Josh Smyth, captain was taken down by an Ardglass player and the referee awarded a penalty. Grant took the shot and made no mistake hitting the back of the Ardglass net for 3 points.
Tony David then pointed quickly after this goal and then to add to Ardglass’ woes, Ciaran Carville scored another goal followed by a point from Andy McCartan from a Grant pass.
Ardglass tried to push ford more despite the pasting they had received but were 19 points adrift and had only scored one point in the first half.
Half Time Score: Teconnaught GAC 2-15 0-1 Ardglass GAC.
As the second half commenced, Grant scored a goal adding 3 points to the Teconnaught tally. But despite the setback, Ardglass pressed forward more hoping to enjoy a bit of wind advantage but the wind had dropped considerably.
Ardglass came close to scoring when Caolan O’Shea took a free kick and eventually Josh Smyth picked it up in an ensuing scramble.
Then Teconnaught fought back and McCartan took a free lick and set it between the Ardglass stick for a point. Teconnaught seemed to have slowed down in the second half having worked very hard in the first and Ardglass pressed more to try and salvage something from the deficit.
The visiors pulled back a point back but this was cancelled when Teconnaght’s Ross Green pointed. But Artdglass were showing more determination this half and
Ardglass won a free and took a point back but Vincy Reid replied with a point for Teconnaught.
As the pace slowed, Ross Green took a point for Teconnaught to add to Ardglass’ woes but the visitors kept going and took another point by Stephen Rooney. Then Reid scored again.
Ardglass sub Dylan Murphy broke forward and kicked low for a goal but a defenders leg saved the day for Teconnaught. But Ardglass picked up another point after pressure when Anton O’Shea was fouled.
Teconnaught were trying to slow Ardglass down but just before the final whistle, Ardglass pulled back another point.
Teconnaught were impressive first half and went 20 points ahead, only scoring 9 in the second half, but they had a huge cushion of points to play with and understandably slowed the game probably to save injuries for the coming matches.
Ardglass faired better in the second half but they were outclassed on the night by Teconnaught.
Teconnaght GAC: 1 Danny Morgan 2 Harry Smyth 3 Vincey Reid 4 Jack Green 5 Callum Murdock 6 Tony Davis 7 Jimmy Greene 8 Josh Smyth (C) 9 Daniel Napier 10 Oisin Casement 11 Tomás Murphy 12 Ciaran Carville 13 Paddy Grant 14 Andy McCartan 15 Mark Mulhoiland. Subs: 16 James Casement 17 Ross Green 18 Conor Blaney 19 Thomas Napier 20 Conor Degan 21 Finn Mulhern 22 Matthew Murray 23 Cormac Carville 24 Conor Davis.
Ardglass GAC: 1 Mark Armstrong 2 Conor Kearney 16 Liam Kearney 4 Anton O’Shea 5 Corey Mahon 6 Dara O’Shea 7 Shane Teggart 8 Caolan O’Shea 9 Jack O’Shea 20 Jamie McDarby 11 Stephen Rooney 12 James Crangle 13 Pabhraig O’Shea 14 Michael Magee 17 Sean Paul Halpin. Subs: 18 Gavin O’Shea 19 Dylan Murphy 20 Adam Mulhall 23 Killian Fitzsimmons 24 Johnn O’Connor 25 Malachy Crangle.
