Dramatic win for the Blues over Rostrevor

29 June 2022

LOUGHINISLAND held on for a one-point victory in dramatic fashion over a very game Rostrevor side who cannot seem to garner any good fortune this campaign.

The Blues had hoped that this win would be enough to secure their place in the top four just in time before the division split, however, the contest turned out to be a dead rubber game in hindsight as Clonduff would ultimately progress following their victory over Mayobridge.

Nevertheless, this outcome was yet to be determined as both Rostrevor and Loughinisland locked horns at Macartan Park on Friday evening.

With the Blues ahead by two, and with essentially the last piece of action of the game, Rostrevor mounted a high ball into the danger zone which was turned into goal by forward Conor Doyle.

Alas, this elation was cut short as the referee cancelled out what would have been the winner due to a square ball.

Loughinisland would make sure there would be no further moments of deliberation and held on for what they thought at the time would be enough to dream of a Division 1 title.

The action began in sunny conditions with Declan McClements kicking over for the hosts in the third minute.

James Donaghy replied for the visitors within 60 seconds before team-mate Conor Doyle kicked over a free to give Rostrevor the lead.

Nicholas Mills had a chance to notch the first goal of the match but saw his effort blocked from the Loughinisland goalmouth.

In contrast, the Blues took their chance when Dean McLaughlin fired into the bottom corner for the first major of the contest with 11 minutes played.

Rostrevor’s response was swift, answering this goal with a trio of points from Tomas Mulholland, Piaras Kane and Damian Magee.

The returning Stefan Mason stopped Rostrevor getting to comfortably in their reply as he split the posts for Loughinisland to bring the scoring level at the end of the opening quarter.

The Blues were dealt a blow when Brandon Boyd was shown the black card but the hosts continued to score thanks to the dangerous Mason after a mazing 60 metre run set up team-mate Shea O’Toole for the score of the match.

The back and forth affair continued with Kane tagging on a point for the visitors before Rostrevor would take the lead after some nice interplay between Patrick Magee and Doyle.

With half-time looming, Loughinisland hit a purple patch and regained control thanks to accurate efforts from the forward line of Rory Mason, Óisín Savage and the ever-present Stefan Mason.

Savage also combined well with goalscorer McLaughlin, who added a point to his tally.

In-between the scoring, Rostrevor’s Donaghy picked up a yellow card for a late challenge before Stefan Mason converted a free from 35 metres on the stroke of half-time to give the hosts a four-point lead at 1-8 to 0-7.

Loughinisland weren’t as accurate with their shooting following the restart, recording four wide efforts in close proximity. However, they did notch a further four points through John McCarthy, Gary Stranney, Jonny Flynn, and Mason.

Doyle kept Rostrevor ticking over and team-mate Mulholland did record a noteworthy score from 35 metres to remain in touch.

However, not to be outdone Loughinisland forward Stefan Mason kicked over a majestic left-footed effort to the applause of the surrounding home crowd.

Patrick Magee kicked over the black spot in reply before Mulholland and Doyle added two more as the clock ticked down.

Rostrevor’s Doyle and Loughinisland’s McLaughlin would both see yellow for roughhousing as the atmosphere around the ground began to get more tense. Mulholland added yet another point for the visitors leaving it now a one goal game as the difference.

Colm Murney kicked over to cut the deficit by a further point before his Rostrevor side were awarded a free in the final minute of the contest.

With a goal needed, the ball floated into the area and was converted to the net by the impressive Doyle.

However, the celebrations were cut short when a square ball was given as the decision and the Blues clung on for the victory.

Loughinisland: C Turley; B Boyd, S Cochrane, D McLaughlin (1-1); G Stranney (0-1), J Flynn (0-1), P McKenny; D O’Toole, D McClements (0-1); S O’Toole (0-1), J McCarthy (0-1), R Deegan; O Savage (0-1), R Mason (0-1), S Mason (0-5, 1f).

Subs used: E Nixon, D Gordon

Black cards: B Boyd

Yellow cards: D McLaughlin

Rostrevor: J Parr; F Murdock, T Gordan, E Rice; J Donaghy (0-1), E Murdock, T Mulholland (0-5); D Magee (0-1), P Magee (0-3); N Mills, P Kane (0-2), C Doyle (0-2, 1f); A Donnan, C Murney (0-1), G Clarke.

Subs used: J Connolly, C McGrath

Yellow cards: J Donaghy, C Doyle

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