Last-gasp free seals draw

Last-gasp free seals draw

15 March 2023

DOWN senior hurlers secured what could be reflected upon as a vital result in their fight for survival in Division 2A as they shared the spoils with Derry in Ballycran at the weekend.

Despite boasting a five-point lead at the interval, Down were pinned back by the Oak Leafers during the second half and if not for some last-gasp action, the Ardsmen could be in a far worse position for relegation.

Controversy came in the final minute of play, as Derry’s Sean Cassidy afforded Liatroim club-man, and recent Ulster Intermediate Hurling Championship winner, Pearse Óg McCrickard the chance to go level.

Cassidy had been deemed to throw the sliotar by Dublin referee Sean Stack, much to the disproval of Derry manager Johnny McGarvey.

Nevertheless, with Down absolutely needing this point and the surrounding pressure of the commotion which had momentarily engulfed McKenna Park, McCrickard split the sticks to the relief of boss Ronan Sheehan.

Down began brightly with Liam Savage opening the scoring with a point from play, although things would quickly go downhill as team-mate John McManus saw the black card in just the second minute.

It went from bad to worse for Down as Derry took the lead through a Cormac O’Doherty penalty but the home team regained their composure and quickly weathered the Oak Leaf storm.

McCrickard, Paul Sheehan and Tim Prenter rattled off three scores in reply before James Friel drew level for Derry at 0-4 to 1-1.

From this point, however, Down found their groove with McCrickard, Sheehan and Prenter tagging on further points yet again and Marc Fisher also adding his name to the scoresheet.

The teams continued to trade scores although it was clear that top-scorer O’Doherty proved to be the real threat of attack for the visitors.

Prenter and McCrickard continued to impress, helping their side to a healthy five-point advantage by half-time.

After the interval, Down remained at an arm’s length from Derry, with Oisin MacManus registering the first point of the half.

The Derry duo of O’Doherty and Corey O’Reilly helped bridge the gap but with 15 minutes played Down still held a four-point lead.

Derry refused to be shaken and were continuously encouraged with the wind at their backs.

With time ticking down, star man O’Doherty brought his side to within one, and then level from a free, to set up a grandstand finish.

Down substitute Daithí Sands gave his team the lead momentarily again but after a further trading of scores, O’Doherty gave Derry the advantage.

Just as though it had seemed Derry would pull off the smash and grab, Cassidy’s thrown ball – which could ultimately play a factor in relegating his county from the division – allowed Pearse Óg McCrickard to take centre stage and ensure a draw.

With head-to-head results no longer a factor between Down and Derry, points difference could determine who faces the .

Down will face a dejected Kerry in their final game, whilst Derry take on fellow relegation battlers Carlow.

However, Down currently boast a 19-point advantage over Derry in the standings, so the ball is in their court.

Down: S Keith; B Trainor, J McManus, T Murray; M Fisher (0-2), M Conlan, C Taggart; L Savage (0-2), F Turpin; R McCusker, P Sheehan (0-8f), P Og McCrickard (0-6, 3f, 1 sideline); O MacManus (0-1), C Egan, T Prenter (0-3).

Subs: N McFarland for Trainor (HT), D Sands (0-1) for Mac Manus (52), J Doran for Murray (56), T McGrattan for Sheehan (59), S Martin for Prenter (59).

Black card: J McManus.

Yellow card: M Fisher.

Derry: O O’Doherty; SF Quinn, M Craig, D Kelly; E Conway, R Mullan, S Cassidy; M McGrath, P Cleary; C O’Reilly (0-3), C O’Doherty (1-10, 1pen, 9f), J Friel (0-2); C Gough (0-1), J Mullan (0-3), D McGilligan (0-1).

Subs: S Melaugh for Conway (47), C O’Kane for Friel (62), P Nellis for Gough (68).

Yellow cards: J Mullan (52), S Cassidy (64), C O’Reilly (68), P Nellis (70+1).

Referee: S Stack (Dublin).