Mason magic not enough in Newry

15 August 2018

LOUGHINISLAND were left to rue a nervous start to this encounter and on reflection, this was one scalp that got away.

The Blues are on track to win promotion to Division 1, but they were given an indication of what lies ahead when they return to the top flight.

Burren were quick to capitalise on Loughinisland’s cagey start and points from Liam Kerr, Ryan Treanor and Padraig Poland had Paddy O’Rourke’s charges in command.

Loughinisland got off the mark in the 10th minute with a point from Rory Mason and the Blues started to settle. McClements tapped over another followed by Conor Megoran who gave county star Kevin McKernan a torrid time at full forward.

Poland scored again before Loughinisland took a 0-5 to 0-4 lead lead following hard-earned points from Rory Mason from far out and a free to put the blues in front.

Poland, from a free and Ciaran McGovern put Burren back in front when a questionable penalty was converted by Treanor, it looked an uphill task for the Blues.

With five minutes remaining in the half Declan McClements found himself one-on-one with the Burren ‘keeper, however Burns did well to smother the shot and start an counterattack which ended with Kerr fisting over the bar to widen the gap to four points — a lead that was to increase to five when McGrath scored from far out to put daylight between the sides at the break.

No side goes 16 games unbeaten without having something about them and the Blues showed plenty of fight and bottle to start the second half the better team with a point from Rory Mason before Treanor responded for Burren.

Loughinisland were now the stronger team, but they continued to cough up possession and Burren, being more economical in possession, converted their chance when they got them.

Two frees from Rory Mason sandwiched a score from man of the match Kerr. The Blues dominated possession towards the latter part of the game, but found the Burren defensive system hard to break down and a Poland free extended the lead.

Loughinisland had a late goal chance, but a John McCarthy effort scraped over the bar. Another late score from Rory Mason kept Loughinisland interested, but an experienced Burren side held on for victory.

Loughinisland 0-11

Burren 1-11

MORGAN FUELS SFC 1ST ROUND

Tweets by @TheDownRecorder