Clones frenzy for Down

Clones frenzy for Down

18 January 2012

DOWN cruised to a 13 points victory over a depleted Monaghan side in a one-sided Power NI Dr McKenna Cup game in St Tiernach’s Park, Clones, on Sunday.

Playing a brand of football that their fans have been waiting for over the past few years, Down were always in control all over the park and ahead by 12 points at half-time.

The game was really over even before that stage. However, it must be said that this was a shadow Monaghan side, depleted by injuries and a raft of players assisting the various University sides.

But, it certainly was enlightening from a Down point of view and with two wins under their belts they look certain to qualify for the semi-finals against Derry.

Down’s dominance started at midfield where Dan Gordon, although listed at left half forward, was always in the middle assisting a brilliant Ambrose Rogers and Peter Turley, who were in complete control over Monaghan’s John Turley and Conor Daly.

The Down defence was again strong, but the tendency to commit fouls saw Monaghan’s star forward Paul Finlay notch five points from placed balls, but, overall, the new half back line of Keith Quinn, Kevin Duffin and Mark Doran, along with Niall McParland, who was making his senior debut, much too strong for the opposition.

The Down attack excelled with Kalum King at full forward not only the target man, but he showed his finishing power with two well taken goals. Along with Conor Gough, Marcus Miskelly and Brendan Coulter they overpowered the hard working Monaghan defence despite good work by Vinny Corey, Darren Hughes and Carl O’Connell.

With midfield gaining little possession, the Monaghan attack suffered as a result, but Paul Finlay, especially from frees, Ciaran Hanratty and Stephen Gallogly worked hard but with little results.

Down attacked from the start and the long, high ball into the shaky Monaghan defence certainly paid handsome dividends. With eight minutes gone Aidan Carr set up Kalum King for Down’s first goal and with Dan Gordon, Marcus Miskelly and Benny Coulter adding points, Down were firmly in control.

The Down full forward line of Marcus Miskelly, Kalum King and Benny Coulter thrived on the supply of the ball which came their way and when Conor Gough and Aidan Carr combined to give Kalum King his chance to flick home Down’s second goal.

Ambrose Rogers pointed as Down continued to control the play. Paul Finlay slotted over two Monaghan points from frees and Ciaran Hanratty one, but Down’s reply was immediate with their third goal from Dan Gordon giving them a 3-6 to 0-3 at half-time.

When the Monaghan defence erred early in the second half, Benny Coulter was on hand to slam the ball to the net and with Marcus Miskelly and Coulter adding points, Down led by 4-9 to 0-3 midway through the half.

Down manager James McCartan made a series of substitutions using his allotted five. Monaghan improved and in a 15 minute spell they scored eight unanswered points with six coming from full forward Paul Finlay and one each from substitute Bernard O’Brien and Ciaran Hanratty.

In the closing five minutes Down substitute Arthur McConville lobbed over two points with Aiden Brannigan also getting on the score sheet as Down cruised to victory.

Monaghan: M. Keogh, C. O’Connell, D. Hughes, D. Malone, R. McNally, V. Corey, D. Morgan, C. Daly, J. Turley, M. McKenna, S. Gallogly, S. Smyth, C. Hanratty (0-2), P. Finlay (0-8, 0-5 frees), E. Duffy. Subs: P. O’Hanlon for Daly (ht), C. Galligan for Morgan (ht), B. O’Brien (0-1) for Gallogly (48), D. Millar for Smyth (50), J. Bellew for Duffy (58).

Down: M. McAllister, N. McParland, D. McCartan, D. Turley, K. Quinn, K. Duffin, M. Poland. P. Turley, A. Rogers (0-1), C. Gough (0-1), A. Carr, D. Gordon (1-1), M. Miskelly (0-3, 0-2 frees), K. King (2-0), B. Coulter (1-3).

Subs: A. McConville (0-2) for Coulter (46), J. McAreavey for Rogers (48), K. Anderson for Turley (53), A. Brannigan (0-1) for Miskelly (57), D. Hughes for Duffin (63).

Monaghan 0-11

Down 4-12

POWER NI DR. McKENNA CUP