Magpies power through

Magpies power through

9 September 2020

THE sun was shining at Pairc Esler on Sunday as current Ulster champions Kilcoo made it through to the penultimate stage of the Down Senior Championship for the 12th year in succession. 

Rostrevor were the opposition and there always looked to be only one winner of a contest that produced some good football.

The Magpies had a bright start and prior to the end of the first quarter had four goal opportunities, of which two were taken. Paul Devlin, from the penalty spot, and goalscorer supreme Jerome Johnston were the finishers.

At this stage, it looked like Kilcoo could run away with things but the Reds regrouped and finished the half positively.

Flying wing forward Arghal McMahon kicked 1-1, his goal a thing of beauty. Jerome Johnston and Paul Devlin tagged two late scores for Kilcoo as they led 2-8 to 1-5 at the break.

It was more of the same after half-time for the current Frank O’Hare Cup holders with left-footed players Devlin, Johnston and young Shealan Johnston tagging on further scores. When Kilcoo went nine clear mid-way through the half it looked ominous for the Reds. To their credit though they never threw the towel in, with Conor Doyle and Shaun Parr adding some good points.

The game ended with a late Rostrevor consolation goal, substitute Conor Magee finishing a good move to leave it 2-17 to 2-11.

Kilcoo will be delighted with the win and are clicking into gear well with the semi-finals this weekend. Dylan Ward, Eugene Branagan, Paul Devlin, Conor Laverty, Jerome and Ryan Johnston and Ryan McEvoy all had fine hours.

Rostrevor came into the game with great belief, but in the end didn’t play to their full potential and against a team like Kilcoo you need to be at your best.

Shaun Parr, Arghal McMahon, Thomas Gordon and Jordan Fegan all played well but they hadn’t enough in the tank for the flying Magpies.

Kilcoo: N Kane (0-1), A Branagan, R McEvoy, A Branagan, C Doherty, D Branagan, E Branagan (0-1), P Greenan (0-1), D Ward, S Johnston (0-1), J Johnston (1-4), P Devlin (1-5), R Johnston (0-1), D O’Hanlon, C Laverty (0-3).

Subs used: M Rooney, A  Morgan, A  Morgan, J Clarke and M Devlin.

Rostrevor: G Clarke, J Farrell, T Gordon, E Murdock, N Murray, C Murney, J Donaghy, S Cooper, J Rice, A McMahon (1-1), J Fegan, C Mooney, C Doyle (0-4), S Parr (0-3), P  Kane (0-3).

Subs used: Patrick Magee, Eamon McConnville, Conor Magee 1-0, Thomas Mulholland, Conail Gordon.

Referee: R Barry (Tullylish).

Kilcoo 2-17

Rostrevor 2-11

MORGAN FUELS SFC