Antrim SFC
Round Three
Lamh Dhearg 1-15
Sarsfields 0-13
At Davitt Park
WHEN Tomas Skillen pointed at the end of the half putting Sarsfields three points to the good there was a real worry in the Lamh Dhearg camp that an upset was set to unfold in Davitt Park, as their hopes of progression lay in the balance.
Jack Davitt responded on the stroke of the half, but heading into the changing rooms knowing that results elsewhere would spell the end for the Hannahstown men seemingly boosted their performance levels in the second-half.
A disjointed opening period was put to bed instantly after a black card was given to Sarsfields straight after the restart, and within ten minutes the game had flipped and Ben Rice's fantastic net-buster reset the momentum and control in the tight derby clash.
Both sides proved inseparable in the opening stages, with Ryan Murray and Phillip McPeake both exchanging scores on the first and second minute.
Pearse Fitzsimmons strike was met with a very quick reply from Cayden Smyth who fired over a terrific 45 to send a message that the Paddies would not be lying down in their final group match-up.
The early momentum was firmly in favour of Sarsfields and John Finucane was called into action on the 11th minute to prevent a goal from Garry Lennon and keeping Lamh Dhearg level at the time.
Conor Moley's strike initially had the Paddies in front, but Niall McGarry restored parity between the sides shortly afterwards to keep the game firmly in the balance.
The formerly retired Paddy Cunningham returned for the Lamh's and he showed no shortage of ability despite age not being on his side.
Cunningham's first strike put Lamh Dhearg back in front for the first time since the opening minutes, and his tremendous use of trickery allowed him to beat not one, but two defenders with a jinking move before clipping a score over the black spot.
The returning Cunningham took up the free-taking mantle and planted a short and easy score to maintain a two-point lead at the mid-way point of the half.
Cayden Smith proved to be a key asset for the Stewartstown Road side, as his laser accurate strikes often resulted in a score.
Garry Lennon and Paddy Cunningham kept their sides within touching distance of one another with scores.
McDonnell hit back for the Paddies and when Cayden Smith drilled over a score for an orange flag there was a real cause for concern that the underdogs were heading for an upset in Beechmount.
Tomas Skillen then planted his effort putting a goal between the sides, but a late Jack Davitt point saw the whistle blown and two-points separated the rivals at the interval.
Lamh Dhearg flew out of the traps and hit three points to flip the score in their favour with Ben Rice and Paddy Cunningham (twice) finding their range and putting their side in the driving seat.
Amidst the opening half scoring spree, the Paddies were reduced to 14-men after a black card was produced for Kevin Barry McArdle and the Lamh's continued to kick on.
A fantastic and vintage strike from Paddy Cunningham was sent over the bar for an orange flag and Lamh Dhearg went five in front.
Fionn Jemfrey stopped the bleeding with a fist-pass for his side but with 17 minutes left on the clock Lamh Dhearg found the net.
Paddy Cunningham's long-range pass was swatted down by Pearse Fitzsimmons into the path of Ben Rice who lashed his close-range effort into the back of the net and the roar from the Lamh Dhearg support could be heard echoing in Davitt Park.
Moments later Lennon had the ball in the net for Sarsfields but a square-ball was called the goal was ruled out.
Despite the goal, Sarsfields showed a spirit fight-back, and a terrific two-pointer from Conor Moley cut the deficit.
The Paddies enjoyed a late spell of possession and came close on a number of occasions but could not squeeze the ball into the net and Adam Murray's cameo ended with a late point to seal the five-point win.
With the whistle blown a huddle of white and red surrounded to hear the news that Portglenone had taken the lead and beaten Aghagallon, securing a quarter-final spot and next up awaits the champions Dunloy.
