19 May 2010
Loughgiel edged out Glenariffe in a high scoring and very entertaining Division One league game at Waterfoot on Wednesday evening, a win that moves them back to the top of the table. Just two points in arrears with the game entering injury time Oisin’s almost snatched a result when ‘Ronnie’ McDonnell placed substitute Aaron Cosgrove clear in front of goal, but a great block from a Shamrocks defender saved the day for the visitors and they broke away to seal the win with Liam Watson point.
Glenariffe got away to a flying start and were 0-6 to 0-2 ahead after twelve minutes with Johnny ‘Tosh’ hitting four and ‘Ronnie’ the other two, but Loughgiel hit back and some lovely scores from Eddie McCloskey and Liam McKillop, and three from full forward Damian Laverty, sent them in level at the break on nine points apiece.
Glenariffe had the perfect start to the second-half as corner-forward Kevin McDonnell reacted quickly when a ball rebounded off the upright to flick it to the Loughgiel net. Watson hit back with two quick Loughgiel points but ‘Tosh’ sent over two at the other end to keep the home side in front.
McIntosh then received a second yellow card and joined Loughgiel’s ‘Ding’ Gillen (who had been sent off in the first-half) on the sideline and while Glenariffe were trying to re-adjust Loughgiel hit three points inside a minute through Eddie McCloskey (2) and Liam Watson to edge in front for the first time.
The remainder of the game was score for score with Loughgiel finding a reply each time the Oisin’s closed to within point. Glenariffe’s cause was not helped when Norris Murray was red carded in the forty-ninth minute, but they kept themselves in contention with some great points from Randal McDonnell.
There was just two between the sides entering injury time when the home side made a late bid for glory only to be denied by some great Loughgiel defending as the Shamrocks held out to keep their league title bid very much alive.
Glenariffe – Seanin McToal, Norris Murray, Mark Nulty, Chris Sheppard, Conor kerr, Mickey Gettins, Dan McKillop, Conor McAllister, Karl Healey, Paul McDonnell, Randal McDonnell, Daniel O’Boyle, Alex McDonnell, Johnny McIntosh, Kevin McDonnell. Subs – Aaron Cosgrove
Loughgiel – DD Quinn, Conal Dobbin, Barney McAuley, Mark McFadden, Paul Gillen, Johnny Campbell, Oran McFadden, Liam McKillop, Declan Laverty, Eddie McCloskey, Martin Scullion, Ciaran McKinley, Joey Scullion, Damian Laverty, Liam Watson. Subs – Ronan McCloskey
Dunloy and Ballygalget also ran up a big score in their game in Dunloy with the home side beating the Down men by 2-19 to 2-15 to stay in joint second place in the league table.
The much travelled Portaferry, who made their third trip to North Antrim in ten days, were rewarded when they beat Ballycastle by 0-19 to 1-13 at Pairc MacUillin.
