So, following what must go down as the come back of the season against Coleraine last time out the seniors were again faced with the up hill job of pulling back a 10 points to 1 defecit. The question this time around was, can they do it again against the unbeaten team of the league?
Doubtfully this time around the result was not going to favour the Martins.
The game started lively with both teams showing they wanted to get down to business and get the win they both wanted. The Quigan helped with some good build up play went into a three point lead before the martins were able to register a score, Ruairi Murray driving over well after 6 minutes. This would turn out to be the Martin?s only score of the first half, which would see Ballymaguigan score a further goal and three points to take a half time lead of Desertmartin 0-01 Ballymaguigan 1-06
After witnessing the come back in the Coleraine game the Desertmartin supporters were willing the team on for a repeat performance but when Ballymaguigan scored the opening point of the second half to calk up a 9 point lead it looked as if the game was over.
Things then got worse for the Martin?s when Jimmy McElhennon collided with a Ballymaguigan player with the Martin?s marks man coming out the worst. This was to end Jimmy?s game with the new to follow that he had sustained three broken ribs.
With Jimmy coming off, it gave young Enda McGuckin the chance to come on and show what he could do. Not wanting to pass up the opportunity McGuckin soon got on the ball and looked lively with every touch.
Suddenly the fresh set of legs got the Martin?s going and so the points began to come with McGuckin amongst the scores. With only 5 points now between the sides Enda had a great chance to bag a goal but with limited time on the ball his shot went over the bar to leave 4 between them. At this time the supporters were beginning to believe that maybe lightening can strike twice. With the threat now starting to build on Ballymaguigan they up?ed their effort and an excellent pointed free from Paddy Cassidy was enough to kill the Martin?s comeback and set the Quigan up for the win. With both teams sharing further points the game finished with disappointment for the Martin?s.
Final score: Desertmartin 0-07 Ballymaguigan 1-09
Desertmartin team: L. Bradley, C. Higgins, P. Kidd, E. Murray, J. Breen, B. McElhennon, C. McDaid, P. McCann, M. Madden, D. Murray, R. Murray, G. Kidd, J. McElhennon, R. Kidd, M. McCann
The club, players and supports would like to wish Jimmy a quick recovery.