Desertmartin Seniors book their place in the next round of the Larkin Cup with a thoroughly deserved victory over the 2003 county champions, with a final score of 3-5 to 1-7.
Desertmartin played some good football and where resolute in Defence. Some exceptional performances all over the field. With Paddy McCann, Mickey McCann, Kevin Gormley and John Paul Higgins playing exceptionally well. Indeed it was hard to say that any player did not give 100% effort and commitment.
Dermot Bradley in the absence of J. McElhennon and J. Trainor slotted over two well taken frees, Aidrian McGuigan who took a half to settle in his first senior start, took the bull by the horns in the second half and scored a goal for his efforts. Also young Barry McEldowney got his first start in the Half Forward line, which many consider his best and natural position, and had a splendid first half, lack of training meant he wasn?t as effective in the second half.
Many players commented on the fact that Loup had several players missing, to them I say that Jimmy, Beano, Adrian Kelly, Rory Murray, Johnny T and Ciaran Higgins were all missing from the Desertmartin starting line up, but we stil won.
The simple truth of the matter is Loup are a Division 1a team and we are now a Division 2 side, alledgly there is two divisions between us, but that gulf wasn?t evident on Saturday evening. It doesn?t matter who is missing and who is playing you still have to beat 15 men, no more and no less.
The Martins are now 4 out off 4, and wouldn?t it be nice if this confidence and attitude could continue. Well done lads.
A final point to consider was Johnny McGoverns classy goal, indeed if it was meant, the man is a footballing genius as there will never be a cheekier goal scored. The questions is was it meant or was it accidental???
Starting Lineup
1. Liam Bradley
2. Mickey Kelly
3. Eamon McBride
4. James Breen
5. Mickey McCann
6. Paddy Kidd
7. J.P. Higgins 0-01, 0-01 from frees
8. Johnny McGovern 1-00
9. Paddy McCann
10. Barry McEldowney (Aidan Bradley – 40 Min)
11. Kevin Gormley 0-01
12. Danny Murray
13. Dermot Bradley 0-02, 0-02 from frees
14. Ryan Kidd 1-01
15. Adrian McGuigan 1-00
Subs not used:
Paul Ryan
Gavin Kidd
Cormac McGuckin