Desertmartin Under 16?s chalked up their third win of the South Derry league sections on Thursday night.
Desertmartin 3-11 Magherafelt 0-9
This was a very workman like victory against a very physical Magherafelt team who had one player dismissed with at least one other very lucky not to join him. On the night despite kicking 18 wides over the hour the team showed a lot of character to withstand Magherafelt?s efforts and a very poor refereeing performance.
The opening exchanges were fairly evenly matched Enda O?Hagan opening the scoring with a point, the Magherafelt keeper then saving at the feet of John Hughes. Magherafelt then equalised from a free before Conor Monaghan scored a brilliant point after being picked out with a great pass from Enda O?Hagan. Once again Magerafelt hit back with a pointed free. Enda McGuckin then restored Desertmartins lead with a point followed by another from John Hughes. Despite holding control, a number of missed opportunities by Desertmartin allowed Magherafelt to remain well in the hunt. Points from Sean Fullen, Enda O?Hagan and 2 from Enda McGuckin stretched the Martins lead to 6 with about 9 minutes left in the half it was during this period that the team lost their way some what and allowed Magherafelt to claw their way back into the game. Magherafelt added 3 points during this period but should really have been down to 14 men after a Desertmartin player was struck.
Ahead by only 3 points at half time a more determined Desertmartin took the field in the second half and they got the perfect start with a goal from John Hughes after 2 minutes a point followed from Gregory McGovern and Desertmartin before Magherafelt replied with another pointed free. Enda McGuckin then added a second goal followed by another point. Desertmartin were well in control at this stage but wasted a number of scoring opportunities Enda O?Hagan then scored a brilliant point from out on the right before John Hughes sealed the win with a well worked goal. Magherafelt scored a number of consolation points but it was not to be their night and Desertmartin march on in their pursuit for a place in grade one.
In defence Christopher was very sound in goals a very solid full back line with Cathal and Gerard in the corners particularly impressive ably supported him. In the half back line Ryan Murray again had a great game with Paddy O?Neill excellent in the centre. Greg and Cahir worked very hard in the middle of the field showing great discipline throughout. In the forwards Enda O?Hagan had his best game of the year at Centre Half with good support from Sean and Joey on the wings. The full forward line of Paul, John and Enda worked hard throughout with out really getting the breaks they deserved. Man of the Match on this occasion however was Conor Monaghan whose ability to break up the Magherafelt attacks and set up our attacks was outstanding.
Team and Scorers
1. C Bradley
2. C Brown
3. P Kidd
4. G McElwee
5. R Murray
6. P O?Neill
7. C Monaghan (0-1)
8. G McGovern (0-1)
9. C Madden
10. S Fullen (0-1)
11. E O?Hagan (0-3)
12. J Leyden
13. E McGuckin (1-4)
14. J Hughes (2-1)
15. P McGovern
Subs
P McFlynn for G McElwee
F Higgins for J Leyden
P Trainor for P McGovern
D Hegarty for P O?Neill
S McStravock for C Brown
Next Game: Home Swatragh Wednesday 27th April at 7.15