Ballinlough’s poor league form continued as promotion chasers Gaeil Colmcille found it all too easy during the second half of this division 2 A-league match in Kilskyre on Tuesday evening.
Both teams were without some of their regulars; Cormac Keegan and Seamus Mattimoe were among those unavailable for Gaeil Colmcille, while Ballinlough took to the field without the three Mallen brothers, the Muldoon brothers and Peadar Byrne to name but a few.
Despite the winning margin the first half was quite competitive as both teams played some good spells of football, the crucial period came midway during the first half when Ballinlough conceded a goal (from Brian Hanlon) and a point in quick succession both of which came directly from defensive errors. But the home side did have plenty to offer in the first half and in wing forward Jonnie Reilly they had a genuine scoring threat, he scored 1-3 in the opening half which included a couple of difficult frees and a penalty and he was also heavily involved in open play. The winners led; 1-10 to 1-4, at half-time.
The second half turned out to be a mismatch as Gaeil Colmcille took advantage of their superior fitness, Robbie Flanagan was solid at the back and Gary Arkins impressed at midfield as they scored freely against an overworked Ballinlough defence where Michael Geraghty continued to enhance his reputation. The hard working Tommy Mc Cullen scored a fine goal for Ballinlough late in the half but that was as good as it got for the home side. Gaeil Colmcille full-forward Martin Barrett scored frequently but it was all too easy for the Kells men on a night where they improved their score difference significantly, which might yet turn out to be important as the Division 2 promotion race comes to a conclusion.
Ballinlough: K. Mc Guinness, B. Smith, M. Mc Cullen, R. Farrell, J. Baugh, N. Farrelly, M. Geraghty, T. Mc Cullen, G. Reilly, J. Reilly, R. Mc Guinness, K. Beirne, S. Geraghty, K. Devine, K. Rothwell. Subs: J. O’ Higgins, O. Brady, Jonathon O’ Reilly, D. Lynch, P. Farrelly.