Ballinlough’s second string made it two wins out of two in the Junior D Championship courtesy of a hard fought win in Athboy, the game was played in very difficult conditions on Saturday evening after heavy rain all day.
Ballinlough………… 0-8 Longwood………….. 0-6
Longwood were quick of the blocks and quickly moved three points clear with well taken scores, however Ballinlough started to settle and managed to close the gap to 0-3 to 0-2 with scores from Jonathan O’ Reilly and Mark McCullen. The atrocious conditions made it difficult to play flowing football as both teams struggled to register scores but one of Ballinlough’s better moves ended up with Paul Monaghan leveling up the proceedings that left the half time scoreboard reading 0-3 to 0-3.
Ballinlough made a bright start to the second-half with Mark McCullen getting his second score of the game. Longwood quickly leveled up the score with a well taken score just as the heavens opened. The game was nip and tuck as the playing conditions became increasingly difficult. Ballinlough started to dominant midfield with Junior O’ Reilly to the fore, this helped them to push two points clear with points from Paul Monaghan (2) and Bryan Smith. Longwood pressed and pressed for the all important goal but the Red’s defense stood up strong and held on for a well deserved win.
Best for Ballinlough on the day were, Junior O’ Reilly, Pa Baugh, Shane Smith and Paul Monaghan
Ballinlough: D. McCartan, S. Smith, J. O’Keffee, P. Baugh, Jonathon O’Reilly (0-1), G. Smith, E. Smith, Junior O’Reilly, M. McCullen (0-2), J. O’Higgins, B. Smith (0-2), D. Lynch, D. McNamee, M. Reilly, P. Monaghan (0-3). Subs: N. Finlay, S. Gaughran