Round 8 (24/8/11): Ballinlough’s good form continues

Ballinlough recovered from a slow start to earn an impressive four point win in their Division 2 A-League clash with Trim on Tuesday evening. Both teams were in championship action over the weekend but there was no sign of fatigue in a highly competitive match. 

Ballinlough……………….1-12
Trim………………………….1-8

The Ballinlough full-back line endured a nervous start with Derek Donoghue (1-1) and Neil Heffernan (0-2) causing plenty of early problems as Trim raced ahead 1-3 to 0-1 in the first ten minutes. However there was no sign of panic from the Ballinlough defense and as the match wore on their full-back line of Benji Smith, Padraig Muldoon and Robbie Farrell played a leading roll in a strong team performance.

Cian Mallen and Seamus Fagan got to grips with Alan Douglas at midfield and a goal midway through the half from Mark Mc Cullen brought The North Meath outfit to life; Peadar Byrne, Kevin Mallen (0-2), Lorcan Maguire (0-2) and Kevin Devine all split the posts as they led; 1-6 to 1-4, at half-time.

The Ballinlough defense was well on top during the second-half but James Toher kept Trim well in contention with a couple of pointed frees. Tommy Mc Cullen impressed when introduced midway through the half and the scores began to flow for Ballinlough: Mc Cullen, Cian and Colm Mallen, Kevin Devine and Seamus Fagan were all on target as they threatened to pull clear and indeed they could have finished further ahead if the green flag had been waved after Cian Mallen’s goal effort appeared to have crossed the line.

Ballinlough’s score taking was impressive throughout; nine different players were on target in a good team display. The win leaves them joint second in Division 2 with three games remaining.     

Ballinlough: K. Mc Guinness, B. Smith, P. Muldoon, R. Farrell, K. Devine (0-3f), Junior O’ Reilly, Colm Mallen (0-1), S. Fagan (0-1), Cian Mallen (0-1), Peadar Byrne (0-1), Lorcan Maguire (0-2), R. Mc Guinness, M. Mc Cullen (1-0), K. Mallen (0-2), K. Rothwell. Subs: T. Mc Cullen (0-1), C. Briody, J. O’ Higgins and P. Briody.