CASTLEISLAND COUNTY NOVICE CHAMPIONSHIP Quarter Final
Tuosist 2-7 Asdee 0-15
Asdee qualified for the semi final stages of the County Novice Championship by virtue of a hard earned 2pt victory over a very determined Tuosist side at the South Kerry venue on Sunday last. Certainly this was an excellent encounter with two very committed and evenly matched sides going all out for the win as the play ebbed and flowed throughout.
Both sides were to dominate at various stages but it took an extra effort from the visitors coming up to the final whistle to get over the line. Asdee who probably were slight favourites going into this game got off to a great start with early points from Darren Russell, Mike Breen and Eoin Kennedy going 4pts up without reply. However Tuosist settled and 3 quick points left the bare minimum between the sides moving up to the 20 minute mark and as we approached the short whistle the visitors were dealt a hugh body-blow when after a mix up in the Asdee defensive set up left Tuosist in for a goal of a soft variety. Padraig Ruddle swung over a point leaving the half time score; Tuosist 1-4 Asdee 0-5.
On the changeover the home team were quick out of blocks and inside the opening minutes saw the ball enter the net and at this stage it looked as if Asdee were in real trouble as Tuosist were starting to dominate. However Asdee showed their never say die spirit and some excellent shooting from Mike Breen, Charles Dalton and Darragh Keane saw the deficit down to 2pts after just 12 minutes. Still Tuosist were quick to reply adding further points to go 4 points ahead again. Eoin Kennedy from a free and an inspirational point from corner back Sean Keane who came up from his corner back position got Asdee back on track. As play swung from end to end the game was still in the balance but in fairness even at this late stage it looked very much like the home side might hold out.
Then entered former Kerry minor star Eoin Kennedy to stamp his authority on the game kicking 4 unanswered points to pave the way for victory. Overall a super team performance with everybody contributing to this victory but special mention to John Doran who has been out injured for some time and when he entered the fray late in the game he was to make a hugh impact. Team and Scorers; Conor Coughlan, Sean Keane, 1pt, Martin Collins, Eoin O Carroll, Kieran Kelly, Noel Long, Con Carmody, Darragh Keane, 3pts, Padraig Ruddle, 1pt, Mike Breen, 3pts, Eoin Kennedy, 5pts, Darren Russell, 1pt, Matthew O Hanlon, Eoin Tydings, Charles Dalton, 1pt. Subs, Michael Tydings for Matthew O Hanlon, John Doran for Padraig Ruddle, David O Connor for Charles Dalton. Patrick Horgan, Dinny Dalton, Brian Coughlan.