CASTLEISLAND COUNTY NOVICE CHAMPIONSHIP
Asdee 2-6 Beale 1-8
Played in excellent weather conditions at Walsh Park Asdee on Sunday last; the home side by virtue of a single point victory just got the better of a Beale side who not alone came into this game as firm favourities to get over the line in this encounter but to finish outright winners of the competition. However Asdee really rose to the occasion and showed grit, determination and no shortage of skill and were always the hungier side and will now make the long trip to Tuosist in search of a semi final place. Both teams had to line out without a number of regulars but some of the shooting left a lot to be desired but I suppose one must credit both defences for the way they set out their shop.
The game itself was a humdinger with both sides fightning for the ball as if their lives depended on it with play swinging from end to end and no quarter given or asked; always played in a very sporting manner even though Beales Ger O Gorman was dismissed within 2 minutes of the final whistle which was more out of frustration than anything else.
The game opened with the Seasiders really on fire and during that opening quarter it looked as if they would completely over-run the home side; Asdee seemed to have an attack twarted but a sloppy pass out went straight into the grateful arms of James McMahon who made no mistake in finding the net from close range; Jeremy King added 2 points and at the end of that 14 minutes despite kicking 7 wides they led 1-2 without reply. Up to this Asdee had just 2 attacks but suddenly the home side got on the scoring sheet as Mike Breen rounded his opponent gave a perfect pass to the inrushing Darren Russell who shot low beyond Sean Dee in the Seasiders goals after 16 minutes. This seemed to be the tonic for the home side and from here to the short whistle they upped the tempo of their performance and with Eoin Kennedy on fire kicking 3 points from frees and firing home a well taken goal in the 24th minute. Beales only reply coming from Daniel Ellis with a neat point and at the break it was Asdee 2-4 Beale 1-3. On the changeover the Seasiders were quick out of blocks and as they did in the first 15 minutes of the opening half and points from Declan Bambury, (2) and Ger O Gorman cut the deficit to a one point game. Beale 1-6 to Asdee 2-4. In the 14th minute a long ball forward found Eoin Kennedy almost on the corner flag and he sent a high ball from an unbelievable angle between the uprights. Now it was tit for tat as a minute later Ger O Gorman got a similar score. Now with 15 minutes remaining it was still all to play for; a timely block from substitute Michael Tydings deprived Beales Daniel Ellis of what looked like a certain goal. At the other end Eoin Kennedy settled the nerves again when he put over a close in free. Now with 2 minutes left for play and Asdee ahead by 2 points the Seasiders came forward in droves to at least force a draw; Ger O Gorman closed the gap to a 1 point game as Asdee were holding firm and under some severe pressure. Tempers frayed as Beale kicked 2 late wides to level and when Referee Paddy White blew for full time the home supporters could again breathe a sigh of relief.
Team and scorers; Asdee, Conor Coughlan, Sean Keane, Martin Collins, Eoin O Carroll, David O Connor, Noel Long, Con Carmody, Darragh Keane, Kieran Kelly, Mike Breen, 1gl, Eoin Kennedy, 1-6, Darren Russell, 1gl, Matthew O Hanlon, Eoin Tydings, Charles Dalton. Subs, Michael Tydings for David O Connor, Brian Coughlan for Con Carmody, inj, John Doran for Matthew O Hanlon,
Under 16 County League. St.Pats Blennerville 4-18 Ballylongford/Asdee 1-16.
Venue: Blennerville
Bally/Asdee minors were well beaten in their last round of the County League away to St.Pats.While going three points to nil up in the opening five minutes it was St.Pats who went on to dominate midfield and the scores began to mount up leaving them 1-12 to 1-6 ahead at half time.
In the opening five minutes of the second half St.Pats had the ball in the net twice thereby opening up a commanding lead which they maintained to the final whistle.
St.Pats now go forward to the final,while Bally/Asdee go into a semi final next week.
MEETING. The next meeting of St. Marys, Asdee will take place in the Community Centre on Thursday April 30th; 8 30pm.
FIXTURES. Castleisland Mart Novice Cup. At Tuosist, Sunday April 26th. Asdee v Tuosist, 2pm. Credit Union County League; Round 4, Saturday/Sunday May 9/10th, Bye, Round 5, Saturday/Sunday, June 6/7th at Walsh Park. Asdee v Ballylongford. North Kerry Division 2 semi final. Venue and date to be confirmed. Asdee v Knocknagoshel. Winners take on Moyvane in the final.
WEBSITES. Asdee G A A website is now up and running once again so for all our activities and match reports; just log on towww.asdeegaa.com