McAuley wins it for Kickhams at the death!
Monday, April 7, 2008
Creggan Reserves travelled to neighbours Moneyglass on Sunday for the Quarter Final of the McCormick Cup. The match was played on a typical start of season heavy pitch in near Siberian conditions with intermittent snow/hail showers throughout so there was never going to be any text book football played.....as proved to be the case as anyone who was there would testify!Scores were certainly at a premium in the first half with more wides kicked than points taken. Creggan were playing against the wind and it would be fair to say that they played the better football without getting the rewards with Moneglass shading the scoring at half time 3pts - 2 pts.
In between hail storms and snow showers a second half of football was played. Creggan started to edge ahead by kicking pointed scores aided by the wind at their backs. With the last kick of the game however and with Creggan 3 points to the good Moneyglass punted the ball in to the box where it evaded everyone and found it's way to the back of the net to send the game in to extra time.
The home side got off to a flyer and outscored Creggan 4pts - 0pts in the opening half of extra time, and they also got the first score of the second half to go 5pts up. It looked all over for Creggan but a Thomas McCann goal and a furter 2pts drew the sides level. Then up stepped the red booted Paddy Mc Auley to land a point form all of 40 yards with the last kick of the game to send the visiting team through to the semi final stage.
This wasn't one for the purist and Creggan can only play better, but the job was done in the end. A notable point worthy of mention was the departure, re-introduction, departure, re-introduction, departure and re-introduction of Sam Maguire during the game. Young Sam done more running on and off the pitch than he did across it....Super Sub Sam three times over!
More match pictures available in the Gallery section.
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