Loughinisland held to a draw as quest for title hits bump in road

Loughinisland held to a draw as quest for title hits bump in road

26 July 2023

LOUGHINISLAND suffered an unwanted blow in their quest for this year’s Division 1 title as they drew with Mayobridge at Macartan Park on Friday evening.

A draw is, of course, better than a loss, but the Blues will reflect on this result in frustration as there was many opportunities to claim all two points up for grabs.

Granted, Loughinisland were slow out of the blocks and an organised Mayobridge attack seemed to cause numerous problems for the home defence.

The torrid weather conditions didn’t do either side any favours, but the visitors were first to adjust and fired two goals past Loughinisland ‘keeper Christopher Turley before the interval.

The second half saw a more characteristic showing from the home team, who clawed a goal back through a Dan Gordon effort before a plethora of points helped them gain the lead.

A bizarre Mayobridge goal tied the game up as it entered injury time and a further point apiece ensured this one ended in a stalemate.

Things appeared to be going to plan as Blues forward Declan McClements kicked over a ’45 for the opening score of the match within the first minute.

However, Mayobridge’s response was swift as Adam Crimmins, who was the Bridge’s star man on the night, broke through the Loughinisland defence before keeping his composure to round ‘keeper Turley and dispatch into an empty net.

Now chasing the lead, Loughinisland looked to recover quickly with Oisin Savage proving a handful in attack.

He knocked over two points – one either side of the Bridge’s Caolan Gallagher splitting the posts – to remain in touch and Loughinisland soon seemed to find their groove.

A thumping effort from Conor Megoran was followed up by another Savage point but yet again, the home team’s momentum would be brought to an abrupt halt as Mayobridge raised another green flag.

This time it was Thomas Hardy who received the pass for the visitors before finding himself with just Turley to beat, which he did, with a lowly struck effort.

The hosts almost had the perfect response after Stefan Mason’s delightfully angled punt into the danger area was met with the fist of team-mate Declan McClements.

However, this was impressively saved by Bridge custodian Michael Fitzpatrick.

This didn’t deter Loughinisland and in particular, Savage, who set about adding points to the scoreboard once more.

His surging run resulted in Bridge defender Matthew Morgan fouling and receiving a yellow card, before Savage picked himself up to kick over the resultant free.

Lee Quinn and Savage then traded scores before a frustratingly long period of play favoured the visitors, who during this time controlled possession and proved tough to dismantle.

Mayobridge’s Gallagher rounded off this stint by adding two points – one from a free – before the whistle blew for the interval.

Half-time: Loughinisland 0-7 Mayobridge 2-4.

Trailing by three points, the Blues knew they couldn’t afford to start sluggish upon the restart.

Savage led the charge once more, splitting the posts twice to help bridge the gap.

Loughinisland were still guilty of some sloppy passes and this allowed Gallagher to kick over his team’s first free of the half in reply.

The pacy Mason lashed his effort over the bar moments later and with 45 minutes played, Loughinisland found their goal.

This time Mason turned provider as he lumped a pin-point pass on to the glove of team-mate Dan Gordon, who palmed his effort with conviction past Bridge number one Fitzpatrick.

Loughinisland skipper Jonny Flynn then fisted an effort over the bar and the Blues looked to be cruising.

Crimmins and Savage both raised white flags for their respective sides and with the clock ticking down the Blues held a three-point advantage.

That was all to change as a free from Mayobridge’s Crimmins ped short of the bar to the surprise of everyone in a blue shirt and, despite the efforts of the Loughinisland backline, ended up in the net.

With the game in added time there was now an intense atmosphere around the park, with spectators set to witness a grandstand finish.

It looked as if Loughinisland substitute Rory Deegan had stolen the title of hero as his effort sailed over the bar but there was still time, much to the disbelief of the home support, for Mayobridge’s Sean O’Hare to find the leveller with essentially the last kick of the game.

Loughinisland 1-13

Mayobridge 3-7

ACFL DIVISION 1