‘Fin unable to deal with Maguire threat

‘Fin unable to deal with Maguire threat

5 August 2020

THIS was a first ever meeting of these two clubs at senior level in recent times.

Clann na Banna had suffered two straight defeats while Aughlisnafin have enjoyed a victory and a draw. Both teams looking for a win for different reasons.

It was the Banbridge-based side who prevailed thanks to their mercurial full forward, Kieran Maguire, who kicked 11 points and kick-started their season.

The home side found themselves two up inside the first five minutes with Kieran Maguire pointing a free and Niall Scullion from play. Oran Flanagan pointed a free to open the scoring for the Fin.

Clann na Banna’s response was another two points from Conal Diamond and Maguire both from play. Adam Garland scored from two marks with Michael Mallon firing over twice and Maguire on target for the third time before the short whistle. Half time: Clann na Banna 0-7 Aughlisnafin 0-3

Fin keeper Morgan Croskery was unable to continue for the second half and so Shane Mooney was introduced with half forward Calum Croskery going between the posts.

The Fin then enjoyed their best period to reel off three points in five minutes to leave it a one-point game. Flanagan converted his second free and Shea Croskery split the uprights twice. Croskery was unlucky not to fire the Fin ahead for the first time in the game.

Clann na Banna then reasserted themselves to take the next five scores, three points from Maguire and a brace from Dean Lennon.

The Fin response was a goal from Adam Garland which brought it back to just three points between the teams.

The comeback was short-lived as the home side, inspired by Maguire, tagged on five more points while Flanagan hit two frees in return.

A first win for the Banbridge side and a first reversal for the Fin in an ultra-competitive league. 

Clann na Banna: N Andrews, A Downey, B Nelson, S Nelson, M Mallon (0-2), D Lennon (0-2, 1f), D Devlin, M Buchanan, J Treacy, C Diamond, G Quinn, S Lenaghan, N Scullion (0-1), K Maguire (0-11, 0-8f), C Lenaghan.

Aughlisnafin: M Croskery, C Matthews, J Matthews, N Travers, B Ogle, O O’Toole, T Noade, D Steele, B McComiskey, S Croskery (0-2), O Flanagan (0-4, 4f), C Croskery, S McCann, A Garland (1-2, 2M), C Doran.

Subs: S Mooney, S Willoughby, M Stratton, F Murphy, R Quinn, L Ward, R Murphy, D McKibbin, B Willoughby, J Brannigan.

Match ball sponsor: The Lismore family.

Clann na Banna 0-17

Aughlisnafin 1-8

ACFL DIVISION 3A