derby delightfor sarsfields

The winners deserved the two points considering they were a little more polished up front, but they rode their luck at times, a component which has eluded their opponents this year.

The visitors were almost at full strength for last Friday nights game and it took all hands on the pumps particularly in the opening stages when the Whites, who were missing several regulars which included Owen and Gavin McCormack, Ciaran McCavigan, Sam Marshall and returning from injury Niall McConville who made an appearance in the final quarter, took the game to the ‘Trasna men.

The two first half goals struck for the winners were the difference between the sides at the end, the first to arrive and against the run of play converted by Paul McGaughey came at a time when the home side were on top and leading 0-03 to no score. The second Highmoss goal was converted by Michael Stevenson who had been presented with the chance following an error by the Whites rearguard. St. Peter’s had a number of goal scoring chances, they were twice thwarted by Daren McAvoy in the Hoops goal and were disallowed what appeared to be a perfectly good three pointer when Niall Creaney outjumped Mark Reynolds before finishing to the bottom corner on 28 minutes. However referee Paudie Hughes sided with the defender who appeared to have received the slightest nudge going for the ball.

Both sides took turns to dominate the quarters, the first belonged to the Freecrow men, points from Conor Lavery, Darren Moore and Conleth McAlinden gave the home side the edge.

Paul McGaughey and his brother Chris hit a goal and a point for Trasna and points from Paul McGeown, Paul McGaughey and Michael Stevenson’s goal gave Sarsfields a six points lead at the break.

The outcome was shaped by events after the break, Dara Toman and Niall Creaney shot points for the Whites. Eamon McGeown swapped points with Ryan Kelly and follow on efforts from Daren Moore, Emmett Haughian and a Keith Totten effort put just two between them.

Sarsfields showed their experience to pull clear with points from Johnny Reynolds 0-02, Paul McGaughey and Mark Reynolds.

While the real test of character for Sarsfields will come in the Gerry Fegan Cup, St. Peter’s, who parted with their manager last week, will receive a huge boost when a win eventually comes.