Sarsfields take charge in second half against Moorefield

Sarsfields booked their place in the Hanlon Concrete SFL Division 1 final — along with gaining the bragging rights — as they deservedly defeated their town rivals, Moorefield on a final score line of 1-15 to 0-10 setting up a date with Naas, this weekend with the winners taking home the Leinster Leader Cup.

The opening half, as expected, was a tight affair with Tom Kinsella denying Dan Nea with a fine save inside the opening minute. It was one of many top class saves from the Moorefield custodian, another one in particular in the second half saw him deny Ben McCormack as he finger-tipped a low ball destined for the net away to safety.

Shane Doyle and Mark Murray (free) saw the side level after five minutes before a Barry Coffey free and a fine effort from Ben Loakman edged The Sash ahead 0-3 to 0-1 on eight minutes.

Gradually The Moores came into it and with Mark Murray punishing any indiscretion from The Sash, fired over a free after

James Murray was fouled before drawing the sides level and converting another free after being fouled himself to see Moorefield lead 0-5 to 0-3 mid-way through.

It was Murray again who had the Moorefield fans shouting their delight as he hit a brilliant long range effort to open a two point gap.

Shane Doyle who looked lively, reduced the deficit before a foul on Jason Philips saw Murray step forward and split the posts to restore the two point gap.

It was a right old dual between Philips and his immediate marker Sean Campbell as they enjoyed one another's company even when the leather was not in the immediate vicinity, however in a break from play they were spotted sharing water, something we might not have seen in times past.

Shane Doyle reduced the lead to one again but Ian Meehan hit a beauty to make it 00-7 to 0-5 with 21 minutes on the clock.

As we reached the 29minute The Sash were awarded a 45; up stepped Gary White, his high hanging effort seemed to be forever in the air but when it did come down it was big Tadhg Hoey who got a fist to it firing it past Tom Kinsella to give The Sash the lead, a lead they held to the break, somewhat undeserving but nevertheless they led by one 1-5 to 0-7.

The introduction of county man Ben McCormack had The Sash fans in buoyant form on the resumption and they stretched that one point lead two minutes in, Shea Ryan getting forward and punching over.

Three Clear

Mark Murray replied with a free but a Ben McCormack point, showing his pace, followed by a Barry Coffey free saw Sarsfields three clear and looking in control.

Mark Murray was back helping out his defence as we reached the mid-way point but The Moorefield man fouled David Higgins and referee Conor Daly had no option but to point to the spot.

Up stepped full forward Dan Nea, a man well with no shortage of soccer experience. He his spot kick low to the left but Tom Kinsella got down brilliantly to deny him.

That miss, or save, whichever way you want to look at , did not upset Sarsfields as they continued to snuff out The Moorefield attack and with points from Barry Coffey (free) and Karl Hartley opened a five point lead on 48 minutes.

Mark Murray converted a 45 to reduce but it was Tom Kinsella who came to the aid of Moorefield again, this time denying Karl Hartley. Ben McCormack converted that 45, followed by a Barry Coffey free as all that was at stake at this stage was the margin of victory for Sarsfields.

Ethan Mountaine, Ben McCormack and Karl Hartley added points before Moorefield had a goal chance, Aaron Masterson in on goal but his effort was well saved by Marc Courtney Byrne and while Mark Murray added a point the final whistle arrived, Sarsfields through on a final score line of Sarsfields 1-15 Moorefield 0-10.

Scorers: Sarsfields, Ben Coffey 0-4 (4 frees), Tadhg Hoey 1-0, Shane Doyle 0-3, Ben McCormack 0-3 (45), Karl Hartley 0-2, Ben Loakman 0-1, Ethain Mountaine 0-1, Shea Ryan 0-1.

Moorefield, Mark Murray 0-9 (6 frees, 45), Ian Meehan 0-1.

SARSFIELDS: Marc Courtney Byrne; Ethan Mountaine, Sean Campbell, David Higgins; Shea Ryan, Cian Hughes, Con Kavanagh; Tadhg Hoey, Gary White; Cian Byrne, Barry Coffey, Ben Loakman; Karl Hartley, Dan Nea, Shane Doyle. Subs: Ben McCormack for Cian Byrne (half-time); Jake Loakman for Ben Loakman (41 minutes); Jimmy O'Neill for Sean Campbell (50 minutes).

MOOREFIELD: Tom Kinsella; Liam Callaghan, Mark Dempsey, Danny Hanniffy; Padraig Cribbin, Kevin Murnaghan, Harry O'Connor; Ryan Moore, James Murray; Luke Sweeney, Mark Murray, Ian Meehan; Tom Connolly, Jason Philips, Evan O'Brien. Subs: Aaron Masterson for Ryan Moore (43 minutes): Ciaran Kelly for Tom Connolly (43 minutes); Tommy McGrath for Ian Meehan (47 minutes); Anthony Durney for Harry O'Carroll (52 minutes).

REFEREE: Conor Daly.