Longford SFC: Clonguish spring major shock to conquer Mullinalaghta
Peter Hanley Motors Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final
Clonguish . . . 1-12 Mullinalaghta St Columba’s . . . 0-9
In the remaining quarter-final clash of the weekend, the 2021 champions St Columba’s led by 4 points at the break (0-8 to 0-4) but only scored a single point on the changeover as revitalised Clonguish clocked up 1-8 to set up a last four clash against Dromard on Sunday October 1st.
The decisive turning point materialised midway through the second half when the sides were level at 0-9 apiece before Clonguish struck to score the decisive only goal.
Referee Fergal Kelly deemed that Mullinalaghta defender Francis Mulligan foot blocked a Jack Duggan shot in the square and awarded a penalty. Mulligan was then sent-off for an off the ball incident against Duggan before Matthew Carey stepped up to convert the kick with a cool finish.
This promising young Clonguish side utilised their superior fitness to fine effect as they cruised through the remainder of the match.
Liam Belton’s charges controlled possession in adding 3 more points to their tally in running out comfortable winners in the finish.
CLONGUISH: Joe O’Brien (0-1); Conor Smith, Gerry Moore, Conor Flynn; Darran Quinn (0-1), Andrew Flynn, Josh Sorohan; Ronan Sweeney, Conor Shields; Matthew Flynn (0-1), Jack Duggan (0-3, 1 free), Chris Gordon; Matthew Carey (1-4, 1-0 pen, 1 free, 2 ‘45s), David Barden (0-1), Michael Flynn (0-1).
Sub:- Niall O’Reilly for C Gordon (second minute of stoppage time).
MULLINALAGHTA ST COLUMBA’S: Patrick Rogers; Tom Meehan, Donal McElligott (0-1), Simon Cadam; Patrick Fox (0-1), Gary Rogers, Francis Mulligan; Connor Leonard (0-1), David McGivney (0-2, 2 frees); Conan Brady, Aidan McElligott, Michael Cunningham (0-1); Emmet Brady (0-3), James McGivney, Shane Mulligan.
Subs:- Cian Mackey for C Brady (38 mins); Jayson Matthews for E Brady (50 mins); Cian McElligott for M Cunningham (59 mins).
Referee: Fergal Kelly (Ballymahon).