Bracknagh finish strong to see off Ballycommon in tame affair
COMING into the final round of group games in this season's Senior A Football Championship with both sides guaranteed a place in the quarter finals, Ballycommon and Bracknagh played out a competitive contest for a majority of the time in Geashill on Sunday afternoon with Bracknagh ultimately sealing their first win of the season by 1-12 to 0-7 .
Tullamore Court Hotel Senior Football Championship Group 1 Round 3
Bracknagh 1-12
Ballycommon 0-7
Peter Cunningham finished the game with 0-4 and there was also massive contributions from Eoghan Geoghegan for the Bracknagh side in their win this afternoon, meaning they now go forward to take on Edenderry in the quarter finals, whilst Ballycommon will square off against Shamrocks.
Charlie Keogh was also a man who performed extremely well for Bracknagh today, taking on the challenge of the opposition with a vengeance, alongside Fionn Dempsey who put in a solid shift at corner back.
The opening 10 minutes was played at a good pace with so much on the line, and despite Peter Cunningham getting off the mark with two fine scores including a free from out the sideline, it was Ballycommon who held the lead with three scores in the space of two minutes through a Sean Conway mark as well as two excellently executed scores from Chris Kenny.
Bracknagh wouldn’t register a score from play until the 21st minute thanks to some lovely one two play from the two Dempsey’s Sean and Jason who finished off the move, but Ballycommon responded by rapidly through their own number nine Brian Todd after Chris Kenny’s perfect through ball. Eoghan Geoghegan soon restored the Bracknagh lead after some fine individual work. Ballycommon had their chances to claw back the scoreline deficit, but all their hard work in winning possession back was wasted as shots began dropping short or build up plays were over cooked. It left Bracknagh with the slight advantage at the break.
Half time Ballycommon 0-4 - 0-5 Bracknagh.
The second half in the opening 10-15 minutes felt very pedestrian, with neither side really pushing to make much happen as evidenced by there only being two scores from play, from Peter Cunningham and Ricky Geoghegan. Ballycommon were keeping themselves in the contest through placed balls from Chris Kenny, before he was forced off due to injury.
Bracknagh were winning their individual battles and were very composed and compact at the back, and soon they were rewarded for their efforts as they kicked 1-1 in the space of 90 seconds, as Colm Cunningham found Eoghan Geoghegan in space and he found his range and the corner from 20 yards out, before Cunningham himself was in for goal, when spotted across the square by Mikey Cunningham, however his effort was sent over all but ending Ballycommon’s chances of getting a result.
Fionn Dempsey also kicked a marvellous point from corner back outside of his foot, whilst Peter Cunningham and Ricky Geoghegan kicked two more scores towards the end as Bracknagh rounded off a good professional performance with a seven point win, as Ballycommon will have work to do going forward after not scoring a single point from play during the second period. Overall, Bracknagh will be happy enough with their display and certainly won’t fear Edenderry in the final eight.
MATCH ANALYSIS
MAN OF THE MATCH
Charlie Keogh (Bracknagh): Peter Cunningham finished with 0-4 and was always a danger man, while Fionn Dempsey also had a strong showing in the full back line. Eoghan Geoghegan was also causing headaches during the 60 minutes.
Charlie Keogh though was extremely reliable at full back, winning turnovers, frees and not allowing Ballycommon a sniff at goal all game. He was top class in his position on Sunday.
THE SCORERS
Bracknagh: Peter Cunningham 0-4 (2marks, 1free); Eoghan Geoghegan 1-1; Ricky Geoghegan 0-2, Jason Dempsey, Fionn Dempsey, Colm Cunningham, Colin Broderick (free) and Mikey Cunningham (1free) 0-1 each.
Ballycommon: Chris Kenny 0-4 (2frees); Sean Conway 0-2 (1free, 1mark); Brian Todd 0-1.
THE TEAMS
Bracknagh: Keith Keogh; Charlie Keogh; Fionn Dempsey; Tom Hyland; Colm Cunningham; Stefan Geoghegan; Anthony Cunningham; Chris Whittle; Jason Dempsey; Sean Dempsey; Peter Cunningham; Colin Broderick; Eoghan Geoghegan; Ricky Geoghegan; Mikey Cunningham. Subs- Mark Dunne for Broderick (55m).
Ballycommon:Paul Scally; Paul Conway; Robert Conneely; Matthew Dempsey; David Dempsey; Chulainn Boland; Michael Conneely; Tom Mealiffe; Brian Todd; Karl Dunne; Gareth Mann; Sean Conway; Ryan Kenny; Conor Dunne; Chris Kenny. Subs- Stephen Conneely for Dunne (35m); Ian Scally for Kenny (40m); Dylan Martin for Kenny (46m); Karl Dunne for Mealiffe (54m) .
Referee – Fintan Pierce (Raheen).
REFEREE WATCH
Fintan Pierce refereed the game well as there weren't many major incidents to worry about and it was fairly clean.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
The game's only goal from Eoghan Geoghegan was the big moment of quality as it was a well worked move and all but killed the game as a contest.
VENUE WATCH
Geashill hosted the game on what was a really miserable, wet and cold day, but they had plenty of stewards on hand, the pitch held up really well considering the weather we’ve had and the game was played in good spirits.
WHAT'S NEXT
Both sides will go into the quarter final stages, Ballycommon will face Shamrocks and Bracknagh take on Edenderry.
STATISTICS
Wides: Ballycommon – 7 ( 6 in first half, 1 in 2nd half); Bracknagh – 1 (0 in first half, 1 in 2nd half).
Yellow cards: Ballycommon - (2) Karl Dunne and Brian Todd; Bracknagh – (2) Charlie Keogh and Tom Hyland
Black cards: 0
Red cards: Ballycommon– (0) ; Bracknagh – (0)