Carrickmore are famed for the many last-gasp winners that have stunned opponents in memorable championship clashes down through the years, but this week they’re processing a painful reminder of how it feels to be on the receiving end.
A late, late goal rescued a draw for Killyclogher in an absorbing Tyrone SFC quarter-final at the weekend, and the sides will lock horns again in the replay on Thursday evening.
“It was a brilliant game to be involved in, we were very, very clear that Killyclogher are a team that would not quit, it’s not in their DNA,” said Carrickmore joint manager Noel Slane.
“We knew they would keep coming, we saw it against Omagh, they wouldn’t let it go and kept fighting until the last play and they did the same.”
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Slane admitted he believed his side had done enough to book a semi-final slot as they passed the hour mark with a three-point lead.
But the St Mary’s dug deep to conjure an equalising goal in the 62nd minute, punched home by Dara Hayes from Conall McCann’s cross, tyring it up at 2-9 to 1-12.
“On balance we thought we had the game sewn up but listen, you play to the final whistle and they got the rub of the green and fair play to them.
“It was an unbelievable game to watch in terms of intensity and hits, and the ref let lots of stuff go, and that worked for a good spectacle in terms of the game. Look we’ve got another opportunity, we’re both in and still swinging, we’ll see next Thursday night for the replay.”
Killyclogher led by two points at the interval, and while Carmen responded with their trademark fightback, Slane feels it’s important to address the failings of the opening half.
“We definitely don’t want to give the opposition a head-start in any of the matches, but it just seems to be the way it’s worked out.
“At half-time, the same as the first game, we were very confident that there’s a kick in us. There’s great resolve and determination in this group, it’s a very gutsy and determined group of players so we were very sure that when the game went into the mixer we would respond.
“And I thought the lads were outstanding to a man in the second half and we dropped off them a wee bit, we thought we could maybe strip them in a heavier defence, and that seemed to work well for us. It was a great game but we definitely don’t want to go behind at the start.”
The quick turnaround presents a crucial test in both camps, where recovery and repair will be a key focus in the preparation of two groups of aching bodies for the resumption of battle on Thursday evening.
“I suppose Killyclogher are in the same boat. That was really heavy-hitting stuff from both teams and fair play to them, it was very enjoyable to watch even though we’re on the sidelines. But they’ll be sore the same way we are.
“It’s all-square, we start again next Thursday night. I don’t think we’ve had any injuries tonight so it looks like we’ve a clean bill of health.”
