Down Senior Football Championship round three
LAST year’s beaten Down SFC finalists Carryduff are one step closer to a repeat feat after beating Longstone in round three on Saturday, 2-13 to 1-11.
The last eight now awaits for the Belfast side after this hard fought win in Newcastle. An early goal helped Carryduff get their noses in front and they never relinquished it in the first-half despite some fine free taking from Conor Doran for Longstone.
When Carryduff got the first score of the first-half to make it 1-7 to 0-5 it looked as if they were pulling away but a rapid goal and three points from Longstone saw them turn the tables on their opponents. The major came from a mistake by veteran goalkeeper Ryan Kelly in the Carryduff nets while Conor Doran again chipped in from a dead ball situation.
Carryduff weren’t for being blown permanently off course, however, and points from Daniel Guinness, Michael McGrath and Joe McFlynn saw them edge back in front. Although Longstone kept in touch through the boot of Conor Doran, a couple of well placed frees from James Guinness ensured that Carryduff stayed out in front.
And when Ronan Beatty goaled on the home stretch to leave it 2-14 to 1-10 in the Belfast side’s favour, Carryduff could afford to breathe a bit easier. They will find out their quarter-final opponents when the draw is made this evening.
The final round three game takes place tonight when Glenn take on Castlewellan at Páirc Esler, with a 7.15pm throw-in.
Glenn won their championship opener against Bryansford but were denied an automatic quarter-final spot when they were well-beaten – 2-12 to 0-8 – by the Burren in round two. The contributions of Shay Millar and Mattie Bagnall could again be crucial to the Glenn cause tonight.
Castlewellan needed extra-time and a last gasp Seán Dornan goal to get past Rostrevor in round two. They will be hoping to have a smoother path to victory tonight.
