Sarsfields Outclassed by Crossmaglen

Sarsfields Outclassed
Sarsfields 0-07 Crossmaglen 3-12
Sarsfields began well with a Thomas McAlinden point after he came out well in front of his man and hit a nice score. Sarsfields continued to play reasonably well but sent a couple wide before Crossmaglen hit their first point. Crossmaglen were coming into the game and might have added to their tally but for a great clearance from Paul Magee. Eamon McGeown sent over a good point from distance to edge Sarsfields back in front, but it was the last time they would see the lead in the match. At this stage Tony Kernan received a straight red at one might have thought this was good for Sarsfields, but in the next fifteen minutes Crosmaglen hit 1-03 without reply and also hit the post. For the goal Darran made a superb save only to see the ball cross the path of a waiting forward for a handy chance. Sarsfields had a few chances go wide and Eimeid Murray was denied by Paul Hearty. He palmed the rebound narrowly missing a second opportunity to hit the net. In addition was denied a penalty shout, deemed to be outside the square and Johnny Reynolds pulled a point back from the free, but Sarsfields were behind by four at the break having dropped another couple of efforts short.
In the second half Crossmaglen hit seven points without reply and by this time it was game over for Sarsfields. To be fair the Highmoss heads didn’t drop. There were had another couple of goal chances and several efforts for points went wide. Darren Breen stopped the rot with a point, Johnny Reynolds added a free and Colin Stevenson knocked over a point. However, Crossmaglen responded with a further two goals to demonstrate their superiority. Late in the game Thomas McAlinden collected a great ball in behind the visitors defence but was denied by a superb Paul Hearty save. Sarsfields could have kept it tighter but were left in no doubt as to who was the better team.
Sarsfields Team
Darran McAvoy
Peter Stevenson, Paul Magee, Ciaran Kerr
Declan Breen, Darren Breen (0-01), Mark Reynolds,
Brian Lavery, Eamon McGeown (0-01),
Aidan Haughian, Paul McGaughey, Eimeíd Murray,
Johnny Reynolds (0-03), Thomas McAlinden (0-01), Niall Kerr,
Subs used Colin Stevenson (0-01 for Niall Kerr, Dara O’Hanlon for Aidan Haughian