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Sarsfields Outclassed in Maghery

November 7, 2018

Maghery 3-10 Sarsfields 1-10
Sarsfields were quick off the mark and Richie Stevenson had a handy tap over within seconds of the throw in. For a second it looked like he was in for the goal, but the Maghery defence were quick to shut off that option. Eamon McGeown sent over a point and Richie Stevenson’s second point after good defensive work from Paul Magee, made it three points in as many minutes for the Highmoss. Maghery hit back with a pointed free and then hit a goal that really had left the Sarsfields defence exposed. Michael Stevenson replied with a 45’, but Maghery edged back in front with a point. Mark Reynolds levelled matters mid-way through the half. The point had been hard won due to good defensive work from Maghery, though Sarsfields had shown composure in working the score. Sarsfields playing reasonably well had a few chances, with Johnny Reynolds hitting the crossbar with a shot that would have been a certain goal if it had been a few millimetres lower. Maghery though hit three points without reply to lead by three and the scores had come from Sarsfields losing possession going forward. Eamon McGeown saw an effort come of the top of the crossbar and out eventually going out for a 45’. Michael Stevenson hit over an injury time free to reduce the deficit to two points, but it had been the first Highmoss score in over fifteen minutes.
On the restart Michael Stevenson hit a point under pressure to put the minimum between the sides and the supporters had reason for optimism. However in the next period Maghery took control. In the next five minutes Maghery hit 1-04 without reply to go nine points in front and really there was no way back for Sarsfields. Chris McGaughey stopped the rot with a point from his first touch after coming on as a substitute. Any chance of a revival was snuffed out by Maghery’s third goal. To their credit Sarsfields fought to the end. A couple of Richie Stevenson frees left it that the three goals were the difference. In the final minute Eamon McGeown fisted a speculative goal to the net. Sarsfields had a further goal chance but couldn’t close the gap. Had the goal brought three points between the sides it may have been a frantic finish. As it was Sarsfields had simply been outplayed by a decent Maghery side.

Sarsfields Team Darran McAvoy Peter Stevenson, Paul Magee, Dara O’Hanlon, Johnny Niblock, Darren Breen, Michael Stevenson (0-03) Brian Lavery, Eamon McGeown (1-01) Mark Reynolds (0-01), Paul McGaughey, Paul McGeown Johnny Reynolds, Eimeid Murray, Richie Stevenson (0-04), Substitutes used; Chris McGaughey (0-01) for Dara O’Hanlon Aidan Haughian for Paul McGeown