Loughinisland 0-23 Longstone 1-14 – MORGAN FUELS SFC
BOTH sides had to batten down the hatches as the weather deteriorated in Castlewellan yesterday, but even the elements were unable to curtail a fleet-footed set of Loughinisland forwards.
Jody Gormley’s lads had been given a licence to roam and they settled to the task immediately.
As the rain pelted down, Conor Megoran (0-2), Stefan Mason and Aaron McClements lofted over points with Longstone struggling to deal with Loughinisland’s ferocious start.
They registered their first score in the fifth minute when the impressive Michael Ireland pointed from play. Dean McLaughlin quickly cancelled this score out, but Ireland then converted a ninth minute penalty to leave a point in it, 0-5 to 1-1.
Mark Poland duly brought the sides level in the 10th minute, but Declan McClements and a Mason 45’ helped Loughinisland move two points clear again.
Longstone were like a dog with a bone and simply refused to let go with danger man Ireland swapping points with the lethal Megoran.
Loughinisland continued to play their high-paced, expansive football and Damhan O’Toole chipped in with two points to give his side a 0-10 to 1-3 lead after 20 minutes.
Ben O’Reilly and Mark Poland and Megoran and Conor Shields swapped scores as the game hurtled towards the break.
It was now Loughinisland put their foot down and unanswered points from Mason, Megoran, McKenny and Aaron McClements sent the Blues into the break with a 0-16 1-5 lead.
Loughinisland continued their dominance at the start of the second half and they stretched their lead to 14 points by the 38th minute with scores from Megoran (0-2), Aaron McClements, McKenny and Mason (0-2),
Longstone refused to buckle and Matthew Cunningham and Ireland picked up scores to keep their side ticking over, but just when it looked as if they were getting a head of steam up, Megoran burst their bubble with Loughinisland’s 23rd point in the 46th minute.
This was to be Loughinisland’s last score as they closed up shop.
Longstone spent the remaining 14 minutes looking to get the better of a resolute Loughinisland rearguard, but all they had to show for their efforts were points from Mark Poland (0-3), Ireland, Ambrose Rogers and Cunningham (0-2) as the Blues continued their rich vein of form.
