Ryan Burns Late Equaliser Forces Replay After Local Derby Thriller
CTI Business Solutions Intermediate Championship Semi-Final
From DEFY Páirc Mhuire, Ardee
Mattock Rangers 0-17
Hunterstown Rovers 1-14
Mattock Rangers and Hunterstown Rovers ended in dramatic fashion at DEFY Páirc Mhuire Ardee on Sunday afternoon as they played out a draw in their thrilling CTI Business Solutions Intermediate Championship Semi Final, forcing a replay.
Mattock Rangers looked well set for victory as they took the lead in injury time when Ben McKenna pointed but late heroics from the All-Star Nominee Ryan Burns, saw Hunterstown time their comeback to perfection, as they levelled in the last attack of the game.
Gus Flynn’s team delivered a hugely impressive and efficient display in the opening half with five 2-pointers, one each for Ben McKenna, Adrian Reid, Cathal Fleming, Liam Flynn and Jack Thompson building a deserved 0-12 to 1-5 lead by the interval.
Indeed, The Collon outfit took little time in settling into the clash as a 3rd minute two point effort from Ben McKenna settled any early nerves. It took their opponents until the 10th minute to open their scoring accounts but it was worth the wait as Ryan Ward smashed home to the back of the net. This was soon followed by a peach of a two-point free from Burns as he cut across the ball, drawing it in to perfection against a decent breeze.
Fleming hit a two point free and Reid nailed an eye-catching two from play before Burns struck back with a finely converted point as he came on a loop.
The next period of the game was complete domination from Mattock and maybe they will regret not making more of this purple patch. Fleming, Liam Flynn (x2), Sean Flynn and Thompson (x2) sent them flying into a 0-12 to 1-3 lead on the 26th minute. It was a tough period for the Rovers as they came under pressure but a late Burns two-pointer would leave themselves within striking range at the break as they trailed 0-12 to 1-5.
Mattock started impressively upon the restart a Sean Flynn point but this really should have been a goal after they split the Hunterstown defence wide open. Ryan Ward and Cathal Fleming traded scores before Tony McKenna narrowed the gap to four within twenty minutes remaining.
The lively Jack Thompson nailed an effort to restore his sides five point lead as they looked to be doing enough to keep their local rivals at bay.
Indeed Hunterstown’s revival did not really kickstart until the 51st minute when Burns cooly landed a long range two-point free as he connected sweetly off the deck after he had nailed a 45’. The energetic Ciaran Russell knocked over a two point effort from a central angle to level proceedings moments later as the momentum of Sean Barry’s men began to trouble the Collon men.
Ryan Ward backed this up and sent Rovers’ ahead but like a true team, Mattock never relented. Midfielder Ben McKenna nudged over two close range efforts as he inspired his side scoring the leveller and a potential winner.
The contest deserved a thrilling conclusion and it duly arrived as Burns jinked through and hand passed over the bar to save his sides championship hopes.
Relief for the Rovers but Mattock will have their regrets.
They do it all again on Thursday 9th October at 8pm in Stabannon.
Player of the Match:
Ryan Burns (Hunterstown Rovers)
Hunterstown’s hero again. Got 0-9. Had some great moments, particularly in the closing stages, including a powerful two-pointer. Also made a key turnover underneath the stand in the second half.
Notables:
Ben McKenna (Mattock Rangers) – Stormed into the game in the second half as he dominated the air. Looked to have won it late on.
Ciaran Russell (Hunterstown Rovers) – Excellent throughout, so lively and direct with his runs.
Jack Thompson (Mattock Rangers) – Goes under the radar, works his socks off for the team and showed good end product today, finishing with 0-3.
Mattock Rangers Team:
Stephen Smith; Alan Carragher, Cillian Hickey, Terry Donegan; Shane Maguire, Ben Quaile, Dari Englishby; Ben McKenna (0-4, 2f), Jason Condon; Adrian Reid (0-2), Cathal Fleming (0-4, 3f), Jack Thompson (0-3); Oisin McKenna, Sean Flynn (0-2), Liam Flynn (0-2).
Subs: Ben Watters for Jason Condon (38 Mins), James Carragher for Shane Maguire (49 Mins), Tom Grimes for Terry Donegan (59 Mins).
Hunterstown Rovers Team:
Donovan Sheridan; Adam O’Reilly, Micheal Reid, Euan Woodlock; Daithi Carroll, Patrick Taaffe, David Finn; Jason Monaghan, Marc Ward; Shane Halpenny, Ryan Burns (0-9, 6f, 1’45’), Tony McKenna (0-1); Ciaran Russell (0-2), Ryan Ward (1-2), Dean Burns.
Subs: Cillian Taaffe for David Finn (39 Mins), Paul Carrie for Dean Burns (44 Mins), Glen Matthews for Tony McKenna (49 Mins), Colm Murphy for Daithi Carroll (49 Mins), Aaron Levins for Shane Halpenny (57 Mins).
Referee: Stephen Murphy (Naomh Mairtin)
Photo: Ciaran Culligan Photography
