Local Derby Throws Up A Classic as Glyde and Westerns Draw

DKIT Sport Junior Football Championship Group 2 Round 1

From Cullen AutoParts Louth GAA Training Centre in Darver

Glyde Rangers 1-11 Westerns 1-11

Westerns upset the odds to earn a hard-fought draw with Glyde Rangers in this evening’s DKIT Sport Junior Football Championship Group 2 Round 1 game at Cullen Autoparts Louth GAA Training Centre in Darver.

Oisin Drumgoole opened the scoring for the Westerns with Killian Crosbie backing it up with a well-taken free. On the 8^th minute, the returning county star Tommy Durnin landed a monster two-pointer off his left boot to leave the Reaghstown men four clear.

Tadhg Kellett was denied a goal after a great chance was superbly blocked by wing forward Conor Smith. As the Glyde struggled to open their account, the lively Drumgoole added another fine effort with his inside forward partner Jack Martin knocking over a free to leave six between the sides after 20 minutes.

Olan Crosbie finally opened Glyde Rangers account on the 22^nd minute with a free. He then added two more in a short period along with Louth U20’ Tadhg Devaney and Leigh Byrne. Glyde captain Gerard Bourton was handed a black card just before half-time with Tommy Durnin punishing the foul on him with a brilliant two-point free from out near the sideline. Half Time – Glyde Rangers 0-5 Westerns 0-8

Shane Byrne pointed early in the half before Crosbie got a brilliant individual goal to send his side into the lead for the first time in the game.

Jack Martin replied with a free and subsititute Cathal Kennedy edged them back in front. Then, an awesome team move resulted with Drumgoole unleashing a rocket into the Glyde goal to put the Westerns four clear with 20 minutes remaing.

Crosbie responded for the Tallanstown men with two points in quick succession. With three minutes of normal time remaining, he calmly converted a two-point free from the hands to draw the game level. Liam Gallagher was then shown a black card shortly after been introduced for a deliberate foul on Tommy Durnin.

Tadhg Devaney put the Glyde one clear as the clock ticked into the red zone with a close range free. However, the Westerns were not done as they calmly kept the ball before Durnin cut inside and fired over the equaliser, deep in injury time. Full Time – Glyde Rangers 1-11 Westerns 1-11

Joint Man of the Match: Tommy Durnin (Westerns) and Olan Crosbie (Glyde Rangers)

Hard to separate as Tommy Durnin drove the Westerns through the game with several kickouts won, 0-5 kicked and a general grip on proceedings. Olan Crosbie played closest to goal for Glyde Rangers and caused danger every time he got the ball. 1-7 kicked, including an exceptional goal.

Glyde Rangers team: Oran Matthews; Darren McKeever, Conor McCullagh, Senan Lundon; Gerard Bourton, Jack McKeever, Sean Devaney; Adam Sweeney, Tadhg Devaney (0-2, 1f); Shane Byrne (0-1), Tadhg Kellett, Leigh Byrne (0-1); Olan Crosbie (1-7, 1tpf & 3f), Ciarain Sheridan, Jake Stewart.

Subs: Cormac Lundon for Leigh Byrne (37 Mins), Aaron Devlin for Sean Devaney (51 Mins), Aaron Myles for Jake Stewart (54 Mins), Liam Gallagher for Shane Byrne (58 Mins).

Westerns team: Anthony Durnin; Roan Gallagher, Mick Martin, Joe Murphy; Killian Crosbie (0-1, 1f), Finn Duffy, Darragh Osbourne; Tommy Durnin (0-5, 1tp & 1tpf), Matthew Kane; Conor Smith, Ciaran Scriven, Ryan Duffy; Emmet Smith, Jack Martin (0-2, 2f), Oisin Drumgoole (1-2).

Subs: Cathal Kennedy (0-1) for Emmet Smith (37 Mins), Patrick Kerley for Killian Crosbie (50 Mins), Emmet Smith for Ryan Duffy (57 Mins).

Referee: Colm McCullough (Naomh Fionnbarra)