“Gus Flynn’s Men Edge One Step Closer”

CTI Business Solutions Intermediate Football Championship Quarter-Final

Mattock Rangers 2-16 : 1-11 St Brides

From PPFS Darver

Referee: Ultan McElroy (Kilkerley Emmets)

Mattock Rangers produced an efficient 60 minutes work in PPFS Darver on Sunday evening to defeat St Brides 2-16 to 1-11 in the CTI Business Solutions IFC Quarter-Final.

Gus Flynn and his astute backroom team have clearly invested time on the training field to develop an extremely fluid and dynamic playing style. It has been rinse and repeat for the three games so far – shutting down threats at the back, springing into attack and damaging the scoreboard. It is the best the Collon’ outfit have looked since their return to the grade a few years ago and credit must go to Gus Flynn for spearheading this change. They look vibrant and seem to bounce into championship games with an aura that is very difficult for any opponent to handle. An extremely well-conditioned team and their ability to not tire, is what may stand them in good stead in the coming weeks.

First Half

The first 10 minutes was all Mattock’ as they raced into a 1-4 to 0-0 score lead. They opened up with a major as Ben Quaile’s deflected effort reached Liam Flynn who palmed to the back of Aaron Devin’s goal. Jack Thompson, Sean Flynn, Adrian Reid and Cathal Fleming all added good points.

St Brides first score came from a well worked move that ended up with full forward Kevin Hearty who coolly slotted over. Jack Thompson responded with his second from a tight angle before the Knockbridge men hit 3 in a row through Kieran McArdle and a Sean Marry double. However, as the Brides attempted to grow back into the game, Collon’ always had a reply as was shown when Oisin McKenna manufactured a score from himself on 16 minutes, a lively presence in their inside line. The remainder of the half was scores being traded in what was the most well-contested spell of the game.

Half Time. Mattock Rangers 1-8 : 0-7 St Brides

Second Half

Mattock Rangers introduced Ben Watters at half time and he instantly impacted the game with an excellently taken 2-pointer to extend his sides lead on 35 minutes. Four minutes later, Mattock put the game beyond St Brides as a Sean Flynn effort was foot blocked and a penalty was awarded to the Collon men. Cathal Fleming’s effort was initially rebuffed by Aaron Devin but he coolly tucked away the rebound to leave 9 points between the sides.

St Brides got a consolation goal on 44 minutes as Andrew Smyth managed to convert an effort beyond Stephen Smith. The remainder of the game was score from score as Mattock effectively kept the scoreboard ticking. Ben McKenna added a sweetly struck 2-pointer free from the ground on 59 minutes to cap a dominant display from Flynn’s outfit.

Full Time. Mattock Rangers 2-16 : 1-11 St Brides

Next..

Mattock Rangers march on to a semi final with three really solid wins behind them. They have a real balance all over the field and will take serious stopping. St Brides exit the championship at the quarter final stage in their first year back at the Intermediate grade.

Joint-Player of the Match:

• Ben Quaile: Quaile has emerged as a serious asset to the Collon men. He has now done three serious man-marking jobs in this championship and operates in a tenacious manner that sets the tone for the rest of the team. Affords his direct opponent no space and it’s paying off.
• Ben McKenna: One of the players of the IFC so far. He is completely dominant in the middle, and has caused serious issues for the opposition on kickouts. Has every attribute to be a top player and is key to Mattock’s success.
  

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Mattock Rangers Team:

Stephen Smith; Terry Donegan, Cillian Hickey, Alan Carragher; Dari Englishby, Ben Quaile, Shane Maguire; Ben McKenna (0-2 – 2pf), Jason Condon; Adrian Reid (0-1), Cathal Fleming (1-4 – 2f), Jack Thompson (0-2); Oisin McKenna (0-1), Sean Flynn (0-3 – 1f), Liam Flynn (1-0)

Subs:

Ben Watters (0-3 – 2p) for Jason Condon (HT), James Carragher for Terry Donegan (44 Mins), Tom Grimes for Jack Thompson (53 Mins).

St Brides Team:

Aaron Devin; Stephen Hoey, Ronan Bailey, Robert McCaughey; Andrew Smyth (1-0), Cillian Kirk (0-1), Ross Murnaghan; James Costelloe, Bernard Laverty; Sean Marry (0-4 – 2f), Kieran McArdle (0-3 – 2f), Peter Carragher; Oisin McBride, Kevin Hearty (0-2), Donal McArdle (0-1).

Subs:

Aaron Donnelly for Oisin McBride (41 Mins), Michael Keane for James Costelloe (55 Mins), Evan Wynne for Stephen Hoey (60 Mins), Padraic Rutledge for Bernard Laverty (60 Mins).