“Ryan Burns 1-11 Snuffs Out Mattock Flame”
CTI Business Solutions Intermediate Football Championship
Semi Final REPLAY
From Stabannon
Hunterstown Rovers 2-18
Mattock Rangers 3-11
Hope and expectation has been attached to an exciting crop of Hunterstown Rovers footballers, who finished strongly at Stabannon to secure their place in a second successive CTI Business Solutions Intermediate Football Championship Final after their 2-18 to 3-11 win over local rivals Mattock Rangers in the semi-final replay in front of a bumper crowd.
With such a proud tradition no championship title since 2013 will feel significant for Hunterstown, but they carved out a victory in a way that makes this season feel different.
Ultimately it means Sean Barry and Sean Kelly has steered their side to the decider in both years they have been at the helm. It is a remarkable feat but one they will be intent on finishing this time.
Hunterstown just had too much for Mattock in the game despite a late rally from Gus Flynn’s side after they had found themselves eight points in arrear.
The majestic Ryan Burns rifled over a pressure two-point free beyond the 45’ late on to cap off an incredible night for himself and his side.
There was so much to admire in Mattock’s football during an absorbing match. Sean Flynn concluded with a 2-1 haul and performed with commendable class up top.
Cathal Fleming drove forward all game long, but it still wasn’t enough. Rovers were able to deal with Rangers cocktail of passion and purpose.
Unsurprisingly the opening period was tight and hard fought with Sean Flynn working extremely hard to manufacture a calmly finished major for his side. This was extremely important for Collon chiefly due to Hunterstown’s gutsy defensive effort as the Rovers tenaciously dealt with the usual bombarding attack from Mattock Rangers, one of Louth’s most traditional footballing teams.
At the opposite end of the field Hunterstown, prompted by Burns’ skill, were efficient mining 0-11 from a half were they were not at their flowing best. Mattock only registered 1-5 from a half were they had a lot of chances, similar to last weekend in DEFY Páirc Mhuire Ardee.
Mattock Rangers edged 1-2 to 0-2 in front by the 10th minute, but Hunterstown Rovers summoned a response. Ryan Burns (0-5), Ryan Ward (0-2), Cillian Taaffe and James Russell all guided over points for Hunterstown Rovers to pull 0-11 to 1-5 clear at the interval.
After the restart Ryan Burns remained hugely relevant as his side took a 0-14 to 1-8 lead in the 42nd minute after he accurately struck a two-point free.
The Hunterstown burst left Mattock reeling as Paul Carrie buried a goal after a carefully crafted move. Ryan Burns hammered two further points over including a magnificent left foot effort, leaving them eight clear with 10 minutes to go.
Though, Mattock started to pose some questions. They hit 2-2 in quick succession to pull the game back to a draw by the 29th minute. The black and red outfit created this revival with a Ben McKenna two-pointer from the deck. Once again, Sean Flynn showed great persistence to beat Hunterstown’ defence and finish to the back of the net. The game was then drawn level with a wonder goal from centre-half Shane Maguire as he finished to the top corner, leaving Donovan Sheridan with no chance.
As the game was now delicately poised. The games leading light stood up.
Hunterstown pulled together with Cillian Taaffe and Glen Mathews combining eloquently as the latter teed up Burns who palmed home to send them back in the lead.
Cathal Fleming briefly replied with a close range free before Ryan Burns fittingly closed off the game with a highlight reel score. A two-pointer from the deck, beyond the 45’ – no doubts just sheer precision. A man intent on sending his beloved club to another decider.
120 minutes of pulsating action came to an end. Two teams that went at it. Neither deserving to lose. The only factor that separated the local rivals was the Rovers number 11.
Player of the Match:
Ryan Burns (Hunterstown Rovers)
Burns is one of the attackers of this Louth generation, consistently tormenting opposition defences. When he fires, Hunterstown tend to win, and that was the case this evening as he finished with 1-11. His year to date has been the best of his career but there is one more step he will look to climb before thinking about anything else.
Notables:
Sean Flynn and Shane Maguire (Mattock Rangers)
Flynn led the line and finished brilliantly for both his goals. Maguire was outstanding in the middle-third and deserved his wonder goal.
James Russell, David Finn & Cillian Taaffe (Hunterstown Rovers)
The trio has serious energy and broke lines all game. Excellent.
Hunterstown Rovers Team:
Donovan Sheridan; Adam O’Reilly, Euan Woodlock, Cillian Taaffe; Micheal Reid, Patrick Taaffe (0-1), Daithi Carroll; Jason Monaghan (0-1), Marc Ward; David Finn, Ryan Burns (1-11, 7f), James Russell (0-1); Ciaran Russell, Ryan Ward (0-4), Dean Burns.
Subs: Paul Carrie (1-0) for Dean Burns (41 Mins), Shane Halpenny for Marc Ward (44 Mins), Colm Murphy for Micheal Reid (47 Mins), Glen Mathews for James Russell (51 Mins), Aaron Levins for Daithi Carroll (57 Mins).
Mattock Rangers Team:
Stephen Smith; Alan Carragher, Cillian Hickey, Ben Quaile; Terry Donegan, Shane Maguire (1-0), Dari Englishby; Ben McKenna (0-3, 2f), Cathal Fleming (0-2, 1f); Adrian Reid (0-1), Liam Flynn (0-2), Jack Thompson (0-1); Oisin McKenna (0-1), Sean Flynn (2-1, 1f), Ben Watters.
Subs: Tom Grimes for Terry Donegan (41 Mins), James Carragher for Ben Quaile (41 Mins), Callum Wogan for Jack Thompson (50 Mins).
Referee: Ultan McElroy (Kilkerley Emmets)
