Honours even at Mountcharles

DIVISION 4 LEAGUE
St Naul's 0–08
Aodh Ruadh 0–08
Steven Perry reports.

The juniors managed to maintain their unbeaten start to the league thanks to a well taken free kick by marksman Steven Perry three minutes from time. Gone were the storm conditions seen in Dunfanaghy a week earlier while also absent was Joseph “Harry” Watson, which begs the question can Harry perform without the aid of the wind.

After a cagey start Aodh Ruadh got off the mark thanks to a fine run and solo effort from wing back Dan Grimes, who spend the rest off the half arguing with player/assistant manager Gerard McGloin. Man of the match, Pauric Loughlin sent over two scores in the first half to leave the Ernesiders trailing by 5 points to 3 at the break.

Aodh Ruadh never really got into the game in the opening thirty minutes, however the switch of Christy Dolan to full-forward changed the complexion of the game in the second half. Dolan appeared to be in his natural habitat on the edge of the square causing havoc for the St Nauls defence. Resolute defending by the Ernesiders helped restrict St. Nauls adding to their tally while points for Loughlin, Perry and Dolan helped Aodh Ruadh level.

The introduction of the Iceman, Gerard McGloin breathed new live into the midfield (for about 30 seconds). The game was not without its controversy though, what seemed to be a perfectly legitimate point to everybody, bar the umpire, Stevie Wonder and the referee, was waved wide, much to the disbelief of Aidan Warren and anyone else with a pair of decent peepers. All-in-all Aodh Ruadh can be satisfied with a draw against a strong St Nauls side especially after their first half performance. The juniors will be hoping to put right any mistakes from this contest when they host Four Masters on Sunday 24th.

Good performances from Pauric Loughlin, Dan Grimes, Kenny Vaughan and Christy Dolan ensured Aodh Ruadh left with a share of the spoils.

Vital Statistics
Team
Aodh Ruadh Gary Walsh; Raymie Granaghan, David O'Donnell, Rory McGloin; Simon Gillespie, Dan Grimes (0-1), Daniel McManus; Kenny Vaughan, Christy Dolan (0-1); Gary Ward, Pauric Loughlin (0-4), Johnny Dolan; John Hughes, Paddy Kelly, Steven Perry (0-2). Subs Used Gerry McManus, Gerard McGloin and Diarmuid Keon.

Report Filed: 28 April 2005