Early scoring spree sees Devenish through

Editorial Department • Published 26 Aug 2010 16:00 Comments 1 Comment

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Devenish midfielder Marty O’Brien tries to hold on to possession as Brendan McBrien makes a challenge at Brewster Park on Sunday afternoon.<<

Devenish 2-08; Newtownbutler 1-07

An early scoring blitz laid the foundations for Devenish’s victory over Newtownbutler at Brewster Park on Sunday as the Garrison side secured their spot in the last four of the Quinn Insurance SFC.

With only ten minutes on the clock Newtown were left reeling as Devenish had pulled away into a 2-03 to 0-00 lead, and it was 13 minutes before Newtown had notched their first score of the game.

Slowly but surely though the First Fermanaghs began to get back into the encounter although they still trailed by five at the break, 2-03 to 0-04.

However, three minutes into the second half Newtown were given real hope as Frank Mulligan slotted the ball into the back of the net to reduce the deficit to only two points. This though was as close as Newtown were to get as Devenish finally awoke from their slumber and John O’Flanagan clipped over a free to account for their first score in nearly 30 minutes.

And they could also afford a Chris O’Brien missed penalty as they went on to wrap up a four point victory.

Devenish came blazing out of the blocks as they caused all sorts of trouble for Newtown in the opening spell. John O’Flanagan, who had a fine game at midfield, kicked his first score of the game from a free and this was followed soon after by their opening goal. O’Flanagan and full forward Kevin Ferguson were involved in creating the chance for Chris O’Brien who coolly slotted the ball into the corner of the net beyond Shay McKiernan.

O’Brien then teed up Terry O’Flanagan for a point and the lively corner forward was also involved in his side’s second goal. He played his part in the lead up along with Marty O’Brien and when the ball broke into the path of Ferguson he blasted it into the net.

When John O’Flanagan stroked over a further point shortly after it left a stunned Newtown trailing 2-03 to 0-00 and it was always going to be an uphill struggle after this.

In fairness to Newtown they did begin to finally settle after this and they cut out threat of the Devenish atack while also enjoying more possession over the remainder of the half.

Colum Monahan got them off the mark with two converted free kicks although matters could have got even worse for Newtown eight minutes before half time when Kevin Ferguson rose to punch the ball to the net. However, referee Fergal Cleary ruled out the score, penalising Ferguson for a square ball, and two late points, a Monahan free and a Shane Loenard score from play, gave Newtown a bit of hope for the second half.

And the comeback realy looked on when Newtown struck for a goal early in the second half. Ryan Carson picked out Mulligan with a tidy ball and he exchanged passes with Brendan McBrien before calmly stroking the ball to the net to reduce the arrears to two points, 2-03 to 1-04.

The lead could have been cut back to the minimum but Jarlath Jackman missed from a free and Devenish went down the field were substitute Martin Doherty won a free which John O’Flanagan kicked over for their first score since that early spree.

McBrien hit back for Newtown but Devenish were beginning to rediscover the form they had shown early in the contest and Garvan Gallagher banged over a fine point, which was followed by another from John O’Flanagan to make it 2-06 to 1-05 with 13 minutes left to play.

Colum Monahan kept Newtown in with a shout when he fired over a free but Devenish had the chance to seal the deal when they were awarded a penalty following a foul challenge on Chris O’Brien. O’Brien dusted himself down to strike the penalty but it was saved by goalkeeper Shay McKiernan who had a good game.

Ryan O’Keefe brought Newtown back to within two points with five minutes to go, and Devenish were then reduced to 14 men when John McNulty was given his marching orders after an off the ball clash.

It was Devenish though who produced the stronger finish to the contest. McKiernan pushed a Doherty effort over the bar and then had to make a fine stop from Gallagher.

It was John O’Flanagan who then had the final say when he swung over his fifth point of the day as Devenish set up a semi-final showdown against St. Patrick’s.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 26 Aug 10

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gurteen47
12 posts
Aug 27, 14:47
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Go Devenish!! Well done.

However, all team members will need to step up their fitness levels. Being half asleep and going for a half hour without scoring will not wash against St Pats. Being fit enough to work hard for the full 70 minutes is required.

Paul Treacy

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