Maguiresbridge 0-10 Devenish 2-10

After an even first half at Páirc na hÓige, a dominant 15-minute spell at the start of the second half saw Devenish defeat Maguiresbridge on Sunday afternoon and build on their win against Derrylin.

Both sides traded scores in the first half with Daniel Teague kicking the first point of the game. Teague went on to score another three points with Luca McCusker and Fionn Nolan also adding to the home side’s tally.

Fionan O’Brien and Jamie Flanagan led Devenish’s scoring with two points each in the first half, Ruairi Maguire added a point of his own, as did goalkeeper Thomas Treacy to leave the scores at 0-06 each at the break.

Devenish were awarded a penalty in the opening minute of the second half, but Ruairi Maguire’s spot kick was saved by ‘Bridge keeper James Hughes. After a scramble for the rebound, Flanagan eventually got the ball over the bar for the visitors and moments later Flanagan would find the net after winning the ball from a ‘Bridge kick out before rounding the goalkeeper and finishing low.

Jason Love added a point moments before Flanagan was fouled inside the box and Devenish gained a second chance from the penalty spot.

This time Fionan O’Brien stepped up and scored to stretch the lead.

Daniel Teague and Sean Corrigan responded for the home side with free kicks, however, scores from Terry O’Flanagan and Thomas McHugh maintained the away side’s cushion.

The ‘Bridge pushed for a goal late on, but Nolan’s last-minute effort deflected up and over the bar to leave the full-time score at 2-10 to 0-10. Devenish manager Marty O’Brien said after the game: “We’re glad to get the win today the ‘Bridge were up for it and caused a lot of problems in the first half.

“The lads came out strong in the second half and we played well for that first 15 minutes of the second half, thankfully we put enough scores on the board at that time to see the game out.

“We’ve another massive game next week now with Belcoo, there’s a fair few variables in terms of placings depending on the results but we know two points will get us a semi-final place so that’s what we’ll be going for.”

With Devenish taking on Belcoo, Maguiresbridge will play Derrylin in a must-win clash. Joint ‘Bridge manager Adrian Diver said: “The victory on Sunday will have given Derrylin a huge boost and I’m sure they are confident going into the game next week, however, I do feel that we have a big performance in us and clearly we want to progress in this Championship so we will need to produce our very best next week.”