On Saturday the 9th May the seniors suffered a fifteen point defeat away to Foreglen. With this shocking display praying on their minds they were determined to make amends today and that they did. Pierce McNickle’s second half goal was the difference between the two teams at the final whistle. However, had it not been for Francis Chivers between the posts making two fantastic saves at crucial times the result could have been much different (well done Francy).

The seniors opened up a three point lead within the first seven minutes of the game. Good points scored from play by Michael Coll, Ciaran Ferris and Danny O’Connor suggested an easy victory was a foot. Not the case …

Foreglen opened their scoring on nine minutes with a twenty one yard free kick; this was cancelled out three minutes later from the boot of Ciaran Mullan. Play was stopped for a period of time as a slight difference of opinion took place in the Foreglen’s defence. This was sorted by the referee. Foreglen’s second point came courtesy of Francis Chivers (his only mistake of the game). A high ball out of defence to Micky Coll was intercepted and duly kicked over the bar.

Foreglen scored two unanswered points to draw the team’s level for the first time, after nineteen minutes. One gifted by Paul Butcher the other magnificently crafted from play. This would be Foreglen’s last scores of the half. Pierce McNickle scored a point in the twenty seventh minute and set one up for Ryan Mullan to send the teams in at half time with two points between them.

Half time Drumsurn 0-6 Foreglen 0-4

The second half started as the first ended, a mistake by Dane Mullan proved costly as Foreglen reduced the difference to one point. Enter Pierce McNickle…..

A high free kick played into the box by Danny O’Connor way caught by Pierce McNickle, who swivelled and shot past the keeper into the net to put four points between the team. Over the next fourteen minutes Drumsurn didn’t score. In this period Foreglen clawed back all four points to draw the team’s level for the second time in the game.

Over the next 5 minutes both teams exchanged points to sustain the stalemate situation. Ciaran Ferris scoring for Drumsurn (for a little memento of his efforts will have a sore nose tomorrow ouch!).

With five minutes remaining and the teams tied at ten points all, it was Drumsurn’s turn the screw in the last 5 minutes. A converted forty five free kick from Ciaran Mullan, an over head kick from Danny O’Connor and then a beautiful thirty yard kick from the outside of Ciaran Mullan’s boot put three points between the teams and victory assured.

Not a fifteen point victory, but a victory and one that was needed. Hopefully the tonic the doctor ordered. Not a polished performance but from Francy in nets to Banty in full forward a performance that deserved the victory. Keep it going lads, self belief is every thing.

The defence did their job on the day, only conceding three twenty one yard frees. Michael Archibald had a good game for the second game in a row. Mick Coll bolstered the midfield, while the young guns of Cahir Mullan, Ciaran Ferris and Craig Chewing were remarkable. Ciaran Mullan, leading by example fought hard for every ball today and deserved to have been the man who put the icing on the cake at the final whistle.

Danny O’Connor just keeps pegging away and now has a total of nineteen points in seven league game. Paul Butcher and Ryan Mullan though quiet in the first half came into the game in the second period. Points make prizes but on this occasion it was Pierce McNickle’s goal that was the difference come the final whistle.

Francis Chivers must take some of the accolades for this victory. His second time between the posts and boy does he look at home (watch out Stephen). Only for his two point blank saves the score line could have been different, a diamond in the rough is our Francis and one that deserves to be mentioned.

Well done lads and I do mean that. Credit where credit is due.

Team
Francis Chivers; Michael Archibald, Dane Mullan, Barry Moore; Christopher Harbinson, Colm Feeny, Paul Butcher; Cahir Mullan, Michael Coll (0-01); Ryan Mullan (0-01), Pierce McNickle (1-01), Craig Chewing; Danny O'Connor (0-02), Ciaran Mullan (0-03), Ciaran Ferris (0-02)

Subs
Conal Chivers for Colm Feeny (24th min), Kevin Friel for Craig Chewing (56th min)