The seniors travelled to Slaughtmanus knowing a win or draw would help immensely in retaining their 3rd division status. Lady luck just wasn’t on our side as Slaughtmanus ran out winners by three points, winning the 3rd division league title in front of a large crowd at home.

Conditions under foot were poor making it hard for both teams to play fluent, penetrating football. Playing with the wind on their back in the first half Slaughtmanus scored 1-07 in reply to Drumsurns lonely point courtesy of Christopher Harbinson. This didn’t sit easy with the travelling supporters but the tide turned in the second half when Drumsurn (Banty) score 1-04 in reply to Slaughtmanus’s single point.

Simple mistakes from Cahir, Ryan and Damien gifted Slaughtmanus 1-02 in the first half which Drumsurn dominated but were unable to deliver the killer punch. A dubious point that went well wide was awarded by the referee; this could have cost Drumsurn dearly later in the game. Drumsurn were every bit as good as Slaughtmanus in the first half and dominated possession but basic handling skills and a failure to get on top in midfield cost them.

One man does not make a team, but without Ciaran Mullan in the 2nd half Drumsurn would have been beaten by more. Through out the course of the 60 minutes he was subjected to some horrific tackling that went unpunished by the referee, even though it happened right in front of him.

Banty kicked four points to reduce the gap to five points and then went on to win and convert a penalty kick (no yellow card was issued) to reduce the gap to two points with ten minutes remaining on the clock.

Slaughtmanus were struggling to get to grips with Banty and eventually it took three defenders to mark him out of the game. Drumsurn didn’t make the most of the free forwards and made some silly errors in judgement in the dying minutes of the game. Had they carried the ball and won close range frees instead of kicking long range passes into the forward line who knows what may have happened.

With three minutes remaining on the clock Slaughtmanus scored their only point of the half from a close range free to seal the victory.

On the day league results else where didn’t go in our favour. Greenlough beat Ballymaguigan and Faughanvale beat Desertmartin so things in this division have got very interesting. With only one game remaining in this long season it will be all or bust when we play Greenlough in our fight for survival.

Congratulations to St. Mary’s Slaughtmanus in winning the division III league title.

I know that the County Board would like all clubs to show some solidarity and respect towards referees, BUT respect is earned !!!!!

Drumsurn
Stephen Harbinson; Michéal Archibald, Colm Feeney, Dane Mullan, Christopher Harbinson (0-01), Paul Butcher, Cahir Mullan; Micky Coll, Damien Canning; Craig Chewing, Pierce McNickle, Ryan Mullan; Ciaran Ferris, Ciaran Mullan (1-04), Martin Mullan