Ballymaguigan travelled to Drumsurn to play what should have been a home game for them and left with a share of the spoils. There was no repeat of last year’s result where they left with both points from the last kick of the game.

The visitors opened the scoring in the second minute courtesy of a cheap free conceded by Christopher Harbinson, but two Paul Butcher points (1 free) gave Drumsurn the lead. Three minutes later Ciaran Ferris played a delightful ball into Michael McGonigle who found himself one on one with the keeper only to be pulled down in the box by a Ballymaguigan defender. The resulting penalty was missed by Pierce McNickle squandering a great opportunity to put four points between the teams. Pierce made up for his miss a minute later when he kicked a forty yard point from play.

Ciaran Ferris added to the Drumsurn point tally when he picked up a loose ball about thirty yards out and kicked it straight between the posts. Over the next six minutes Drumsurn’s three point lead was eliminated. Ballymaguigan kicked two frees and a point from play.

With ten minutes left to play Ciaran Ferris kicked his second and final point of the game to re-establish the lead before Paul Butcher kicked a breath taking point from a forty-five. Ballymaguigan responded with a point, which was closely followed by another Paul Butcher point and a goal from the young Michael McGonigle who was played in by Pierce McNickle.

At half time Drumsurn lead by five points and looked strong contenders to win the match.

Within seven minutes of the restart Ballymaguigan had drawn level and at this point Cathair Friel replaced Dean O’Neill on the forward line. Five minutes later Ballymaguigan took the lead for only the second time in the game. This was short lived when Pierce McNickle found the back of the net in the fourteenth minute. Five unanswered Ballymaguigan points saw them establish a three point lead with only five minutes to play. Three late Drumsurn points, one from Pierce McNickle and a brace from Paul Butcher once again drew the team’s level and that was how the match ended.

Had the referee indicated to Mickey Coll that his late free kick was the last kick of the game I’m sure he would have kicked for his point and not played a short free kick.

This was a much improved performance by the seniors in comparison to the previous three games they played. The defence was much more assured; Cahir Mullan looks comfortable at fullback. Colm Feeney had a tough challenge keeping Gary Coleman at bay but was fit for the job. Eoin Ferris another minor player helped bolster the full back line.

Mark O’Connor in midfield dominated and challenged for every ball. He is a fine addition in the middle of the park and his physical presence seemed to inspire Big D.

Up front the new look forward line was alert and worked vigorously for each other. Ciaran Ferris was the play maker; Paul Butcher the runner and Michael McGonigle didn’t look out of place in only his third senior game. Pierce McNickle scored 1-02 and could have had more had he not missed the penalty. A good mixture of youth and experience worked on the day, with four of the six forwards getting on the scoreboard.

A well deserved point, which could have been two. Keep up the good work.

Team and scorers
Stephen Harbinson, Colm Feeney, Cahir Mullan, Eoin Ferris; Dane Mullan, Christopher Harbinson, Mark McLaughlin; Mark O’Connor, Damien Canning, Dean O’Neill, Ciaran Ferris (0-02), Pierce McNickle (1-02), Paul Butcher (0-06, 4F), Mickey Coll, Michael McGonigle (1-00)

Subs
(Cathair Friel for Dean O’Neill, 37 min) (Marty Plump, spectator)