The first league game in any season is difficult for all teams, simply because a new season ensures a full panel for at least that day. For Drumsurn and Drum there was another added element called “St Patrick’s” the amalgamation of both clubs at under age level meant that many of the younger squad members knew each other very well.

For all the heart, the endeavour, the blood, sweat and tears, there’s just no substitute for a forward like Ciaran Mullan.

Drum found that out to their cost in the final ten minutes of a fiercely contested local derby. Despite James McCartney doing a superb job on Mullan, his accuracy was the difference between the sides.

A lack of experience told against the home as well but it was the former Derry forward’s consistency in front of goal that proved the vital element

The home side didn’t lack for blood and sweat, but what surprised the crow at a typically windy Drum was how well they played football.

When Drumsurn took an early 0-03 to 0-01 lead, aided by a controversial point from Christopher Harbinson, it looked as though things would go to plan for Richard Ferris’ men.

But Ryan O’Kane set Rory O’Reilly free to lash home a goal and from then until the final five minutes it was tit for tat, with the home side in the lead most of the way.

Drumsurn were reliant on Mullan’s frees to stay in touch, with Patrick McCloskey key and Conor O’Kane dominating around midfield in an excellent display.

Ryan Mullan planted a beautiful finish into the top corner to give Drumsurn back their lead a quarter of the way in, but Ryan O’Kane left footed injury time score sent the sides in at 1-06 apiece.

The second half began similarly tightly, with less than ten minutes of the game to go Drum led by 1-11 to 1-09, with Paddy Moore kicking a superb 45 yard free to give them that cushion.

As tempers frayed, Drumsurn took over at midfield and aided by some soft frees that angered the home side, the St. Matthew’s side were able to use their experience and grind out a victory.

Team and scorers
Stephen Harbinson, Craig Chewing, Colm Feeney, Dane Mullan; Christopher Harbinson (0-2), Paul Butcher, Cahir Mullan; Ronan McNickle, Damien Canning; Martin Mullan (0-1), Dean O’Neill, Jonathan Irwin, Ciaran Mullan (0-9), Pierce McNickle, Ryan Mullan (1-0)

Subs
Michael Coll for Ronan McNickle (35 mins), Ciaran Ferris for Jonathan Irwin (37 mins) , Jonathan Irwin for Ciaran Ferris (62 mins)