Annaduff do just enough to see off Ballinaglera

Kyle Russell's first half goal proved crucial for Annaduff as they overcame a stubborn challenge from Ballinaglera in the Smith Monumentals IFC last Saturday in St Hugh's Park, Ballinaglera.

With the strong wind blowing down the field, this contest was dictated by the elements with Annaduff building up a nine point lead at halftime only to see Ballinaglera slowly chip away at it, falling short against a well marshalled and focused Annaduff. The wind really made this a game of two halves and scores were hard to come by but, for the most part, Annaduff controlled possession of the ball during the second half with Ballinaglera never able to truly threaten them.

Russell's goal was huge - Ballinaglera would have been thrilled to trail by just four points at the break with the strong wind at their backs in the second half but Russell's blistering run and composed finish gave Annaduff a cushion against the expected Ballinaglera fightback.

It might have been more comfortable for Annaduff had Alan Glancy not driven a penalty in the first minute of the second half high over the bar but it always looked as if the visitors had enough to hold off a determined Glera.

Kyle Russell got the all important goal while Conor Reynolds, Luke Fitzsimons, Shane Morrison, Eoghan Ridge, Alan Glancy & Jason Ward did good work for Annaduff. For Ballinaglera, Seamie McMorrow, Philip McGourty, Jamie McGrail, John Crawford and Ciaran Cornyn were best of a hard working home side.

REACTION: STILL ROOM FOR ALLEN GAELS TO IMPROVE SAYS MANAGER JAMES FLYNN

Annaduff face St Mary's  in the final round while Ballinaglera take on Bornacoola.

With the strong wind behind them, Annaduff knew they had to make a good start and a two point free from Sean McNabola got them off to a good start in the first minute. However, a high Mark Reynolds delivery was broken by Liam McGourty to allow Aaron McCawley open Ballinaglera's account.

An Alan Glancy interception saw the forward add a fourth minute point while Kenny Cox hit a good long range effort three minutes later. Kyle Russell had a goal chance but shot wide before Annaduff saw Jason Ward & Daniel Bosquette pick up yellow cards, Seamie McMorrow pointing a free from the second offence.

Alan Glancy wiped that out with a nice point after a sidestep but it was Annaduff who were growing anxious with five wides as Jamie McGrail picked up a yellow for Ballinaglera. Daniel Bosquette fisted over a good point on 22 minutes to extend Annaduff's lead to four points.

It seemed as if the game was going against Annaduff when Eoin Gill received what looked like a harsh black card four minutes before the break and Ballinaglera almost goaled but  a block on Liam McGourty's shot saw the ball scrambled out for a fifty.

The value of that save was doubled a minute later when Kyle Russell collected a high ball across the field and burned through the Glera defence, a composed finish to the bottom corner a real boost for Annaduff who led 1-6 to 0-2 at the break.

It looked as if that lead would get a big boost just 20 seconds into the half as, straight from the throw-in, Annaduff surged forward with Jason Ward being fouled for a penalty. However, Alan Glancy lifted his spot-kick over the crossbar in a let off for the home side.

Ballinaglera were determined to make the most of that let off with a high ball to Aaron McCawley breaking nicely for Seamie McMorrow, his shot tipped over the bar by keeper Caolan Quigley. But it took six minutes for the next scores, McMorrow from a free with Liam McGourty following up with a well worked point.

But the scores weren't coming as fast as Ballinaglera wanted and Annaduff got a boost with  Eoin Gill back on after his black card. Ten minutes passed before McMorrow converted a free while Annaduff were threatening at the other end, Francis Shanley unlucky to lose the ball as he bore down on goal.

Crucially, Senan Mooney hit a fine point on the counter to leave five between the teams with McMorrow hitting a good two pointer while Jamie McGrail picked up a second yellow card.

BLLINAGLERA

Scorers: Seamie McMorrow 0-6, 5f; Aaron McCawley & Liam McGourty 0-1 each  

Team: Fergal Gilmartin, Paddy McGrail, Brendan McGourty, Barry Gilmartin, Philip McGourty, Ryan Crawford, Gerard Clarke, John Crawford, Ciaran Cornyn, Liam McGourty, Mark Reynolds, Jamie McGrail, Wayne Reynolds, Seamie McMorrow, Aaron McCawley.

ANNADUFF

Scorers: Alan Glancy 0-3, 1f; Kyle Russell 1-0; Sean McNabola 0-2, 2f; Kenny Cox, Daniel Bosquette & Senan Mooney 0-1 each

Team: Caolan Quigley, Keelan Lynch, Dillon Keane, Francis Shanley, Eoghan Ridge, Luke Fitzsimons, Conor Reynolds, Shane Morrison, Daniel Bosquette, Jason Ward, Alan Glancy, Kenny Cox, Kyle Russell, Sean McNabola, Senan Mooney. Subs: Eoin Gill for K Cox (22); Jack Hughes for S McNabola (46)

Referee: Michael McGirl