Leinster Club SFC: Blues comeback downs Tullamore
October 28, 2013TULLAMORE 1-7
Newtown Blues overcame a six point deficit in the second quarter to claim victory over Tullamore in the opening round of the Leinster Club Championship at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday afternoon.
It was looking too good for the Louth champions when they went 1-6 to 0-3 behind just before the break. However, the Drogheda men retained their composure and gradually chipped away at the lead until two late points saw them secure victory.
The Offaly champions didn't help their own cause by having two players sent off in the second half during which time they only managed to add one point to their tally.
The game began in encouraging fashion for the home side as Robert Carr put them ahead on four minutes although the Tullamore men levelled soon after.
Carr and John Kermode were on target to give the Blues a 0-3 to 0-2 lead just after the quarter hour despite playing into to wind.
It was going nicely for the Drogheda men at that stage, but within eight minutes the game was completely turned on its head as the Offaly men took control.
A goal from Niall Bracken along with four unanswered points had their side in a commanding 1-6 to 0-3 lead.
However, the Blues responded in a calm fashion and crucially kicked points from Hugh McGinn and Barry Sharkey to trail by 1-6 to 0-5 at the break.
A further three points from McGinn, John Kermode and Colm Judge in the early stages of the second half had the Blues right back in the game, trailing by 1-6 to 0-8.
Tullamore then had Niall Bracken sent off for a second yellow card and although they added the next point, it proved to be their last of the game.
The Blues then used the ball well to take advantage of the extra man and the elements and by the 53rd minute were level thanks to points from Carr and McGinn.
Brian Kermode then edged his side in front before the final point from Carr sealed victory for the home side.
NEWTOWN BLUES: Conor Barton; Niall Costello, Andrew tinkey; Stephen Moonan, Eoghan Judge, James Murray; Keith Lynch, John Kermode 0-2; Brian Kermode 0-1, Hugh McGinn 0-3, Andy McDonnell; Colm Judge 0-1, Barry Sharkey 0-1, Robert Carr 0-4. Subs: Conor Brannigan for J Murray, Derek Kierans for J Kermode. Tweet
