Syddan 1-11Navan O'Mahony's 1-8 Noel McGillick's goal five minutes from time gave Syddan a shock but deserved win over Navan O'Mahony's in a hard fought IFC clash at Castletown on Saturday evening as the town side suffered the first setback of the campaign. The north Meath side fully deserved the spoils and in Brian Dillon had the best player on view. The big number nine sent over ten points, including three mighty efforts from play. He was deprived of the chance of an 11th when Phillip Duff found Noel McGillick with a quick free before the latter blasted to the net to put the men in green and yellow in front for the first time. Back by the strong wind and sun the Brews Hill side led 1-5 to 0-2 at the break and but for some poor shooting and over elaboration could have been further ahead by the half-way stage. The latter failing also saw crucial chances go abegging in the second half. Once again O'Mahony's conceded the midfield battle and while it didn't adversely affect them in the wins over Curraha and Drumree they were overwhelmed at times by physically stronger opponents on this occasion. Paul Quinn opened the scoring in the tenth minute when he ran onto a long delivery from Kenny McGuirk before side footing to the net past Trevor Dardis. Seconds later David Hosie sent over the only other score from play in the half. Dillon sent over two huge efforts within five minutes of the restart and after Mylie Byrne departed with a knee injury Shay Duff cut the gap to one goal, 1-6 to 0-6, by the three quarter stage. Neville Dunne extended the Brews Hill side's advantage after his initial goal effort was blocked. Two further points from Dillon cut the gap to two with less than ten minutes remaining. Shane McKeigue was introduced to midfield but there was no turning the Syddan tide. While the Harry Carolan's side, who were demoted along with O'Mahony's in 2001, served notice of their intentions for the remainder of the campaign a lot of work needs to be done if the side in blue and white are to revisit former glories. Syddan: T. Dardis; P. Malone, T. Dillon, S. Malone; J. Farrelly, M. Byrne, I. Curran; J. Dillon, B. Dillon (0-10); N. McGillick (1-0), D. Young, E. Maguire; P. Duff, S. Duff (0-1), L. Halpenny. Navan O'Mahony's: J. McLarney; C. O'Bric, S. MacGabhann, R. Hogan; P. Quinn (1-0), K. McGuirk, N. McKeigue; A. Reilly, M. Ward; S. Bray (0-1), N. Dunne (0-1), R. Duffy; D. Hosie (0-6), P. Treacy, T. Loughran. Subs: D. Murtagh for Treacy, S. McKeigue for Reilly. Referee: Reilly (St. Mary's) Tweet

Most Read Stories