IFC: Duleek Vs CastletownVenue: Walterstown Date: 29 Sept 2002 Duleek were looking to avoid being involved in a tricky three way play off with Slane and Carnaross, while Castletown were hoping a win might help them scrape through into the play off. A strong breeze favoured Duleek in the opening half and in the early stages looked to run Castletown ragged. They were 5 points up inside ten minutes without themselves being threatened. Points from McGinley, Duignan, Curran(2), and Cunningham had Duleek in a strong position. The game turned scrappy as Castletown tried to fight back. Both sides remained scoreless until the 23rd minute when a long ball into the Duleek penalty area was not dealt with and a Ccastletown hand flicked it to the net. Castletown put the pressure on but a point from Duignan got Duleek back into it. Castletown who were now on top got two points before the break, while Curran pointed for Duleek in injury time. Having played with the wind in the firat half Duleek went in only 2 points up. Half time Duleek 0-07 Castletown 1-02 The second half started like the second with Duleek getting on the board early again through a Curran free. Two points from Catletown brought the sides within a point of each other. Again like the first half the game turned into a stalemate with a lot of scrappy play and bad wides from both sides. Then Duleek hit a purple patch much like the opening ten minutes of the game when they scored 4 unanswered points against a tired Castletown defence. Cudden, McGinley(2), and Curran with a 45' into the wind gave Duleek a comfortable lead. Like in previous games Duleek could not finish off the opposition and missed some good chances including an excellent goal chance. Castletown got 2 points to leave just a goal between the teams and had chances to score as high balls into the Duleek square were not dealt with. Fortunately time ran out for Castletown and in the 4th minute of injury time Michael Johnson hit a point which ensured a Duleek win. Castletown go out while Duleek top the group and are now in the semi final. They face either Navan O'Mahonys or Drumree who play next Sunday. They will Have to improve if they are to win anything this year and must be more clinical in converting their chances. Best for Duleek were Stephen Murphy, Mark Cudden, Anthony Johnson, Tony Cunningham and Colin Duignan Duleek: Ricky Nolan, Mark Cudden, Stephen Murphy, Aodhghan Byrne, Gordon Hynes, Paul Martin, Anthony Johnson, Karl McDonnell, Tony Cunningham(0-01), Peter Curran(0-05) Michael Johnson(0-01), Conal McGinley(0-03), Bryan Cudden(0-01), Robbie O'Neill, Colin Duignan(0-02). Subs: Kenneth McDonnell for O'Neill, Kevin Smyth for A. Johnson Tweet

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