Nobber 2-9 Kilmainham 2-11

Nobber made the short trip across the North Meath countryside on Friday evening last to face Kilmainham in their Division 3 relegation play-off. The venue was Moynalty and both playing conditions and weather conditions were perfect for players and spectators alike for an entertaining serving of club football on offer.

Nobber started the brightest in the opening minutes with a well-taken goal drilled hard and low into the road-end goals by corner forward Joe Tierney. This was swiftly followed up by a nicely taken score by midfielder Dean Halpin. Kilmainham responded with some scores of their own but the first quarter belonged to the black and ambers. Conor Owens, Niall Farrell, and Halpin once more registered points for Martin Morgan’s charges. The Deesiders were moving the ball well from defence to attack and snuffing out any Kilmainham danger. The full-back line of Tony McEntee, Eanna Fagan, and Barry Cassidy stood strong throughout the first half period. Nobber continued to register on the scoreboard with some well-taken frees by Owens (3), as well as a fine score by centre-forward Karl Casserly.

Half-time score – Nobber 1 – 8 (11) Kilmainham 0 – 3 (3)

The second half was a completely different matter from a Nobber perspective. This was certainly a game of two halves. Kilmainham started the second period like a train moving the ball at high pace and intensity. The red and black’s ran directly at the Nobber defence, and within the opening 5 minutes cut the black and ambers lead down to 1 point. It was well and truly game on. Nobber responded with Casserly grabbing the ball and finishing well to the back of the net to increase the Nobber men’s lead to 2 – 8 v 1 – 7. For the remaining 25 minutes, Nobber only managed one more score with the Kells men outscoring their opponents 1 – 4 (7) v 0 – 1. Thomas Murtagh raised a white flag; however, it was not enough to pick up the win in the end. The North Meath men had chances to bring the game to extra time but it was not to be.

A disappointing result for Martin Morgan’s charges, especially after being so far in front in the first half. The result means that Nobber will operate in Division 4 of the league next season. The team and management will swiftly have to turn their attention to their championship campaign which kicks off in just over three weeks on Sunday, August 11 v Blackall Gaels.

Nobber team – Dary Hutchinson, Tony McEntee, Eanna Fagan, Barry Cassidy, Kian Donohoe, Richie Shields, Barry Bradley, Dean Halpin (0 – 2), Niall Farrell (0 – 1), Lorcan McEntee, Karl Casserly (1 – 1), Jojo Ogunbe, Joe Tierney (1 – 0), Conor Owens (0 – 4), Thomas Murtagh (0 – 1).

Subs used – Seamus Fagan, Mark Condra.

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