Nobber 2 – 6 (12) Walterstown 2 – 13 (19)

Nobber made the relatively short trip up the R 162 to Simonstown on Sunday morning last to face Walterstown in the Intermediate Football Championship Relegation Semi-Final.

The black and ambers started brightly when a fine score from centre forward Karl Casserly. Both sides traded scores in the opening quarter with little separating the sides in the first half in general. The experienced Niall Farrell slotted over a couple of placed balls into the Navan Racecourse end of the ground. Walterstown had plenty of possession, whereas Nobber had plenty of chances but failed to register these on the scoreboard as they would have liked. On the stroke of half-time Dean Halpin progressed well into the Walterstown half, and the ball ended up with corner forward Joe Tierney who finished well and high into the back of the net.

Half-time score – Nobber 1 – 3 (6) Walterstown 0 – 5 (5)

The game went up a couple of notches in terms of intensity and speed in the opening minutes of the second half. Both sides knew that their intermediate club status was on the line. Walterstown were direct with their attacking play and raised a white flag. This was followed by a Lorcan McEntee point and a classy goal by Casserly into the top corner of the net, helped largely by the experienced Andrew O’Brien who removed the ball at pace from defence to attack leading to the North Meath men’s goal. The ever-reliant Niall Farrell kicked over another placed ball but Walterstown dug deep and managed to get a goal of their own halfway through the second half. Unfortunately, from a Nobber perspective they only scored one point in the remaining 20 minutes of the match (this from former county star Brian Farrell). The black and white of Walterstown got on a roll and finished the game as a contest with their second goal in the 58th minute.

Martin Morgan’s charges gave their all on the day with Eanna Fagan, Niall Farrell and Dean Halpin showing never say die spirit. Mark Condra and Gustas Povecivios showed glimpses of what they can do in terms of ball winning skills and ball carrying skills.

The Deesiders face into the dreaded relegation play-off against Blackall Gaels where the loser will be demoted to the Junior grade for 2025.

Nobber team – Dary Hutchinson, Cathal Cassidy, Eanna Fagan, Seamus Fagan, Kian Donohoe, Niall Farrell (0 – 3), Dean Halpin, Mark Condra, Gustas Povecivios, Conor Owens, Karl Casserly (1 – 1), Lorcan McEntee (0 – 1), Joe Tierney (1 – 0), Brian Farrell (0 – 1), Richie Shields.

Subs used – Andrew O’Brien, Brendan Heffernan, Pauric Weldon, Conor Halpin.

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