Dunshaughlin 2-14 Ballinabrackey 1-12

A strong second-half performance saw Gourmet Food Parlour sponsored Dunshaughlin secure another win as they continue to build momentum.

There was a noticeably different look to the Dunshaughlin team tonight, especially across the half-back line, with changes made from the side that lined out against Colmcilles two weeks ago.

It was Ballinabrackey who got off the mark first, registering the opening score five minutes in from a free. Dunshaughlin's Jared Rushe responded three minutes later to level the game. However, Ballinabrackey struck a major blow soon after when Mark Coffey rattled the back of the Dunshaughlin net, putting the visitors three points ahead.

Dunshaughlin hit back quickly, with Luke Mitchell firing over a two-pointer to narrow the gap to one. Ballinabrackey kept the scoreboard ticking with another pointed free to stretch their lead to two once more. Then came a huge moment for towering midfielder Charlie O’Connor, who thundered in a two-pointer his very first score of the league campaign to bring the sides level.

Mark Coffey, lively for Ballinabrackey, nudged his side back ahead, but Danny Quinn replied immediately for Dunshaughlin to restore parity yet again. Dunshaughlin were beginning to grow into the game, and when Aaron Murphy gathered possession close to goal, he fired over his first score of the evening from the 13-metre line, putting the home side in front for the first time.

Momentum continued to build as Adam Hanley won a free on the right-hand side of the pitch, and up stepped the left-footed John McDonagh, who confidently slotted over his first free of the night to push Dunshaughlin two points clear. Another free, this time won by Aaron Murphy from a more difficult angle, narrowly missed the target.

Ballinabrackey finished the half strongly, adding three more points before the break to edge themselves back in front by a single point.

Half-Time Score: Dunshaughlin 0-8 Ballinabrackey 1-6

The second half definitely brought more life and scoring to the game or is it now becoming a notable trend that Dunshaughlin are a second-half team?

John McDonagh put Dunshaughlin’s ninth point on the board early on to level the sides once again. However, Ballinabrackey responded quickly, converting a free to edge themselves back in front.

Charlie O’Connor, who had a towering presence all evening, claimed an accurate kick-out from Dunshaughlin goalkeeper Adam McDermott. After some simple, effective interplay, the Dunshaughlin number 8 found himself back on the ball once more and this time he made no mistake, driving it into the back of the visitors' net at the Community College end of the pitch.

Ballinabrackey, trying to respond quickly from their own kick-outs, broke through on the Dunshaughlin goal. Following a fully committed tackle with an attempt to block from a Dunshaughlin defender, but a tackle that was deemed a foul by the referee , resulted in a penalty awarded to the visitors. Ballinabrackey’s number 12 stepped up to take it but was denied by a fantastic save from Adam McDermott.

However, the eagle-eyed referee spotted Dunshaughlin players encroaching before the ball was struck, ordering the penalty to be retaken. Full of confidence from his earlier save, McDermott stood tall once more though he didn't need to make a second save, as the Ballinabrackey player struck the post. A cheer erupted from the home crowd, many feeling that justice had been served.

It was at this stage that Dunshaughlin really found their second gear.

A free awarded to Dunshaughlin saw Luke Mitchell step up to score his second point of the evening, putting Dunshaughlin three points ahead.

The sideline made a few changes, but the introduction of Fursey Blake brought a lot of energy to the side. Mitchell then added his final score of the night, extending the home side’s advantage to four points.

With Dunshaughlin starting to turn the screw, Aaron Murphy flicked the switch and delivered two fine scores, adding Dunshaughlin’s 12th and 13th points to the scoreboard and pushing the home side six points clear. In came young Sean Clancy to replace John McDonagh, giving the side a fresh look.

The proud new father, Niall Byrne, ensured he made his mark in the match report, scoring his own point to give Dunshaughlin a seven-point lead. Ballinabrackey responded with a point of their own, but McDermott came to the rescue again with another superb save.

Ballinabrackey managed to add a two-pointer before Aaron Murphy made it a game-changing moment, adding a goal to his tally, and putting Dunshaughlin seven points clear.

The Dunshaughlin defense was a rock all evening, expertly marshalled by the return of Niall “Mini” Murphy. The defense left Ballinabrackey with no choice but to shoot from range, which led to their second two-pointer of the night. Despite the efforts, Dunshaughlin still held a five-point advantage as the final whistle loomed.

Dunshaughlin scorers: Charlie O’Connor 1-2 (1x2pt ), John McDonagh 0-2 (1f), Jared Rushe 0-1, Luke Mitchell 0-4 (1x 2pt ,1f), Aaron Murphy 1-3, Niall Byrne 0-1, Danny Quinn 0-1

Up next this Div 1 side will travel to Seneschalstown on may 10th 6pm for the 6th round .

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