Adult Reports 2006

Fri 9^thJune – Junior Championship: Owen Roe’s 0-12 v Tattyreagh 2-10 (Newton)

Owen Roes hopes of a rapid return to intermediate football got off to the worst possible start in Plumbridge on Sunday morning, as an eager, and spirited home team ran out victors 1-10 to 0-9.

Chris Kelly opened the scoring for the 2006 season, when a fine move involving debutant Kevin O’Neill, Aidan Christy and Declan McCrossan resulted in the visiting number 13 slotting over. However the impressive Conal McCullagh replied a minute later, only for Declan McCrossan’s left foot to restore the advantage.

When Brendan Boggs knocked over a 13^th minute free it was looking good for the O’Neills, but the pivotal moment of the game happened on the quarter-hour mark. McCullough was tripped on route to goal to earn his side a penalty. Seamus Harkin made no mistake from the spot sending Andy Devine the wrong way.

This major visibly buoyed the youthful Glenelly outfit, and Cathal Nicolas extended their advantage. Ronan O’Kane knocked over on 20 minutes, before the marauding wingback Paddy McNulty hit back for the 2003 Div 3 winners. As the half closed out Harkin pointed from play to leave the hosts 1-4 to 0-4 to the good at the short whistle.

If things looked good for the home side, they looked better 5 minutes later. Michael Nicholas pointed just pre a Paddy Nicholas run scythed through the Roes’ rearguard to extend the advantage. This purple patch was sealed when Cathal Nicholas added to his earlier point.

If Roes were to reply it had to be soon, furthermore it had to be effective, and it almost was. Chris Kelly opened up the Glenelly rearguard to advance on goalkeeper Tim Harney. However the Tyrone underage star, advanced quickly to spread himself and deny the goal opportunity. Declan McCrossan half-volleyed the rebound over the bar.

Suddenly the Leckpatrick outfit started to apply sustained pressure. Sean og Devine pointed, followed by a Boggs free kick. With a quarter to play Mark O’Neill caressed a cultured left foot effort over the bar to leave two in it. The game was now in the melting pot, and a McCrossan free meant the minimum advantage now existed.

Glenelly were reduced to 14 men, just prior to McCrossan’s effort as the game entered a crucial stage. However the man disadvantage only served to inspire the men in Blue, as they upped their game once more.

Cathal Nicholas banged over a point with three minutes to go, before Tyrone minor midfielder Harkin sent over the point of the day from deep on the sideline to boost the home support. As time ticked out Ronan O’Kane sealed the points with a late free to earn his side a 1-10 to 0-9 victory.

Owen Roes will know that they will need to deliver a much more accomplished performance than this if they want to bounce straight back to division 2 at the first time of asking. However this could be just the early wake up call required as an invigorated Glenelly side ambushed them with a performance deserving of the points.

In a game that was certainly not for the purists, Owen Roes chalked up their opening points of the season, as they emerged victors 1-3 to 0-5 in a game that only sparked into life in the second half.

A marker for the quality of the game was the fact that the contest’s opening score didn’t appear until 14 minutes had elapsed on the clock, as midfields dominated on both sides. The opening point, which fell to the visiting wing forward was cancelled out by Aidan McCrossan after 23 minutes, as the Roes’ midfielder found range from a dead ball.

For a long time it appeared as this was the only scoring in the half, but ex County minor Ciaran Shields nosed the Éire Ógs in front just before the half time interval.

With a half time score line of 0-1 to 0-2 the good sized crowd, were hoping for an increase in scores in the second thirty minute period. However the home fans would have been disappointed to see Clogher add to their advantage in the 35^th and 38^th minute, as the unbeaten visitors capitalised on cheaply surrendered possession.

If Gerard Christy’s men were hoping to get back into this game it would have to be sooner, rather than later. Within a minute their riposte was sharp and decisive. Mark O’Neill found himself in space on the left hand side of goal with space to run into. The Roes number 11 gathered speed and fired off a smart drive that was parried by the Clogher keeper. However Ronan Parker reacted first to slam the ball to the net.

The Roes could have had another almost straight away as Barry McCrossan found himself in at the tightest of angles, but his low drive fizzed across goal to safety. Minutes later and Stephen Dooher arced the O’Neills in front as Aidan McCrossan’s defence splitting pass engineered the opportunity. None the less Clogher were keen to preserve their unbeaten start and with a quarter to go Shield swivelled and kicked to level up once more.

With two crucial ACL points at stake both sides upped the ante and competed hard for the chances to nick it. Nevertheless with chances at a premium, it appeared as if a set play would make the difference. Only six minutes remained on the clock, when Barry McCrossan competed well to win a 45. Roes skipper Declan McCrossan cutely worked the opportunity closer in before left footing it over.

Both sides now were desperate to get something for their efforts, and Clogher’s desperation boiled over late on with their halfback seeing red. The visitors still had time to work an equaliser, however the Leckpatrick back line did well to shield their goal from danger to earn a much-needed two points.

Roes Youngsters Defeat Dregish

Dregish 1-6 Owen Roes 1-12

Gerard Christy selected one the youngest Owen Roes starting 15s in a few years for a Friday night visit to Dregish, and was rewarded with a 6-point victory. Played on a superb surface in Spamount, the Roes found in difficult to shake off the game Dregish side before coasting to victory late on.

Indeed it was the Pearse Ógs that started the brightest and it was no surprise when their midfielder pointed within 4 minutes of the start. Declan McCrossan replied from a dead ball, before a Dregish free nipped them back ahead. Roes though were about to hit a purple patch that would ultimately earn them the spoils.

Firstly minor star Mickey Kelly swung over a fine score from wide on the right with nine minutes registered, before McCrossan pointed once more. Then on 21 minutes the O’Neills landed a major.

John Harper played an intelligent ball down the left channel to midfielder Aidan McCrossan. McCrossan in turn found Mark O’Neills who hung the ball up to the far post to the diminutive Kiernan Kelly. Kelly took off, and nipped inside the cover to slam to the net.

In the ascendancy Harper pointed straight away, on his full senior debut for the Club, followed by a Chris Kelly point to make the lead six points. None the less Dregish were not going to let the points leave without a battle, and halved the deficit minutes before the whistle, as the Roes rearguard were sliced opened to leave Andy Devine in goal helpless.

As the half closed out McCrossan from a dead ball pointed sandwiched between two more Dregish scores.

With only a two-point cushion the game hung in the balance. With the half 8 minutes old, Dregish exposed the visitors last line once more in an identical situation to their goal. This time however Andy Devine made a sharp stop to maintain the lead, Dregish pointing from the resulting play.

If Roes needed a wake up call, the save was it. Chris Kelly’s fine catch released Declan McCrossan who blasted over. The younger McCrossan sibling replicated minutes later, this time courtesy of smart fielding from sub Olly Barrett. Ronan Parker slotted over on 53 to extend the advantage, before Mickey Kelly rattled the post when through on goal.

Dregish got a score back with a few minutes left to maintain contact, but Aidan McCrossan embroidered the visitors performance with three picture book scores in injury time to give the youthful Leckpatrick side two welcome points.

Owen Roes: Andy Devine, Sean og Devine, Aidan Christy, Stephen Dooher, Stephen Boyle, Brendan Boggs, Eamon McBride, Mickey Kelly jnr (0-1), Aidan McCrossan (0-4), Chris Kelly (0-1), Declan McCrossan (0-4), Kevin O’Neill, Kiernan Kelly (1-0), Mark O’Neill, John Harper (0-1)

Subs: Paul Kelly for Brendan Boggs 29 mins, Oliver Barrett for Kevin O’Neill 36 mins, Ronan Parker (0-1) for Mark O’Neill 54 mins.

Tattyreagh Late Show Deprives O’Neills

Tattyreagh 0-10 Owen Roes 0-10

A late Tattyreagh comeback deprived Owen Roes of maximum points in this ACL division 3 clash. Fresh from a Friday night victory in Dregish, the Leckpatrick side would have hoped to add to their weekend tally, with two points, but had to settle for a draw.

Roes got the scoring underway with a Declan McCrossan dead ball that was cancelled out by a score from the hosts. McCrossan had the posts in range on the day, and added twice to the visitors tally with a couple of scores from play.

However the St.Patricks were keen not to let the Leckpatrick side have it all their own way, and rattled off three scores in reply to edge in front. An Aidan McCrossan free restored parity before his senior ended the half with two more white flags to take his personal tally to 0-5 at the interval.

On a difficult day for conducive football, the hosts came back into it straight away in the second half to trim down the arrears, before Ronan Parker pointed from play. Aidan McCrossan added to the advantage to leave the O’Neills in pole position. However easy opportunities were being squandered by the visitors as Tattyreagh struck back twice either side of another Declan McCrossan score to keep in touch.

A D McCrossan dead ball put the Roes three ahead as time ebbed away to edge the point’s part way down the road to Leckpatrick.

However Tattyreagh were not prepared to be defeated, in a game that was a dress rehearsal for their upcoming Junior Championship clash. As time ticked away they scored twice to leave the minimum in it, and set up a grandstand finish. In the final seconds of the game, a Tattyreagh free kick was converted to punish the visitors for the earlier wastefulness.

A traditionally difficult place to take points from, Owen Roes will be placed to gather a point. However the opportunity existed to take maximum returns, and this could well be seen as a point dropped.

Owen Roes: Andy Devine, Eamon McBride, Aidan Christy, Sean og Devine, Stephen Boyle, Stephen Dooher, Paul Kelly, Mickey Kelly jnr, Aidan McCrossan (0-2), John Harper, Declan McCrossan (0-7), Chris Kelly, Kiernan Kelly, Olly Barrett, Ronan Parker (0-1)

Owen Roes See Off Newton Challenge

Owen Roes 0-10 Newtonstewart 0-8

Newtonstewart were the visitors to Glenmornan on Friday evening to face the local side, but after a flying start were pegged back to end up on the wrong side of 0-10 to 0-8 scoreline.

Straight from the throw-in the St.Eugene’s were on the charge and pointed immediately. A clipped right footed effort doubling the advantage in the 3^rd minute.

The home side got a point back via a score from play from the ever-reliable Declan McCrossan. All the same the whirlwind Newton start continued. Moving the ball with pace, and accuracy the sliced the Roes rearguard open again to lead 0-1 to 0-3 with the clock not ticked 10 minutes.

Declan McConnell was the architect and executioner of their next score as he fielded and shot, before an Aidan McCrossan free got one back. Minutes later and McCrossan senior almost registered an early contender for goal of the season. Picking up the ball on the half-way line the half-forward slalomed through the challenges before seeing his ex-County team mate Pascal McConnell make a smart save to deflect the goal bound effort over for a white flag.

Damien Patton showed his free taking accuracy twice in two minutes for the away side, although both strikes were cancelled up by long-range efforts from the boot of Chris Kelly.

Newton started the second thirty-minute period akin to the first as their wing forward pointed straight from throw-in. However this served to be a prelude to a Owen Roes comeback.

Declan McCrossan pointing from play commenced a three-in-three minutes burst. Mark O’Neill was next on the score sheet as he dissected the field to get the score that his performance on the night deserved. Aidan McCrossan’s effort ended this Owen Roes hot streak.

The O’Neills were then let off the hook in amazing fashion. The entire full back line was caught out of place, as Newton broke with their three full-forwards on goal. Inexplicably though they over elaborated and their eventual goal was chalked off for a square ball.

All the same Patton from a dead ball leveled up to leave the game bubbling over. With nine minutes remaining, Mark O’Neill engineered a free taking opportunity, which Declan McCrossan converted. Minutes later the lively O’Neill repeated the dose, with McCrossan replicating his side of the exchange to seal a hard earned two point victory.

Owen Roes: Andy Devine, Sean og Devine, Stephen Dooher, Eamon McBride, Kevin O’Neill, Paddy McNulty, Paul Kelly, Chris Kelly (0-2), Aidan McCrossan (0-2), Mark O’Neill (0-1), Declan McCrossan (0-5), Mickey Kelly jnr, Willie Doherty, Oliver Barrett, Kiernan Kelly. Subs: Kevin Moore for Mickey Kelly 34mins, Ronan Parker for Kevin O’Neill 43 mins

Owen Roes recent penchant for starting slowly probably was a key factor in the loss of a point in Sunday evening’s game with Beragh. On a wet and miserable evening both side should be commended for their enterprise with a point-a-piece probably a fair result.

As stated the visiting Red Knights were quickly into their stride and within 6 minutes had created a four-point cushion. Two more points were added before the quarter hour, dissected only by a Declan McCrossan dead ball. However a tactical readjustment quelled the flow and allowed the hosts to get a foothold in the contest.

With 17 minutes gone, Olly Barrett worked hard to earn a free. The big full forward caught the visitors napping hitting the free early to Ronan Parker, who side stepped the challenge to plant the ball to the net.

Back in the contest, the Leckpatrick side would have been disappointed to let Beragh have the initiative back so soon. Firstly the Red Knights midfielder split the posts, before they added another white flag to leave the short whistle scoreline at 0-8 to 1-1 in favour of the visitors.

To get anything from the contest, the O’Neills would have to start sharp. With a few minutes elapsed Chris Kelly played a clever weighted pass to allow Ronan Parker to point to put a kick in it.

Midway through the half, and Declan McCrossan would supply that kick. A high ball down the middle was flicked on by Sean og Devine, to Parker who simulated the move to leave McCrossan in on goal to place the ball past the motionless Beragh net minder.

All the same despite being under pressure Beragh went straight back up field to restore their lead. Parker went back to field, swiveled and found range once more, as the game pinged about.

Entering the last few minutes, crucial points were at a stake with both sides with eyes on promotion. Declan McCrossan knocked a dead ball over to ease both points towards Owen Roes, but Beragh fought to the end, and snatched the leveller the efforts probably merited.

This whistle ended a tough weekend, where more injuries were accrued which added to a depleted Owen Roes squad. Three points gained equates to a decent return, however the habit for starting slowly is something the team will be keen to eradicate.

Owen Roes: Andy Devine, Eamon McBride, Stephen Dooher, Sean og Devine, Kevin O’Neill, Paddy McNulty, Paul Kelly, Chris Kelly, Aidan McCrossan, Ronan Parker (1-2), Declan McCrossan (1-2), Kiernan Kelly, Willie Doherty, Oliver Barrett, Mark O’Neill. Subs: Kevin Moore for Mark O’Neill 43 mins, Brendan McCrossan for Kevin O’Neill 58 mins.

A gritty and determined display by the Owen Roes senior side earned them a much welcome two points on Sunday afternoon in the Rock. On a day more akin to November than May, the away side led by a goal at the break, which ultimately made the difference. Aidan McCrossan bagged 1-2 to get the Roes on the road. As the half closed out Declan McCrossan added another to the tally.

The second half was just a case of hanging on. Rock, without Ciaran Gourley, looked to Martin McCreesh for most of the scores. However points from Chris Kelly and Declan McCrossan edged the O'Neills across the line.

Owen Roes: Andy Devine, Eamon McBride, Stephen Dooher, Sean og Devine, Kevin O'Neill, Paddy McNulty, Paul Kelly, Chris Kelly (0-1), Aidan McCrossan (1-2), Willie Doherty, Declan McCrossan (0-2), Kevin Moore, Mickey Kelly jnr, Olly Barrett, Ronan Parker.
Subs: Brendan McCrossan for Eamon McBride, Mark O'Neill for Olly Barrett.

Owen Roes’ ambition to make an immediate return to division 2 football took another step forward with this comfortable Friday night victory over neighbours Castlederg. Racking up 17 scores on the night, it was corner forward Ronan Parker who proved executioner in chief with 0-8 over the hour.

Indeed it was Parker that gave the home side the lead after only 20 seconds, a lead that would be held throughout, with a point, the same player replicating a minute later.

Castlederg got one back with a regulation free from Aidan Lynch before a Parker dead ball added to the home side’s lead. Chris Kelly was in range next, bombing through centre-field before finding the black spot, before ‘The Derg’ replied with a well-taken effort.

Kevin Moore swivelled to score on 24 minutes, before Mickey Kelly pointed with an acute effort. An injury to captain Declan McCrossan forced Gerard Christy into a re shuffle, before that accurate Parker converted a couple of placed-balls in the space of 3 minutes.

The 2003 Division 3 winners continued to pile on the pressure as the half closed out. Chris Kelly white flagged from deep, before sub Mal Gallagher pointed via a left footed free kick. An Aidan Lynch free condensed the margin to seven points as the half ended.

If the visitors were hoping to get back into the tie in the second half, their hopes were quickly dispelled. Kevin Moore fielded superbly who fed Parker to point in a style akin to Moore’s catch. Aidan McCrossan and Parker again added to the St.Eugene’s woes, before the score of the evening.

Building from the back, the O’Neills moved the ball with precision and speed via Brendan Boggs, McCrossan, Parker and others before Chris Kelly did the honours in style. Boggs got a point of his own, before the visiting cause was diminished by a red card to their corner forward.

Chris Kelly scored from the resulting kick however, as is commonly the case, the 14 men responded better to the numerical disadvantage. An Aidan Lynch placed effort on 49 minutes was the first of a fruitful four-point spell for Castlederg as they upped their game significantly.

All the same they were never near closing the gap, and in the quickening gloom, fittingly it was Owen Roes’ brightest light, Ronan Parker who chalked up the last score of the evening when he converted a free following Paddy McNulty’s forceful run.

Another two points registered for the Green and Reds, and they will be especially pleased to see several of their forwards with their names on the scoreboard. Tougher challenges though lie in wait with the Championship on the horizon.

Brockagh's claim as Division 3 dark horses may have manifested itself into Division 3 favorites as they put on a fantastic display to torpedo the ambitions of Owen Roes. An ongoing stream of injuries, added to by Declan McCrossan’s absence, eventually catching up with the Green and Reds. However this was Brockagh’s evening.

The Lough shore men were quickly into their stride on Sunday and had rattled off an eight-point lead into the closing minutes of the half. Aidan McCrossan’s 27th minute opener, followed by a Brendan Boggs score reducing the gap at the short whistle.

Barry McCrossan and Chris Kelly got a score apiece early in the second half before Brockagh got the game’s opening goal on 48 minutes, with another effort finding the net minutes later. Aidan McCrossan glossed the visiting return with a goal and a point within three minutes of each other as the game entered the last 10 minutes.

With time ticking by Brockagh added another goal to the tally, before Aidan McCrossan ended the contest with another major of his own, in what was a bad day for the men from Leckpatrick.

WJ Dolan Junior Championship

Owen Roe’s v Tattyreagh in Newtownstewart

On Friday night last, 9th June, the Owen Roe’s Senior team travelled to Newtownstewart to play Tattyreagh in the first round of the WJ Dolan Junior Championship. Having already drawn with Tattyreagh in the League, no firm predictions were being made going into this game. The Roe’s had been on a fairly good run of League victories up till Sunday week ago when a defeat at the hands of Brockagh may have dented any confidence that was being generated within the squad for the Championship. Also knowing that with only limited service from former County star, Declan Mc Crossan, who wouldn’t be starting the game to injury, was also a bit of a downer.

The match started with Tattyreagh making all the running. They opened their account within the first few minutes with a pointed free, followed up by another 2 points from play. Just minutes earlier, Tyrone U-21 player, Brendan Boggs saw a goal chance go across the mouth of the goals and wide. Chris Kelly had attempted to flick a sideline ball to the net, only to be denied by a vigilant Tattyreagh keeper. Owen Roe’s were on the back foot and could not get settled into any real rhythm, any attacks from their defence coming up against a solid Tattyreagh half back line, who turned over possession easily. Nothing was going right for the Roe’s men.

It took all of 17 minutes for the Leckpatrick side to register their first score, a point from midfielder, Aidan Mc Crossan. The Tatt’s keeper was to be to the fore minutes later again, clearing 2 attempts at points which landed easily in his hands. Again Tattyreagh attacked after a period of sustained Roe’s possession in their half of the field, with a fisted point and then a goal. The Leckpatrick side was now down by 6 points, and a rout looked to be on the cards. However, a point from former All-Ireland Minor medallist Brendan Boggs and another point by the tireless Ronan Parker closed the deficit to four points.

Tattyreagh attack again, only for free to come off the Roe’s upright. The ball is cleared upfield only for the Tatt’s keeper to easily collect another effort at a point. The sides swap points again. Chris Kelly makes no mistake the second time round when he flicks another sideline ball over the bar. Moments later, Ronan Parker is fouled whilst running out to collect a pass. He takes on the resultant free himself and points from all of 30 yards out. The Tattyreragh men still hold their earlier 3-point lead under sustained pressure from the Roe’s on 1-05 to 0-05. Again both sides traded scores and go in at the interval on 1-06 to 0-06.

Coming out for the second half one wondered would the Roe’s be able to claw their way back into this game. The first half saw them have the majority of possession in the Tattyreagh half of the field only for their shots to go wide or into the hands of the keeper. This does not take away however from the excellent Tattyreagh defence who also broke down several attacks and scoring opportunities. The Roe’s miss an early 45m free but make up for it a short time later when Aidan Mc Crossan points with a free from almost the same spot. Parker picks up a foul and points his free from 30m out. With 7 minutes of the second half gone, Owen Roe’s find themselves only a point adrift. Tattyreagh pull away again with a point from a 13m free after a Roe’s defender is judged to have fouled the ball on the ground. Aidan Mc Crossan is awarded a free, which he passes to the vigilant Parker, who shakes off his marker to point again, bringing it back to the minimum. On 17 minutes, Declan Mc Crossan makes his entrance at the expense of Club minor Michael Kelly. A minute later, manager Gerard Christy makes another change, bringing on Junior Championship debutante, Barry Mc Crossan, who was to impress with his short time on the field, for an out of sorts, Chris Kelly. Half back, Paddy Mc Nulty, picks off another point for the Roe’s to level things, followed by a lead-taking point from Parker.

Things are starting to go the Roe’s way. They take their first lead of the match and held the Tattyreagh side to one point in 20 minutes.

Then disaster strikes. A high ball pumped into the Roe’s defence is fumbled by a defender but falls safely behind him to another Roe’s defender. An attempted clearance is again fumbled and the ball drops at the feet of a Tattyreagh man, who coolly dribbles the ball, soccer style, on the ground and slots it below the oncoming Andy Devine. They follow this up with another point to lead 2-07 to 0-11, with the minutes ticking away. Christy is forced to make another change on 28 minutes of the second half, when half back, Kevin O’Neill, also in his first Junior Championship outing, picks up a hand injury. Mark O’Neill comes on in his place. Another 45 goes wide for the Roe’s but Parker again points from a free. With only minutes to go, the Roe’s trail by 2 points only for the Tatt’s to extend their lead with a fisted point, and, into injury time, put the game away from any chance of draw with another point from play. Full time Owen Roe’s 0-12 Tattyreagh 2-10.

The Owen Roe’s team can take heart from this game however in the way that they fought back to take a lead when earlier it seemed all too easy for the Tattyreagh side. Unfortunate incidents, some bad misses and shots dropping short didn’t help any.

Owen Roe’s: Andy Devine, Willie Doherty, Aidan Christy, Paul Kelly, Kevin O’Neill, Paddy Mc Nulty (0-01), Stephen Dooher, Aidan Mc Crossan (0-02, 0-01 from free), Brendan Boggs (0-01), Eamon Mc Bride, Chris Kelly (0-01), Michael Kelly, Ronan Parker (0-07, 0-04 from frees), Kevin Moore, Sean Og Devine.

Subs: Declan Mc Crossan for Michael Kelly, Barry Mc Crossan for Chris Kelly, Mark O’Neill for Kevin O’Neill.

Still smarting from their early Championship exit, Owen Roes got their season back on the rails again with a facile nine-point victory over Derrytresk. Played in difficult conditions with the constant rain, the O’Neills were on top throughout, and probably felt they should’ve tagged on more scores on the night.

Ronan Parker nearly got the home side off to the perfect start when his fisted effort was smartly saved low to the keepers right with two minutes gone. However as it was Owen Roes didn’t have much longer to wait for the net to be disturbed. A high pointed effort came back off the post to the grateful arms of Stephen Boyle who riffled home.

Boyle and Parker both should have added to majors within minutes of each other, both sending efforts wide. Parker made amends on the quarter hour mark to open his account with a simple free, before gallivanting corner back Eamon McBride stormed forward to tag on.

The men from the Lough Shore pulled one back almost immediately, before the impressive McBride caused consternation in the visiting ranks again to feed Kevin Moore to score. Brendan Boggs raised a white flag with five minutes left, starting and finishing a fine move to put the home side in charge 1-4 to 0-1 at the break.

If Derrytresk had a comeback planned, the O’Neills foiled it early in the second period. Firstly Boyle, impressing in the unusual position of wing forward, caressed a neat score, before releasing Parker to knock another effort over. A deep free from the visiting side offered some respite which was met only by Ronan Parker knocking two nice scores over within seconds of each other.

In between all this Sean Og Devine nearly got his sides second goal when his drive was desperately blocked by gallant visiting defending.

With the contest over Gerard Christy used the opportunity to ring a few changes, and it was sub Barry McCrossan who pointed late on to cancel another Derrytresk pointed effort.

With the hangover from last week’s Championship defeat lingering this victory may have been the cure that was required. Two points for Owen Roes on Sunday was matched by dropped points for most of their rivals at the summit of Division Three to leave the season very much alive and well.

Owen Roes: Mark O’Neill, Kevin O’Neill, Brendan McCrossan, Eamon McBride (0-1), Paul Kelly, Stephen Dooher, Paddy McNulty, Brendan Boggs (0-1), Chris Kelly, Sean Og Devine, Kevin Moore (0-1), Stephen Boyle (1-1), Willie Doherty, Oliver Barrett, Ronan Parker (0-4).

Subs: Michael Caldwell for McNulty (39 mins), Barry McCrossan (0-1) for Sean Og Devine (52 mins) and Andy Devine for Oliver Barrett (55 mins)

A tendency for starting slowly cost Owen Roes dearly once again on Sunday afternoon as they entertained Tattyreagh St.Patricks in Glenmornan. Eight points in arrears late in the first half, the O’Neills got within a point but ultimately fell short.

The visitors took an early 0-3 to 0-1 lead with Mark O’Neill on target, before a couple of frees via Declan McCrossan and Ronan Parker restored parity. Nonetheless the ‘Tatts’ were about to embark on a purple patch.

Chris McCarroll got the first of four consecutive Tattyreagh points when he cut in from the right hand side to point, before the visiting number 10 caused more Owen Roes’ consternation. On 21 minutes he once again swooped in on the right hand side to escape the home defence before letting fly across keeper Andy Devine and into the goal. The dangerous McCarroll added another point from play a minute later to leave his side 8 points in command.

This served as a wake up call for the Green and Reds, and hit back late in the half. Determined play from Barry McCrossan fed Declan McCrossan, who in turn teed up Kevin Moore to drill past the young Tattyreagh net minder. Ronan Parker’s free a minute later reduced the half time deficit to just four points.

Early in the second period Parker had another couple of placed balls that were cancelled out by two efforts from play by the St.Patrick’s. However amongst these scores were several notable goal chances. Firstly Parker flashed an effort wide after a goal mouth scramble, followed a minute later by Mark O’Neill dragging an effort the wrong side of the post.

Stephen Dooher stole forward to put a kick in it with ten minutes left, and Mark O’Neill got his second point as the Leckpatrick side upped the ante.

With a minute to go Ronan Parker’s free accuracy put the minimum in it, as time ticked by. However credit to a resolute Tattyreagh defence who held firm and clinched the game when their wing forward sent over a fine point right at the death.

This will be a major disappointment to the Owen Roes players who will see this very much as two points dropped. As in several previous games the damage was done early in the contest. However Greencastle’s draw in Derrytresk will prove small consolation, and provide a glimmer of hope for their promotion ambitions.

Owen Roes: Andy Devine, Kevin O’Neill, Aidan Christy, Paddy McNulty, Eamon McBride, Stephen Dooher (0-1), Willie Doherty, Brendan Boggs, Kevin Moore (1-0), Sean og Devine, Barry McCrossan, Stephen Boyle, Declan McCrossan (0-1), Mark O’Neill (0-2), Ronan Parker (0-5). Subs: Aidan McCrossan for Stephen Boyle 16mins, Chris Kelly for Sean og Devine 30 mins, Brendan McCrossan for Kevin Moore 51 mins, Paul Kelly for Kevin O’Neill 59 mins.

A Friday night clash with Dregish yielded a comprehensive victory for Owen Roes in a game where they were never seriously troubled.

It was one-way traffic throughout, with Declan McCrossan the first score taker of the evening. Paddy McNulty’s conversion to wing forward saw him record a score just after a visiting effort. Mark O’Neill twice and Stephen Dooher added to the total, before McCrossan got his second. The point being created from good Aidan Christy defending.

The Pearse Ógs got the second score of the half straight away, before two Declan McCrossan frees and an Aidan McCrossan kick ended the half 0-9 to 0-2 in favour of the hosts.

The second half started with several incidents. Firstly Kevin O’Neill and Kevin Moore combined to send Mal Gallagher on goal to net a maximum. While at the other end Aidan Christy was penalised at the expense of a penalty kick. However the visiting forward’s effort went over the bar for a point.

The sides again exchanged scores, with another Declan McCrossan free for the O’Neills before the hosts went on a spree. Chris Kelly and Sean og Devine sent over from play followed by scores from Aidan McCrossan and Mark O’Neill. With 10 minutes remaining, Owen Roes got their second goal of the evening, as Declan McCrossan teed up sub Stephen Boyle to flash to the net.

The visitors chalked off their fifth point late in the day, but scores from O’Neill twice and Aidan McCrossan ensured this was a resounding victory for the Green and Reds.

So a welcome two points for the Leckpatrick side, with nine different scorers contributing over the hour. This Sunday provides a great opportunity for Owen Roes to re ignite their season as league leaders Greencastle visit Pairc an Ghleanna in what is truly a do-or-die day.

Owen Roes hopes of an automatic return to Intermediate football probably wilted in the afternoon heat in Glenmornan on Sunday as a physical, mobile Greencastle unit emerged victors. The home side, missing several experienced performers like Willie Doherty, Paddy McNulty, Chris Kelly and Paul Kelly, had a blistering start but failed to build on it allowing the visitors to fight back.

Declan McCrossan got the contests opening score on 2 minutes when he worked a 45m kick closer to goal with the help of his brother Aidan. Ronan Parker added a short free a minute later as the O’Neills pressed on. Greencastle got one back on six minutes but not before the younger of the McCrossan’s landed a ‘dream’ score catching and pointing from just inside the offensive 45 line.

A Declan McCrossan free from the left and a 45 from the same man’s boot ended a strong opening quarter for the Green and Reds, before Terry McDermott salvaged a score from a poor visiting free. Within five minutes two McDermott points and one from Enda Clarke had levelled the scores as Greencastle showed why they were at the business end of the league table.

As the scores flowed a Mark O’Neill driven effort was merely a reply to another point from An Caisléan Glas to level up once more. However Greencastle put in a rousing close to the half to ultimately seal their triumph as they sent off five unanswered points from play to leave a 0-6 to 0-11 interval scoreline.

The ‘Roes’ needed to hit the ground running in the second period and corner forward Ronan Parker sent over a two early scores either side of a visiting flag. On 39 minutes Owen Roes were offered numerical advantage as the visitors had a men sidelined for a straight red card. However McDermott worked a short free over the sticks just after to show that they would not relinquish their lead.

Parker added another short free on 46 minutes as but the St.Patricks rattled off three unanswered points to maintain their grip. In the middle of these points numerical parity was restored as sub Eamon McBride saw red. Parker and McCrossan senior kept the slim host’s hopes going with dead ball efforts but saw them cancelled out almost straight away as the game entered stoppage time.

There was still time for some action though. Owen Roes got a free kick. Declan McCrossan took advantage of the visitors slackness to slam the ball into the net. Temporary panic set in, and Aidan McCrossan knocked over a routine free in the fourth minute of stoppage time, but in truth it was too little too late.

A strong start and a strong finish for the hosts, who will probably think that a 1-12 return should be enough to win games. However a second quarter where they were outscored 10 points to 1 lays the foundation for this defeat against a team who will likely make an immediate return to division 2. For Owen Roes the play-offs are still a realistic ambition and they will hope to close out the league in strong style.

Owen Roes: Andy Devine, Brendan McCrossan, Aidan Christy, Kevin O’Neill, Mark Foley, Brendan Boggs, Stephen Dooher, Kevin Moore, Aidan McCrossan (0-2), Sean og Devine, Declan McCrossan (1-4), Oliver Barrett, Mal Gallagher, Mark O’Neill (0-1), Ronan Parker (0-5). Subs: Eamon McBride for Sean og Devine 29mins, Stephen Boyle for Kevin O’Neill 41mins

Brendan Boggs, Kevin O’Neill, Kevin Moore, Mark O’Neill, Eamon McBride and Ronan Parker were just some of a host of names missing for Owen Roes in this Friday night ACL fixture. With several players playing a full reserve game followed by a senior game such was the extent of the personnel crisis. Gerard Christy handed senior debuts to Gary Doherty and Conor McCay, and gave Gerard Kelly and Michael Caldwell first games of the season. With this backdrop in mind it was no surprise that the hosts emerged comfortable winners over the hour.

It took Newtonstewart four minutes to open their account with their full forward sending over a free, a lead which was doubled shortly after as the St.Eugene’s captain Mickey McConomy pointed. The host side made the lead three, before a Chris Kelly free reduced the arrears. Brendan Boyle left it 0-4 to 0-1 as the quarter closed.

However the visiting side refused to lie down, and got back into the game with a tidy spell. Firstly Gerard Kelly didn’t give up on a dropping ball and punched it just over the bar before Declan McCrossan profited from a dead ball, followed by another Chris Kelly free. Things were about to go pear shaped for the visiting side in a 9-minute spell either side of the short whistle with Boyle executioner in chief.

Firstly the corner forward rattled off a pair of points as the half closed out, before finding goal on 26 minutes. Good work by the Newton number 14 opened up the play to leave an unmarked Boyle the simple task of punching to the empty net. Within a minute the generous visiting defending left the same man unattended to add to the half time advantage of 1-7 to 0-4.

Any hope of a Leckpatrick fight back evaporated in the opening seconds of the second period. A long ball into the O’Neill’s danger zone fell to the welcome arms of Boyle who gleefully dispatched his effort to the net to leave Andy Devine helpless. A McCrossan free and a Stephen Boyle score via the post was twice cancelled out by the St.Eugene’s before Newton added another score to stretch their advantage.

Owen Roes were offered the merest of hopes on 49 minutes when Mickey McConomy received his second yellow card of the evening. Despite this two McCrossan frees either side of a Newton point from play was the only action remaining.

This was a very disappointing day at the office for the Leckpatrick outfit. The side lacked confidence in the absence of the bulk of their side. With 8 games remaining, of which 5 are away, points accumulation is starting to gather importance with play-off places at risk.

Owen Roes bounced back from two defeats on the trot to record an impressive won over the Red Knights of Beragh. Fielding without the injured Declan McCrossan, several individuals took the handle of responsibility, as a fine team performance resulted in a five-point victory.

The recalled Mal Gallagher was the first to shine, as a couple of converted frees sandwiched a Michael Ward point. However the Beragh sharp shooter built on his early strike a few minutes letter as he dispatched an effort to the visiting net. Not to be denied though big full-forward Oliver Barrett struck back almost immediately for the O’Neills with a Green flag of his own.

This was certainly warming up nicely and Ronan Parker concerted a dead ball, before Ward twice more troubled the scorers. With the scores level and the half petering out, the impressive Aidan McCrossan pointed twice to give his side a half time lead of 1-5 to 1-3.

McCrossan was back on the scoreboard straight away in the second period to open a three-point gap. However the home side weren’t going to be shook off so easily, and slammed in their second goal of the afternoon. Gallagher from a free and a strike from wing forward Sean og Devine nosed the Leckpatrick side ahead again. However the hosts’ penchant for goals was keeping them in it, as the Roes defence was exposed for a third time to make it 3-4 to 1-8 in favour of Beragh.

The precise Gallagher was certainly earning his spurs; scoring over another two frees either side of a Beragh point. With a quarter remaining wing back Stephen Dooher ghosted forward to level again, as both sides competed for points that would keep their play-off hopes alive.

Parker edged the Roes ahead with 12 minutes to go, before Chris Kelly scored a point that his performance deserved. The Green and Reds were in the ascendancy now, and clinically closed the game out. Parker twice dissected the posts to push his side towards the closing line. With time almost up Owen Roes gave debuts to Kieran O’Donnell and Mark Kelly, ahead of midfielder Chris Kelly getting his second score of the day to close out an impressive five-point victory.

This was a good, and a much needed performance for Owen Roes. With several players still missing for various reasons, this has boosted confidence and provided a platform for the remainder of the season.

The Owen Roes senior side return to action tonight (Thursday 17^th Aug) as they welcome Glenelly to Glenmornan for a 7:45 throw in.

Owen Roes: Andy Devine, Paul Kelly, Aidan Christy, Willie Doherty, Stephen Dooher (0-1), Brendan Boggs, Kevin O’Neill, Chris Kelly (0-2), Aidan McCrossan (0-3), Sean McBride, Mal Gallagher (0-5), Sean og Devine (0-1), Ronan Parker (0-4), Oliver Barrett (1-0), Mark O’Neill. Subs: Kieran O’Donnell for Kevin O’Neill (56 mins), Mark Kelly for Mark O’Neill (58 mins)

Glenelly secured the North Tyrone bragging rights on Thursday past as the men from Plumbridge came from three points down just into the second half to secure a one point victory over Owen Roes.

The Leckpatrick side had a decent first half, and opened the scoring after a few seconds when Oliver Barrett fielded well to enable Ronan Parker to point. However the lead was to be short lived.

Glenelly number 13 Ronan O’Kane collected the ball tight on the oppositions end line, but squirmed past a few challenges before threading the ball past Andy Devine for a lead goal. Indeed it could’ve been double trouble for the O’Neills after only 6 minutes. Cathal Nicholas broke through but rattled his effort off the cross bar. In the ensuing scramble Aidan Christy and Willie Doherty both blocked to stave off the threat.

Despite these early scares the home side fought back. Firstly Mal Gallagher converted a sweeping move out of defence, before midfielder Aidan McCrossan casually converted a difficult free kick to level up. Glenelly opened up a two-point gap, but by the 17^th minute the O’Neills had levelled again via McCrossan and Ronan Parker.

Suddenly the home side started to exert some serious pressure. Steven Dooher exchanged passes with Ollie Barrett before the former scored. Hard work from Parker and Sean McBride allowed McCrossan to dispatch over. As the half closed in Parker and Kevin McAnena exchanged frees, before Tim Harney denied Mark O’Neill a goal with a fine late save.

The second period started as the first ended with Owen Roe's on top, and immediately McCrossan converted a free from all of 45 metres following good work from Sean Og Devine. However the pendulum slowly was turning, and the warning lights were on for the hosts as the Plumbridge lads sent over 3 wides in succession.

An 11-minute scoreless spell was ended in the 42^nd minute when a Glenelly free was tipped over the Owen Roes crossbar, to signal a key five-minute period of the contest.

Firstly Owen Roes broke 3-on-1 with Ronan Parker teeing up O’Neill whose driven effort went too high for a point. Immediately Glenelly broke forward and replied through their wingback. Nicholas sent over the point of the evening to reduce the margin further before O’Kane hit his second major of the night. The goal came after the home side were ambushed in possession deep in their own half, and the lurking O’Kane punished in the most deadly of styles.

St.Josephs sent over another point to put a goal in it as the opportunity to seal a double over their neighbours lie in wait. At this stage the visitors had their tails well and truly and only a tidy Andy Devine save denied them another goal, which had its foundations in sloppy defensive play.

As the game entered stoppage time of a second half that lacked flow, the Leckpatrick side upped the ante in a bid to avoid an awkward defeat. Noel Mullen marked his return to the side as he burst into the area and blazed a point, before Ronan Parker converted a free on 65 minutes. However Glenelly gathered possession from the kick out and ran down the clock to secure a welcome two points.

This was a game that Owen Roes looked well in control of in the first half. However poor defending, coupled with Glenelly hunger saw the points slip away in a painful fashion. On Sunday the O’Neills face a trip to league leaders Greencastle, which provides the perfect opportunity to restore some Leckpatrick pride.

Owen Roes: Andy Devine, Paul Kelly, Aidan Christy, Willie Doherty, Kevin O’Neill, Brendan Boggs, Stephen Dooher (0-1), Chris Kelly, Aidan McCrossan (0-4), Sean McBride, Mal Gallagher (0-1), Sean og Devine, Mark O’Neill (0-1), Oliver Barrett, Ronan Parker (0-4). Subs: Declan McCrossan for Sean McBride 33 minutes, Noel Mullen (0-1) for Paul Kelly 43 minutes.

Owen Roes: Andy Devine, Brendan McCrossan, Aidan Christy, Brian Kelly, Kevin O'Neill, Noel Mullen, S. Dooher, Chris Kelly, Aidan McCrossan, Brendan Boggs, Sean Og Devine, Declan McCrossan (0-2), Ronan Parker (0-1), Mark O'Neill, Willie Doherty (0-1).

Subs: Sean McBride for Sean Og Devine, Malachy Gallagher (1-1) for Kevin O'Neill.

It was a clear case of a game of 2 halves for Owen Roes on Saturday past as a tepid first half display was followed by a blistering second half show that ultimately was fruitless for the home side in their penultimate home fixture of the summer.

The first half saw the Green and Reds fail to take advantage of the fact that league leaders Brockagh were down to 14 men as only a couple of points from Declan McCrossan and one from Ronan Parker went up against a 1-8 tally from the Lough Shore men.

McCrossan added another after the restart before keeper-cum-forward Andy Devine registered a major to put the Roes within 6 points. Stephen Dooher, Aidan McCrossan, and Eamon McBride with a couple of Parker points ensured that the visitors would have to fight for the win. Owen Roes half forward Chris Kelly picked up a second booking, and with minutes of the contest remaining Brockagh added a point to leave them 4 ahead. This proved invaluable as a late Ronan Parker goal gave them a nervy finish.

Owen Roes: Mark O'Neill, Paul Kelly, Aidan Christy, Willie Doherty, Kevin O'Neill, Stephen Dooher (0-1), Eamon McBride (0-1), Brendan Boggs, Aidan McCrossan (0-1), Sean og Devine, Chris Kelly, Stephen Boyle, Andy Devine (1-0), Declan McCrossan (0-3), Ronan Parker (1-3).

A late comeback from Owen Roes earned them a share of the points in this ACL Division 3 match. Five points in arrears, with ten minutes left, a late rally ensured that mathematically at least their faint play off hopes remain alive.

It was the hosts that started the game brightest with Ronan Parker pointing early on. Mark O’Neill added to the score seconds later, and when Parker added a third it looked like the home side were cruising.

However back came Rock, and without their star players Martin McCreesh and Ciaran Gourley, who hit five points to take the lead. Only a Sean og Devine effort in this period kept the home side in touch. Ronan Parker tagged on a late free to level it at the short whistle.

Virtually assured of a play-off place the visitors were keen to win in order to build momentum, and their cause was helped when they struck first in the second period as their midfielder was allowed freedom to bomb through on goal and slide the ball past the advancing Andy Devine.

Parker proved his free talking reliance before the St.Patricks side hit another three point blitz to leave them five points ahead. Parker struck another dead ball, which was quickly cancelled out.

With 50 minutes on the clock it was looking good for the visitors, however they failed to take their chances and the initiative started too swing. Parker excellently gathered a swift ball out of defence, and fed the inrushing Eamon McBride, who in turn sent O’Neill free. The Roes number 13 left the keeper chance less to hammer into the goal.

Back came Rock to add to their lead with a raised flag. Brendan Boggs left his defensive duties to clip a nice score over the bar, as the Leckpatrick side battled gamely. With a minute to go Declan McCrossan powered through the middle to cut the deficit to one.

It was McCrossan who almost grabbed the leveller but his deflected effort went wide. As such it was Aidan McCrossan who showed composure to send the resulting 45 over the black spot to earn a point with the games last chance.

In what was the Club’s final home game of the season, Owen Roes battled well to earn a point where they probably didn’t deserve it. With three games left (Clogher, Derrytresk and Castlederg), the O’Neills must pick up full points to have any hopes of a play-off berth.

Owen Roes travelled to the Clogher valley on Saturday past and returned with the points in this Tyrone ACL encounter. Based on a fine opening spell, the victory ensures that mathematically at least the Leckpatrick season remains alive.

The visitors really grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck in the first period and went in front via Ronan Parker. Sean McBride followed up Parker’s opener with a score, added to shortly afterwards by midfielder Brendan Boggs. Chris Kelly, operating at half forward made it 0-4 to no score before Parker got his second point of the half.

Coming into the contest both teams were level on 19 points, and neither could afford a dropped point; virtually ensuring this was a knock out fixture. It appeared Roes were going for a first half knock out punch, with the forward line causing problems. To exemplify the matter full forwards Mark O’Neill and captain Declan McCrossan fired their side into a seven-point lead.

The hosts though didn’t want to go in at the break with nil on the board and struck back with a spell of their own to hit three unanswered points.

Parker replicated his first half feat with the opening score of the half added to by the boot of Declan McCrossan. The Green and Reds were now in the groove with Brendan Boggs steaming from the middle of the park for his second score. Nevertheless the Clogher men were given a hint of light when they dispatched a penalty past Roes’ number 1 Andy Devine.

Parker and O’Neill got the Leckpatrick side back on track either side of a couple of converted Clogher frees, that had got them within a goal. As the clock ticked through number 13 Parker added to his tally, before for the second week in a row Aidan McCrossan got the games final score.

This was a tidy performance for the men from Leckpatrick, with the pleasing aspect being the desire to get a result when perhaps the rewards are out of reach. Newtonstewart and Glenelly got the point that suited both of them when they played out a draw on Saturday which leaves Owen Roes needing to win their final two fixtures (away to Castlederg and Derrytresk), and hope that either Rock or Tattyreagh lose their final fixtures, however a Junior triumph for Tattyreagh will see them up.

Owen Roes: Andy Devine, Paul Kelly, Stephen Dooher, Willie Doherty, Kevin O’Neill, Stephen Boyle, Eamon McBride, Brendan Boggs (0-2), Aidan McCrossan (0-1), Sean og Devine, Chris Kelly (0-1), Sean McBride (0-1), Mark O’Neill (0-2), Declan McCrossan (0-2), Ronan Parker (0-5). Subs: Mark Kelly for Stephen Boyle, Mickey Dooher for Sean McBride.

Owen Roes made the long journey to East Tyrone on Sunday and returned with a facile two points following the Club’s biggest win in several seasons against an out-gunned Derrytresk.

The North Tyrone lads raced out of the starting blocks with Mark O’Neill, Aidan and Declan McCrossan all on target before the home side registered. However this only inspired the Owen Roes skipper to further the lead when he got the first of his side’s three goals. O’Neill, Declan McCrossan and Ronan Parker added further points before Derrytresk hit three without reply.

With a minute of the half remaining a dead ball chance was converted by Aidan McCrossan, before the hosts closed out the opening 30 minutes with a free of their own.

The domination that the visitors had in the first half was surpassed in the second period. Straight away Aidan McCrossan registered three scores either side of another O’Neill effort. Declan McCrossan clipped over in the 43^rd minute, before releasing Mark O’Neill who shot to the net.

Derrytresk broke for one of only two second half scores, before Declan McCrossan added to his tally. The Owen Roes third major came via O’Neill again as the home side started to get cut apart with increasing frequency.

The men from the hill hit their final score before Aidan McCrossan (Free), Ronan Parker, Stephen Boyle, O’Neill, Sean og Devine, and the experienced Mickey Dooher all pointed to round off a comprehensive away victory.

This victory means that the Leckpatrick side have picked up 3 wins on the road from their last 4 games, to show some late season form. In addition Tattyreagh’s defeat at home to Newtonstewart has offered a chink of light in the race for a promotion play-off. Owen Roes travel to Castlederg this Sunday, while Tattyreagh travel to a Glenelly side who must win to secure precious home advantage in those play-offs. An Owen Roes win and a Tattyreagh loss will mean both sides playing off to reach the play-offs! Any other result and the Tatts will advance.

The 2006 ACL season ended on Sunday last as Owen Roes eased to victory against an overrun, but game Castlederg side. The hosts were well in it at half time as Owen Roes went in at the break 1-8 to 1-4 to the good. However in the second half the Leckpatrick side pulled clear to win at a canter.

The O'Neills needed the points to draw level with Tattyreagh in that final promotion play-off spot. However Tattyreagh's victory later in the afternoon ensured that Owen Roes would be consigned to Junior football for the 2007 season.

Owen Roes: Andy Devine, Paul Kelly, Stephen Dooher, Willie Doherty, Kevin O'Neill, Brendan Boggs (0-1), Stephen Boyle (0-1), Chris Kelly (0-2), Aidan McCrossan (0-1), Sean McBride, Declan McCrossan (1-4), Oliver Barrett, Mickey Dooher (0-1), Mark O'Neill (4-4), Ronan Parker (2-2) Subs: Sean og Devine (0-1) for Oliver Barrett 30 mins, Barrett for Paul Kelly 52 mins