Adult Reports 2005

Owen Roes’ two-year sojourn in Intermediate football came to an end on Sunday afternoon in Newtonstewart. On a day perfect for football it was Greencastle who emerged 0-10 to 0-6 winners in this division 2 do-or-die clash.

This was never going to a classic with the high stakes on offer, and it was Greencastle who settled sharpest with a 3^rd minute free giving them the lead, before Declan McCrossan’s 5^th minute effort levelled. The sides traded points again in the 11^th and 23^rd minute.

Firstly a Greencastle free dropped to the edge of the square and was punched over, before Brendan Boggs equalised. Boggs’ score coming thanks to some fine inter play between the impressive James McCrossan and Declan McCrossan.

The St.Patrick’s outfit replicated the previous score with a fisted point before adding to it via their wing forward on 25 minutes. Boggs got one back when he won and converted a free as the half closed out.

With three minutes of the second half elapsed, there were perhaps signs that this wasn’t to be the O’Neill’s day. Barry McCrossan, making his first senior start of the season, picked up the ball near the Greencastle end line before bursting towards goal. The diminutive forward cracked a fine effort goal bound only to see the effort bounce off the base of the post to safety.

The white shirted St.Patricks outfit showed no mercy by pointing twice in two minutes as their huge midfield starting to accrue some possession. Declan McCrossan’s 43^rd minute free closed the gap but Greencastle were starting to pull clear. Injury to Paul Kelly had exposed the Roes’ back line, and four points in seven minutes put the pressure on the Leckpatrick outfit.

At the other end the Roes started to trade point opportunities for goal efforts, although an Aidan McCrossan free reduced the arrears on 56 minutes. The O’Neills continued to press, but ran into heavy traffic as Greencastle shut up shop. When Declan McCrossan knocked over a 58^th minute free, it was to be the final score of the Owen Roes campaign.

This defeat, and subsequent relegation, will come as a huge blow to the Owen Roes Club. However as in 2003, the side has the potential to regroup and bounce straight back at the first attempt and that’ll surely be the aim. Greencastle now face Urney in the final relegation/promotion face off.

Newtownstewart was the venue for this early morning division 2 relegation play-off. With Intermediate safety the prize on offer it was Eskra who emerged victorious with a comfortable nine-point margin.

The Emmetts led from start to finish, but have to thank the accuracy of Shane Hackett. With three minutes on the clock the Eskra number 12 had sent over two smart frees, before Declan McCrossan chalked one back with a 6th minute effort off the left boot.

However Hackett was just warming up for a scoring spree. Between the 8th and 25th minute the wing forward clipped over four more dead balls, with a McCrossan free the sole impact on the Roes' scoreboard in this period. As the half closed out another Eskra free was worked smartly to enable their midfielder to steal forward for a point.

Going in 0-7 to 0-2 behind at the break, the Owen Roes' manager Joe Higgins would not have been overly concerned with the aid of a strong wind to come. This was indeed how it looked to be panning out as McCrossan reduced the arrears on 31 minutes, to spell a short period of Owen Roes domination.

Eskra, struggling to gain a foothold, could not get the ball out of defence. However crucially the scoreboard was not troubled as the opening five minutes of the half saw the O'Neills register five wides. To compound the O'Neills' problems Hackett was at it again working a quick free over the head of Dylan Early for a white flag.

A minute later the Eskra number 5 blazed a trial up the pitch to create a well earned point which was followed seconds later by a Conor McGirr score as the Emmetts raced to a seven point advantage.

Full-forward Mark O'Neill got the Leckpatrick side going again with a 41st minute effort before good fortune abandoned the Green and Reds. Declan McCrossan was fouled in the large square as he prepared to blast home, and a penalty was given. However the keeper was down sharp to Kiernan Kelly's effort to deny. Kevin Moore put the rebound over the bar.

Kelly shook off his miss minutes later to register another Owen Roes free score, before luck favoured the Eskra men again. The Emmetts number 23 was only on the field a matter of minutes when he miscued an effort that deceived Early in goal to finish in off the post.

Straight from the kick out Ronan Parker was blew up for an offence noted by the referee, which resulted in the O'Neill's front man earning a second yellow card. Hackett's eighth point of the day followed a minute later, before Declan McCrossan followed Parker to an early exit when he too accrued a second booking.

Eskra knocked over once before to signal celebrations on their bench, and despair on the Owen Roes section.

Owen Roes will point to a number of decisions that went against them over the 60 minutes, however in reality they can have few complaints about the result. Eskra's hunger, fitness and the accuracy of Shane Hackett gave them a deserved victory. This Sunday (Newtonstewart 1pm) Owen Roes will play Greencastle in the next stage of the play off series. Defeat here will condemn the Leckpatrick side to junior football for 2006.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Brendan McCrossan, Aidan Christy, Mickey Kelly jnr, Paddy McNulty, Paul Kelly, Stephen Dooher, Declan McCrossan (0-3), Brendan Boggs, Sean og Devine, Kevin Moore (0-1), Kiernan Kelly (0-1), Willie Doherty, Mark O'Neill (0-1), Ronan Parker.

Owen Roes find themselves confined to the division 2 relegation play-offs after Sunday’s draw with Augher. The O’Neills led the contest near the end, but probably didn’t deserve the points on the basis of their first half showing.

As stated it was Augher who came quickest out of the blocks at a blustery Glenmornan. With only nine minutes on the watch the St. Macartans had rattled up a four-point lead, with the home side struggling to prevent the rapid breaks from across the park.

It wasn’t until Aidan McCrossan clipped over on the quarter hour mark that the Owen Roes chalked up their opening score. This injected a bit of life into the O’Neills and a period of pressure initiated. Unfortunately for the Leckpatrick side this couldn’t be translated into scores. Augher hit a late point as the half closed to take a 0-5 to 0-1 lead into the dressing room.

Declan McCrossan got the second period underway by knocking over a short free, which was cancelled out almost immediately by the visitors.

None the less the home side were about to embark on a spell of football that looked to be taking them closer to safety. Firstly Ronan Parker hit a free over the bar on 43 minutes to reduce the gap. Parker’s joy though was short-lived as two minutes later the full forward received a second yellow card.

As so often happens though it was the 14 men who started to dominate, especially with the introduction of Mark O’Neill and Barry Porter from the bench. Declan McCrossan fired over a fine score on 47, before Paul Bradley had a shot blocked down. Bradley though reacted quickly to volley the rebound over the bar.

McCrossan added another from play with ten minutes left, before Kevin Moore got in the act, as the Owen Roes pressure earned them a one-point lead. Going into this game the O’Neills had to pick up the points to force a play-off with the visitors who sat just above them in the table. With five minutes to go this looked to be the outcome.

The men from the Clogher Valley though had other ideas, and broke out of the siege to restore parity on 55 minutes. The Roes pressed hard, but could not regain the initiative that they had as Augher worked hard to defend their goal, and pick up a crucial share of the spoils.

This result means that Owen Roes find themselves in the dreaded relegation play-offs. With Tyrone, and Senior Championship action on the horizon this game isn’t expected to be played for several weeks.

Owen Roes hopes of retaining their Intermediate status took a dent on Sunday evening in Fintona as they emerged from the gloom on the end of a two-point defeat. In truth this was a game that Fintona deserved to win, but the visitors can take heart from a brave, battling display that showed pride in the jersey.

It was the O’Neills that got the scoring underway in the 5^th minute. Ronan Parker converted a good build up from the back into a point. However a Mark Donnelly free minutes later levelled up. Mark Welsh almost gave the hosts a goal straight away but an excellent fingertip save from Dylan Early denied the corner-forward. However the resulting 45 went free, and Welsh knocked over.

Kiernan Kelly got into the action converting a short free to level up, and then another dead ball minutes later to nose the Roes into a lead. Back up the other end though, a slick Fintona exchange between Malachy McCarney and Donnelly allowed the latter to restore the equilibrium.

Welsh tapped over just after, before Fintona were awarded a penalty with 19 minutes on the clock. The Pearses number 1 Paddy McElroy stepped up, but his opposite number Early was equal to it blocking it with his legs, to repeat his penalty save in the reverse fixture. Mark Kelly slammed the rebound wide.

This boosted the visitors, and good play be Mark O’Neill sent the dangerous Parker scampering away for another score. McCarney restored the advantage, before Kiernan Kelly darted through releasing O’Neill for an equalising score just on the short whistle.

If scores were hard to come by in the first 30 minutes they were even harder in the second. Stephen Dooher and Parker combined to enable Aidan McCrossan to strike over before Kevin McGirr equalised after a long injury delay. Donnelly edged the title chasers back in front once more, before a short free by McCrossan restored parity.

All the same, Fintona were starting to cut through the Roes’ back line. Donnelly saw his rasping drive turned smartly round the post by Early, with 10 minutes to go. Before Welsh came through one on one, only to see Early deny him again.

Nonetheless Fintona were not going to give up their title chase. With five minutes left Donnelly met the keeper’s eyes once more, and this time his point blank effort was not stopped, and Fintona had a crucial lead.

Credit to the O’Neills though, instead of letting heads drop, they forced the hosts onto the back foot, and put on some pressure. With one minute to go there was joy for the visitors as the referee gave a penalty. However this joy was short lived as the official over turned his decision after consideration, and gave a short free for the pick up of the ground. Aidan McCrossan knocked the routine free over, for the last meaningful action of the contest.

This was a better performance from Owen Roes. Dylan Early’s saves kept them in the contest, but further out the field there was character and drive with Parker, and Kelly in particular causing consternation. The Leckpatrick side will have Augher as the visitors next week in the final game of the regular season, in what is a crucial relegation 4-pointer.

Owen Roes had a crucial ACL Division 2 clash against Rock last Sunday evening. The match couldn’t have got off to a better start for the visitors when referee, John Kerlin, adjudged Sean Og Devine was fouled in the large parallelogram, with Kiernan Kelly slotting home the resulting penalty. The Roe’s followed this up with a fine point from ex Tyrone star Declan Mc Crossan who, after being fed a good pass from Brendan Boggs, broke from his centre half back berth and split the posts from almost 40 yards out. His effort was followed up by a further goal from his younger brother Aidan, who then added on a point of his own.

The Roe’s had built up a good gap between themselves and their hosts, who were soon to find their shooting boots with 2 unanswered points of their own. However Ronan Parker pointed and this was followed by another from the in-form Aidan Mc Crossan, after a fine ball in from Kiernan Kelly. Minutes later, however and Aidan spurned another great goal chance which the Rock goalkeeper parried out for a “45”. Aidan made no mistake from this and left the Roe’s 9 points clear with minutes of the first half remaining. Rock, however, were not to be outdone and finished the half with 2 points of their own to narrow the margin to 7 points.

The second half got off to a shaky start for both sides with Rock kicking several efforts wide of the mark in the opening exchanges and it wasn’t until 5 minutes into the second half that Roe’s got the better of their defence for Ronan Parker to get the Roe’s opening score of this half, after another good ball fed in from Brendan Boggs. Action moved swiftly to other end of the field, with Dylan Early having to pull of a save to deny Rock a goal. However they were not to be put off by this and pointed after winning a hop ball on the Roe’s 20 yard line.

Ronan Parker started to make a mark up in the Rock half, when after receiving a pinpoint pass from the industrious Sean Og, pointed and then followed up with another just for good measure, with Parker the only Roe’s scorer in this half. By now Rock had established a grip on midfield and were winning the majority of possession, and a break from their defence, feeding their forwards, finally found the Roe’s net. They then pointed twice without reply in the third quarter, and indeed could have narrowed their deficit even further only for a couple of good stops by Roe’s net-minder, Early, and another effort to go just wide of the net. However the Roe’s held on and made several more unfruitful forays upfield to hold out for a well earned win and another 2 League points.

Senior team: Dylan Early, Mickey Kelly, Aidan Christy, Stephen Boyle, Brendan Mc Crossan, Declan Mc Crossan (0-01), Paddy McNulty, Kevin Moore, Stephen Dooher, Sean Mc Bride, Sean Og Devine, Kiernan Kelly (1-00), Brendan Boggs, Ronan Parker (0-04) and Aidan Mc Crossan (1-03). Subs: Mickey “Karaoke” Kelly for S. Boyle (45 mins), Steven Kelly for S. Mc Bride (53 mins), Sean Mor Devine for Brendan Boggs (57 mins) and Barry Mc Crossan for Aidan Mc Crossan (61 mins).

This is a game that Owen Roes will want to forget quickly. In what was a crucial division 2 clash, the North Tyrone outfit were outfought, outclassed, and outmuscled, by a more physical, combative Greencastle side. In truth the home side only came to life with ten minutes to go, and could have stole the points, but the visitors picked off their opportunities at the critical times.

The O’Neills started this game in lethargic fashion, as the visitors rattled up four scores in the opening 8 minutes, before Aidan McCrossan swivelled and kicked over for an impressive score. However the St.Patricks forwards were causing problems and the number 13 reopened the 4-point gap immediately,

The Roes were struggling at this stage in most sectors of the field, but were given an unlikely lifeline with 17 minutes on the clock. A high ball into the square was safely gathered by the Greencastle stopper, but under pressure he committed a charging offence, which was punished by a penalty kick. Kiernan Kelly stepped up to expertly dispatch it home.

Suddenly the Green and Reds found themselves only a point adrift. Yet this was to prove a false dawn, as Greencastle stormed forward to close out the half with a further two efforts to lead at the interval.

The hope on the sideline was that a different Owen Roes side would emerge in the second half, and a different pattern of play would emerge. However it was Paddy Ball’s men who were taking the scores. The lead was five, after a few minutes, as the hungry visitors chalked up a couple of tidy scores.

Greencastle added again just before the ¾ stage, but Aidan McCrossan cancelled this out with a dead ball effort. Straight from the kick-out, the home side won back possession and Sean og Devine launched one back over the keeper to try and get his side up through the gears.

However, as was the case all day, Greencastle stole back up field and punched over the bar, to take the wind out of the O’Neill’s sails. Kiernan Kelly sent over from play with 9 minutes left, which was again chalked off straight away at the other end from a placed kick.

With 3 minutes left the home side found themselves 5 points adrift. Twice in a minute Aidan McCrossan sent over good efforts, to put a kick of the ball in it. Seconds later and it looked like the home side were going to get the goal they scarcely deserved. Brendan Boggs won the ball and was bearing down on goal with the net in his sights, however he was brought down just outside the penalty area, and the chance had evaporated.

Kiernan Kelly put the resulting free over, before Greencastle broke, and their sub sent over for the insurance score. This was a match that will not be recalled with affection by any of the Owen Roes’ team or supporters, with only the team’s youngest player, Mickey Kelly jnr, and the shooting of Aidan McCrossan slight positives. Greencastle came to Leckpatrick and put up a display that was hungrier and more aggressive and thus yielded the points. All of a sudden Owen Roes find themselves right back in the relegation furnace of division 2.

Stewartstown brushed off the distraction of their up-coming Championship final to defeat the hosts in a tight tussle on Sunday past. When you consider that the Harps fielded without Peter Armour, John Devlin, Anton Coyle and a few others this is an indicator of the strength in depth that the visitors possess.

It was the Roes that hit the ground running, with Ronan Parker knocking over with barely 30 seconds on the watch. However The Harps hit back and Dylan Early was forced to tip over the bar from a goal bound effort. Brendan Boggs slotted over a 4^th minute dead-ball to restore the Roes’ advantage.

Gareth Devlin was causing the home defence discomfort, and it was no surprise when he pointed on 5 minutes, before the Stewartstown full-back came forward to send over a huge free-kick from deep.

With 8 minutes gone, Early was again called upon to dive to his left to claw away as Harps started to turn the screw, the resulting ball in ended up as a free, which Darragh Burns converted.

The hosts though had moments of their own. Ronan Parker, was having a fine game, and knocked over a classy score on 10 minutes, which Brendan Boggs replicated 2 minutes later. Devlin and Lavery cancelled out these scores with points of their own.

With 21 minutes on the clock, the referee awarded the visitors a penalty, which would have given them a 5-point advantage. However County minor star Devlin dragged his shot wide of the posts to the relief of the home support.

This miss started to look costly when good work from Paddy McNulty sent Kiernan Kelly away to caress over, followed by a well hit Aidan McCrossan free to tie up the scores at the short whistle.

The second half began with Gareth Devlin on top form again. The diminutive corner-forward hit three scores in the first 10 minutes of the second half to give his side a crucial initiative. Ronan Parker hit another fine score in this period, but a further effort from a Harps’ attacker quickly cancelled it out.

The hosts hoped that the introduction of Declan McCrossan would ignite their efforts, and this looked the case when the sub scored twice in an eight-minute spell. However in between this the O’Neills had a great chance.

Ronan Parker flicked on a high ball into the path of the nippy Kiernan Kelly. With the keeper narrowing the angle the wing forward squared the ball just too far in front of the en-rushing McCrossan and the goal chance evaporated.

With 6 minutes to go the Intermediate Championship finalists restored their two-point cushion to keep The Roes at arm’s length. The two sides traded scores in the last few minutes with Boggs and Kelly on target. None the less Stewartstown had just too much in the locker, and edged home 0-13 to 0-11.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Paul Kelly, Aidan Christy, Eamon McBride, Stephen Dooher, Noel Mullen, Paddy McNulty, Kevin Moore, Brendan Boggs (0-3), Sean Og Devine, Paul Bradley, Kiernan Kelly (0-2), Aidan McCrossan (0-1) Barry Porter Ronan Parker (0-3).

Owen Roes restored equilibrium for the derby defeat earlier in the season, as they emerged winners over neighbours Strabane Sigersons in this Friday night clash. Played in front of a huge crowd, the Leckpatrick side pulled clear in the second half after the visitors had taken the early initiative.

The game was only 4 minutes old, when Strabane had chalked up the contest’s opening pair of scores. Garbh Gallagher’s point being replicated by an effort from the boot of JP Gallagher. It appeared as if the Leckpatrick men had frozen in front of the large attendance, when after 8 minutes Garbh Gallagher knocked over once more.

It took an Aidan McCrossan effort from a dead ball to bring the O’Neills back into the game, in the 9^th minute, before Ronan Parker put the minimum in it. The Sigerson’s wingback Stephen Stewart bombed forward to score on 13 minutes, before Barry Porter got his name on the score sheet. Parker added another, before Porter got a crucial goal.

A high ball into the box seemed to be heading for the net as Paul Bradley knocked goal wards, however a valiant Strabane clearance only fell to Barry Porter who punched to the net. Strabane struck back straightaway with a well-taken score of their own, courtesy of Mickey Barr, before Gallagher added another to leave the minimum in it.

Nonetheless, the early nerves of the O’Neills outfit had now evaporated. The Green and Reds pointed three times in the last three minutes of the half, via two excellent Brendan Boggs points, and a Kiernan Kelly attempt to give them a platform for the second half.

This platform though appeared to have been dismantled in the 38^th minute. Another highball into the box appeared to come off a combination of Dylan Early’s hands and the crossbar. Unfortunately for the hosts, John McLaughlin was razor sharp to the ball to punch home to the delight of the travelling support.

With a single point in the game this was to be a test of both side’s mettle. Barry Porter’s overhead shot dipped over the bar to settle the O’Neills once more. This boosted the hosts, and in midfield Brendan Boggs, Noel Mullen and the excellent Kevin Moore began to dominate. A Boggs free on 45 minutes gave the Leckpatrick a three-point buffer, before sub Stevie Dooher smacked a point.

Boggs again from a 54^th minute free put the game beyond Strabane’s reach, as the contest died out. Captain Sean og Devine got his name on the score sheet in the last minute just prior to a point from the impressive Ronan Parker.

This was a good performance from the home side, as they continue to pull away from trouble. This derby clash through up some excellent individual battles across the field. Anthony McMenamin and Ronan Parker’s tussle from 1^st to last minute, being one of the highlights. Credit must go to both sides, and also to referee Stephen McNamee for a hard but clean game that flowed from beginning to end.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Kevin Doherty, Aidan Christy, Paul Kelly, Brendan McCrossan, Noel Mullen, Paddy McNulty, Kevin Moore, Brendan Boggs (0-4), Sean Og Devine (0-1), Paul Bradley, Kiernan Kelly (0-1), Aidan McCrossan (0-1) Barry Porter (1-2), Ronan Parker (0-3)

Subs: Eamon McBride for Kevin Doherty 32mins, Declan McCrossan for Aidan McCrossan 39mins, Stephen Dooher (0-1) for Kiernan Kelly 53mins.

Owen Roes kept up their recent good form with an excellent 1-9 to 0-3 victory over Eskra on Sunday. The home side dominated the game from start to finish, and probably took their foot off the pedal in the second half as the game was played in unforgiving conditions, the heat making life difficult for both sides.

The tone of the game was set after 30 seconds when corner-forward Kiernan Kelly pointed to give the O’Neills a lead they would not relinquish. It was Kelly again that was involved in the 7^th minute to win his side a penalty. Owen Roes broke in packs, and looked like they were going to over elaborate the opportunity before Kelly was hauled down. Barry Porter stepped up and found the net from the penalty spot.

Ryan Gartland got Eskra’s opening score a minute after, before ‘The Roes’ upped the ante again. Dylan Early’s accurate kick-out found Sean og Devine. Devine, captaining the side in the absence of Willie Doherty, picked out Aidan McCrossan who selected his spot between the sticks. The busy Kiernan Kelly added to the advantage after a slick turn of pace left Eskra chasing shadows, before Brendan Boggs got his name on the score sheet.

Young Darren McCaffrey pulled one back for the visitors, as they desperately tried to hang on to the hosts, with Paul Marlowe, and Raymond McGinley working hard for the cause. However it was Ronan Parker who closed out the half with a score to leave the Leckpatrick side 1-5 to 0-2 ahead.

The home side were intent to kill this game off as soon as possible. Sean Og Devine claimed a score early in the second period, to be followed a couple of minutes later by a Porter point. At the other end of the field, the Eskra forward unit were becoming frustrated at the parsimonious Owen Roes defence as the consistent Paul Kelly, and Aidan Christy continually emerged with the ball. Paddy McNulty was also performing a thankless task, checking the runs of the marauding Marlowe.

Shane Hackett got a free kick score with 20 minutes to go to marginally reduce the gap, but Aidan McCrossan reopened it a minute later to keep the wind out of the Eskra sails.

When Ronan Parker clipped over on 44 minutes, this signalled the end of the day’s scoring as the players started to fade in the heat. Eskra’s frustrations boiled over shortly after as Joe McCarroll seen the ref issue him with a second yellow card.

This was another good performance by Owen Roes as they start to find a bit of form at the right end of the season. On Friday night it is expected that Strabane will make the short journey to Glenmornan in what is likely to be a keenly contested derby clash. Incredibly Strabane and Owen Roes are 2 of the 7 sides locked on 15 points in division 2.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Paul Kelly, Aidan Christy, Eamon McBride, Brendan McCrossan, Noel Mullen, Kevin Doherty, Kevin Moore, Brendan Boggs (0-1), Sean Og Devine (0-1), Aidan McCrossan (0-2), Paddy McNulty, Kiernan Kelly (0-2), Barry Porter (1-1), Ronan Parker (0-2) Subs: Paul Bradley for Kiernan Kelly 55mins, Mickey Kelly jnr for Brendan Boggs 58mins.

Aghaloo 1-11 Owen Roes 2-8

The footballers of Aghaloo will be sick of the site of Barry Porter this season. Earlier this season, Porter was the emergency Owen Roes’ keeper who saved a last minute Aghaloo penalty. Yesterday the attacker was sprung from the bench mid-way through the second half to deprive the O’Neills of a point with a 2-goal burst.

This was a game played in stifling conditions. Credit must go to both sets of players for the sixty minutes that they put in. Under the blazing sun, it was Owen Roes who got the early roasting. With only six minutes of the game elapsed, the hosts had raced into a 0-5 to 0-1 lead, a Kevin Moore point the only notch on the visiting scoreboard.

Minutes later and the border men were cantering. A ball into the box was pounced on quickest by the home side’s corner forward who poked past the advancing Dylan Early. Brendan Boggs got one back, before Aghaloo knocked over once more.

Kiernan Kelly closed out the half with a score to leave the disappointing visitors 1-6 to 0-3 adrift at the short whistle.

A victory over Drumquin last day out, had injected some confidence into the Leckpatrick men. During the half-time break it appeared someone had tapped into this well as the Green and Reds emerged with determination. Ronan Parker and Brendan Boggs got the half underway with a brace of banked free kicks.

However Aghaloo, who had hit 6-27 in their last two games, sprung back with a white flag of their own. In the space of a minute though the Leckpatrick men reeled off two further scores. Parker with a free, and a Barry Porter effort reducing the gap.

This crucial Division two game was now firmly in the melting pot. Brendan Boggs pointed either side of a Stephen Donnelly brace, before the Aghaloo nemesis struck.

With seven minutes remaining, the visiting side were awarded a penalty. Porter stood up and confidently placed the ball into the net. Sixty seconds later, and the same player was punching the ball past the keeper to give his men a hard earned two-point advantage. Unfortunately for the Leckpatrick O’Neills this contest had yet another turn.

With time ticking out the men from Páirc Achaidh Lú hit back with two late points to ensure that both sides had a point to show for their day in the sun.

Although disappointed to surrender a late cushion, Owen Roes would be happy with their second half fight back that helped them build on last week’s good result. With eight games remaining only three points separates 3^rd and 11^th in this roller coaster division.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Paul Kelly, Aidan Christy, Eamon McBride, Brendan McCrossan, Noel Mullen, Kevin Doherty, Kevin Moore (0-1), Brendan Boggs (0-3) Sean og Devine, Stephen Dooher, Paddy McNulty, Kiernan Kelly (0-1), Mark O’Neill, Ronan Parker (0-2)

Joe Higgins didn’t have his troubles to seek going into this ACL division 2 game against Drumquin on Friday night. Missing from the away line up were his three leading marksmen, Declan McCrossan, Aidan McCrossan and Kiernan Kelly, Club captain Willie Doherty, and wing back Jim Devine. To go into any game without these players and several others missing is difficult, but to be up against the league leaders on their home ground compounded the problems several times over. However after sixty minutes of excellent football it was indeed the visitors who came out comfortable winners by four points.

Owen Roes emerged from the whistle needing to make a good start if they were to take anything from this contest, and they couldn’t have asked for a healthier one. Paddy McNulty got the game’s opening score after three minutes, with Brendan Boggs replicating from a placed ball one minute after. When Mark O’Neill added point number three with 8 minutes on the watch it was looking good for the O’Neills.

However Drumquin showed why they are top of this Intermediate grade when they hit back straight away, with a point of their own. All the same, it was the green and reds that crucially retorted. Ronan Parker cut in from the right and caressed a lovely point over the bar. Seven minutes later and Boggs had another free to his tally.

This was a much-improved Owen Roes performance. Kevin Moore and Brendan Boggs presented top-notch displays in centre field. At the back Paul Kelly kept the dangerous Nicky McCallion at arm’s length, while young debutant Eamon McBride looked at home in his first senior game, quelling the threat of Emmet McPhilomey. It was Aidan Christy though that took most of plaudits. Back in his familiar fullback role, Christy dominated on the ground and in the air; several times the number three high catching and setting his side back onto the attack.

Despite the efforts of the fullback line, Drumquin had chances. The home side got back to within three points as McPhilomey pointed, before a crucial incident in the game. With minutes of the half remaining Nicky McCallion broke clear in the danger zone and clipped the ball to the left of the advancing Dylan Early. Early though turned in mid-air to claw the ball the wrong side of the post, to the agony of the host’s support. This lifted the visitors and there was still time for Brendan Boggs to tag on another point to leave Owen Roes 0-6 to 0-2 ahead at the break.

If the guests started the first half well, they started the second half better. In an almost identical situation to McCallion’s earlier effort, Barry Porter advanced in goal. Porter looked up and saw Kerril Winters advance, before prodding the ball into the corner of the net.

The league leaders responded well, as within two minutes Nicky McCallion had sent two dead balls over the sticks. Within twenty minutes to go, and Drumquin had tagged on another point. The Leckpatrick side though were intent on picking up a much need victory, another Boggs free, and another great score for Ronan Parker restored the six-point advantage. McCallion hit two more frees to sandwich a well-worked Mark O’Neill effort.

With four minutes left Drumquin were reduced to 14 men, as their sub saw red. Two more McCallion scores closed out the game either side of a Brendan Boggs dead ball, his fifth score of the hour, to leave Owen Roes 1-10 to 0-9 victors.

This was a much-needed performance for the Owen Roes camp. It brings a run of three straight league defeats to an abrupt end, and gives promise for the season to come. Astonishingly The Roes now find themselves in second last position, but only three points off third place, with a game in hand over several of the sides above them. Next up is a trip to Aghaloo this Sunday.

It’s often said that Championship games are rarely settled in the first minutes of a game. However this Intermediate first round game on Sunday evening put paid to that perception. With just over 1 minute on the clock, John Devlin fed the ball into Peter Armour who careered through the Owen Roes’ rear guard and dispatched a rasping effort over the head of Dylan Early into the Owen Roes goal.

To say that this was a set back for the North Tyrone side would be an understatement, but within a minute Kevin Moore had pointed following good work from the hard-working Stephen Dooher. James Kelly restored the advantage to three on seven minutes with a neat score from play.

When Ronan Parker fed Declan McCrossan a minute later to point this had all the makings of a ding-dong classic. When County minor Gareth Devlin scored from a dead ball on 9 minutes it re-established the 2004 Ulster Junior Champions three-point cushion. McCrossan and another Devlin effort, from a quickly taking free, kept the game in the balance. This was as good as it got for the Leckpatrick side.

The Harps’ number 8 James Devlin knocked over a free kick from deep, before Paul Dillon waltzed unopposed through the O’Neill’s defence to point. At this point Stewartstown were on top in almost every quarter. Within minutes Gareth Devlin accepted free-kick opportunities to punish Owen Roes’ fouls.

The half closed out with Kiernan Kelly pointing from play to leave six points between the sides at the short whistle.

Owen Roes made a double substitution at the break as Barry Porter, and Chris Kelly entered the fray in the forward department, and when Noel Mullen raised the white flag 30 seconds in the half, it looked like this could be the catalyst for a second half fight back. However the Harps showed why their 2004 national credentials as they got right back on top, and held the Owen Roes attacking unit at arm’s length. Adrian Devlin, Nicky Park, and Ryan O’Neill quelling the efforts of Declan McCrossan and company.

Regardless Owen Roes were doing as much self-harm as Stewartstown were. A free-kick 45 yards out was badly worked and Gavin Devlin ran clear to clip his fifth point of the day. The Harps substitute Mickey Mulgrew got in on the act a minute later to score, before Owen Roes were reduced to 14. Jim Devine got on the wrong side of the umpires to see the red card.

Armour got another point a few minutes later, before Sean og Devine hit a short free between the sticks for only the second Owen Roes’ score of the half.

The Harps pointed again shortly after via Mulgrew, before the referee evened the numbers up. Blake Smyth was given a red card, after an off the ball incident was spotted by the linesman. However it wasn’t the last action of the game.

With the game deep in injury time The Roes’ defence was exposed once more, as Gareth Devlin ran clear, and exchanged passes with Peter Armour who gave Early no chance in goal.

This was a bad day at the office for the North Tyrone men. To go out in such fashion, after last year’s Championship exploits will be a massive disappointment to all at the Club. In truth the side had no answer to a Stewartstown side that were bigger, faster, and hungrier in the tackle. However it means that the O’Neills can return to league action, and concentrate in the fight to climb the table into the promotion play-off picture.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Jim Devine, Kevin Doherty, Willie Doherty, Brendan McCrossan, Brendan Boggs, Paddy McNulty, Noel Mullan (0-1), Aidan Christy, Stephen Dooher, Declan McCrossan (0-2), Sean og Devine (0-1), Ronan Parker, Kevin Moore (0-1), Kiernan Kelly (0-1)

Subs: Barry Porter for Parker 30 mins, Chris Kelly for K Kelly 30 mins, Mickey Kelly snr for Willie Doherty 43 mins, Mark O’Neill for Declan McCrossan 53 mins.

Stewartstown: Greg Kelly, Blake Smyth, Paddy Donnelly, Mark Sonner, Nicky Park, Adrian Devlin, Ryan O’Neill, John Devlin (0-1), Kevin Park, James Kelly (0-1), Peter Armour (2-1), Paul Dillon (0-1), Anton Coyle, Gareth Devlin (0-5), Tony Donnelly.

Derrylaughan 3-8 Owen Roes 1-12

Owen Roes made the long journey to the Lough Shore on Sunday to face Derrylaughan. After a disastrous first 35 minutes for the visitors, they sprung a comeback, which fell just short. The defeat leaves The Roes in the relegation play-off zone after 12 games of the season.

The Kevin Barry’s started the game with intensity, their first on their impressive new pitch. With six minutes elapsed they had two points on the board, to supersede a 20 metre from Kiernan Kelly. Not in keeping with the contest, the game then entered a 15-minute period where no changes to the scoreboard were made. However in the 21^st minute this all changed.

The hosts cut through the visiting defence with pace and panache, before Kieran Quinn fisted to the net. Two minutes later, and another flowing move resulted in a point. A Kevin Moore score offered hope to the O’Neills before the Lough Shore men pounced again. Within seconds of Moore’s effort the hosts pointed a free, before majoring once more. Quinn found himself involved yet again, before teeing up his teammate to strike him.

The visitors found themselves cut adrift, but almost bounced back. Ronan Parker caused consternation in the visiting box, and the loose ball was punched goal wards by the diving Declan McCrossan whose effort clipped the topside of the crossbar. An exchanged of points closed out the half, with Kiernan Kelly scoring for Leckpatrick.

Joe Higgins’ men came out of the blocks fastest in the second half, with Brendan Boggs shooting over. However the crucial moment of the game followed minutes later. Again Derrylaughan tore through The Roes’ defence, and again Quinn punched to the net to provide a carbon copy of his earlier goal.

Dead ball scores from Paddy McNulty and Declan McCrossan sandwiched another Derrylaughan point. Kiernan Kelly pointed twice in a minute to offer faint hope, before the sides exchanged two points each. A Chris Kelly free and a directed effort Mickey Kelly snr for the visiting marksmen.

It was a goal that was required though, and with three minutes to go, Kiernan Kelly provided it, when he drove home from close in. This left a solitary score in it, but alas for the visitors it could not be gained. Halfback Jim Devine pointed to reduce the gap but this was as good as it got.

It’s Championship action this Sunday night, as Owen Roes face Stewartstown in Greencastle. Manager Joe Higgins will be pleased with the determination shown by his side on Sunday, and especially with the return from his forward line. The Roes will hope to replicate this second half performance on Sunday night in Greencastle. Throw-in time is at 8pm.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Paul Kelly, Noel Mullen, Willie Doherty, Jim Devine (0-1), Stevie Dooher, Kevin Doherty, Aidan Christy, Kevin Moore (0-1), Paddy McNulty (0-1), Declan McCrossan (0-2), Kiernan Kelly (1-4), Barry Porter, Ronan Parker, Brendan Boggs (0-1).

Owen Roe O’Neills travelled to Augher on Saturday, and went down to a single point defeat. The game was played against the backdrop of distant thunder and lightening, which was symbolic of the mood in the Owen Roes’ camp at the conclusion of the contest.

In truth this was a game that neither side deserved to take anything from, as both sides contrived to make numerous errors. However Augher can thank the free taking boot of Stephen McCaffrey whose dead ball accuracy ultimately proved the difference.

The game had barely elapsed 1 minute, and the hosts found themselves two points ahead, as the visitors struggled to adapt. However Aidan McCrossan got the show on the road with a 3^rd minute score. The remainder of the half belonged to McCaffrey.

On 11minutes he knocked his first score of the day, his only from play, and repeated the dose a minute later. The burly number 14 maintained his accuracy throughout the half, and by the 23^rd minute had added Augher’s fifth and sixth points. All Owen Roes could muster was another McCrossan free on the quarter hour mark.

If the Leckpatrick side started the game in a slumber, they started the second half with a bang. Firstly McCrossan from play slotted over, before Kiernan Kelly replicated from a free kick. Visibly it looked like the North Tyrone men were in the ascendancy.

Minutes later the scoreboard confirmed this. Ronan Parker picked up the ball, wide on the left, and struck towards goal. It looked like a great point all ends up, but it was disaster for the St.Macartans as the ball dropped short, and sneaked under the cross bar, to the surprise of all in the ground.

Suddenly Owen Roes had their tails up, and forced Augher onto the back foot. Critically though chances were spurned, and possession was cheaply surrendered. McCaffrey raised the white flag again with a 39^th minute free as the game entered a fractious period. Chances went begging at both sides, as neither team appeared, as if they wanted to take the two points.

With five minutes remaining Augher regained the lead, but it was short lived. Ronan Parker, looking hungrier and confident after his goal, pointed to level the tie again. Nonetheless it wasn’t going to be enough. With three minutes remaining Aidan McCrossan saw red, to reduce the Roes’ to14 men.

The resulting play saw that man McCaffrey given another free opportunity, and he took it to leave the O’Neills at the end of a one-point loss.

This was a bitter blow to the visiting Owen Roes side. However on a weekend when most of the top half of the table lost, it leaves second place very much to play for. With the Championship first round on the horizon, it is important for the side to regroup and focus on the challenges that await in the second half of the campaign.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Brendan McCrossan, Jim Devine, Willie Doherty, Paul Kelly, Brendan Boggs, Mickey Kelly (jnr), Noel Mullen, Stephen Kelly, Paddy McNulty, Ronan Parker (1-1), Kiernan Kelly (0-1), Stephen Dooher, Aidan McCrossan (0-3), Kevin Moore.

Fintona were the visitors to Pairc an Ghleanna on Sunday, and easily dispatched a home side that fashioned one of the poorest displays from an Owen Roes’ senior side for several years. The seven-point defeat was kind on the home side, with poor away finishing and good goalkeeping from Dylan Early the only thing that stood in the way of a greater margin.

The visitors dominated right from the opening whistle. With three minutes on the watch, the dangerous Mark Donnelly had given the Pearses a two-point lead, with a score from a dead ball, followed up by an effort from play. With twelve minutes gone, Fintona should have had two goals to their credit. Firstly Mark Welsh drove wide when through, before Sean Monteith exploited an usually porous home rear-guard. Montieth’s drive look goal bound, until Dylan Early dived full length to deny the forward. Just prior to this Donnelly had converted a simple free chance.

Kiernan Kelly was causing a degree of difficulty for the visiting defence, with his movement, and was rewarded with the Roes’ opening score on 14 minutes. Two minutes later and Kelly was at it again, to put one between the sides. For the home support though this was as good as it got.

On 19 minutes Welsh broke through on goal once more with the keeper to beat. However as the trigger was about to be pulled, the home defender tripped the attacker for a clear penalty offence. Padraig Cunningham stepped out of defence to hit the kick to the keeper’s left. Early in goal guessed correctly, and made the save, but the corner back was not to be denied, and slammed the rebound into the roof of the net.

Montieth added another to the visiting total, before Stevie Dooher gave Leckpatrick hope with the closing point of the half, to leave four in it.

Any hopes of a home comeback were nullified by a competitive visiting performance. The movement and pace of the attackers, was matched by the hunger and determination of the backs, as Fintona marched on. Mark Welsh got the scoring underway in the second half, as he superbly fielded and pointed. Donnelly then took over again.

Donnelly hit four unanswered points, as the burly full forward ended up with 0-7 for his efforts. In between Donnelly’s scoring spree, Early was forced to block another Welsh goal effort, as again the home defence was exposed.

With minutes remaining Stevie Dooher got the opening Leckpatrick score of the half, to which Brendan Boggs replicated a few minutes later. At this stage it was too little, too late.

This was a poor home performance, with few players emerging with any credit. Owen Roes now have three away games on the trot. It is important that points are collated on the road if anything is to be gained from the season.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Paul Kelly, Aidan Christy, Willie Doherty, Mickey Kelly (snr), Brendan Boggs (0-1), Paddy McNulty, Noel Mullen, Stephen Dooher (0-2), Ronan Parker, Stephen Kelly, Kiernan Kelly (0-2), Aidan McCrossan, Kevin Moore, Mickey Dooher.

McCrossan Aids Leckpatrick Triumph

Owen Roes 0-12 Drumragh 2-5

It was Owen Roes who emerged triumphant on Sunday last on a 0-12 to 2-5 score line to earn a much-needed pair of points, in this Tyrone ACL division 2 clash. In truth the Leckpatrick side deserved this victory, even though they seemed destined at times to throw the result away.

Kiernan Kelly got the scoreboard ticking over early on with the opening point of the game, before Drumragh struck back to level up. The lead though was short lived as halfback Brendan Boggs added a well-earned point. Minutes later Aidan McCrossan, and Ronan Parker added to the Roes’ advantage as the hosts dominated.

The 2004 Junior league Champions though struck back on the 20-minute mark, to draw level with the league winners of 2003. A dangerous ball into the box appeared to have been dealt with by the North Tyrone back line. However squandered possession resulted in the Sarsfield’s full forward slamming the ball past the helpless Dylan Early.

McCrossan immediately restored the Leckpatrick lead. However just before the interval Drumragh pointed to level up.

With the wind at their backs, the visitors would have been confident of returning home with the spoils. Five minutes into the second half, and their confidence would have risen, as twice the posts were dissected to take the lead for the first time.

Joe Higgins’ men were in no mood to lose two on the bounce, and the impressive McCrossan notched one back. Minutes later and Mickey Dooher restored equilibrium between the sides. At this stage some of the Roe’s youngsters were started to stamp their influence on the tie. Brendan Boggs was proving imperious at centre-half back, flanked by Mickey Kelly junior, making his first senior start, who carried the ball out of danger on several occasions.

Up front the excellent Kiernan Kelly was starting to prove a nuisance for the visiting rear-guard. In the space of seven minutes, Kelly shot over three unanswered points to put victory in sight. When Paddy McNulty stormed forward to caress over a cracking point, it looked all over.

Drumragh though showed why they are performing so well, up in this Intermediate grade. Straight from the kick-out the Sarsfield’s wing forward burst through on goal and smartly shot past Early in goals. A minute later and the scores were tied.

Suddenly a game that looked to have been secure had ebbed away. Drumragh now had their tails up, and sniffed a couple of points where minutes earlier there had been none. However deep in injury time, Owen Roes were awarded a free. Under pressure Aidan McCrossan knocked over from distance to give the Roes, a hard earned but deserved two points.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Paul Kelly, Aidan Christy, Willie
Doherty, Mickey Kelly Jnr, Brendan Boggs (0-1), Paddy
McNulty (0-1), Steven Kelly, Steven Dooher, Ronan Parker (0-1),
Kevin Moore, Kiernan Kelly (0-5), Chris Kelly, Mickey
Dooher, Aidan McCrossan (0-4).
SUBS - Declan McCrossan for Chris Kelly

For the third weekend in a row the footballers of Owen Roe O’Neills dropped a pair of points. Greencastle were the side to benefit last Friday night, as the visitors left with a one-point defeat.

Things had actually started sprightly for the O’Neills, as they quickly raced into a two-point lead via the free-taking boot of Aidan McCrossan. However the hosts bounced back with four scores of their own. A lone point from Kiernan Kelly dissecting the purple patch.

As the half closed out McCrossan knocked over another score, before Greencastle set about giving themselves a half time buffer, with two further pointed efforts.

Owen Roes squandered several scoring chances in this encounter that should have meant the points being taken from this game. However twice goal scoring opportunities were spurned by mishandling in front of the sticks.

Aidan McCrossan’s free-kick precision was keeping the game delicately poised. The full-forward knocking over the opening score of the second period to put the minimum in the game again. Nonetheless Greencastle hit back with two scores of their own, either side of a Kevin Moore effort.

McCrossan’s next score put one between the sides again to keep the hosts in site, but the St.Patricks were keen on taking maximum returns from this game, and upped the tempo. Two more times the flag was raised to open up a three-point cushion.

Even so, the contest was still in the melting point. Kevin Moore knocked over his second point of the evening to put pressure on the hosts, before sub Mickey Dooher reduced the margin to one. Despite the best efforts of the North Tyrone side it was not enough, and Greencastle held out for a one-point victory.

Owen Roes bounced back from their disappointing Friday night performance, to collect two points at the expense of Rock St.Patrick’s. Both sides were missing a lot of key players for this game, as the rigours of 4 games in 9 days started to catch up with these amateur sportsmen. Declan McCrossan, Jim Devine, and Kevin Moore among the absent for the home side, Martin McCreesh, and Ciaran Gourley amongst the missing for the visitors.

Ronan Parker opened the scoring for Owen Roes after three minutes, before Rock replied with two scores of their own. However the lead did not last too long, as a couple of Kiernan Kelly efforts nosed the hosts ahead once more The St.Patrick’s side looked sprightlier than the O’Neills who seemed to be suffering from a Friday night hangover. As the half closed out the big visiting number 14 levelled things up, and then supplied the pass that give them a 29^th minute lead.

However seconds before the half-time break, came one of the pivotal moments of the game. Aidan Christy went gallivanting from his midfield position into the attacking zone. The number 9’s half hit shot looped over the opposing keeper and nestled into the net to send the home side in at the break with a two point cushion.

If the first half gave us a sluggish Leckpatrick side, the second gave us a much-recharged performance. An Aidan McCrossan free was cancelled out straight away before a Green and Red purple patch. Kelly and Mark O’Neill stroked over before good work by Mickey Dooher sent his brother Stevie away for a point.

However in between all this, Rock could’ve got back into the contest. The back line of the O’Neills went missing allowing the Rock attacker to get through on goal. With no defenders in site keeper Dylan Early did superbly to save the goal bound effort.

With a quarter of the contest to go the visitors pointed a free to offer them some light, but this just prompted the North Tyrone outfit to go up though the gears. O’Neill fired over another classy point, before sub Mickey Dooher pointed. Midfielder Noel Mullen banged over from distance for the score of the day, before the lively O’Neill hit goal number two. Building from the halfway line Aidan Christy, Kiernan Kelly and Aidan McCrossan were all involved, cutting through the visiting rear guard to allow O’Neill to stroke home.

With minutes to go Rock pulled another point back, before Mickey Dooher shot home the host’s third major of the day. As the game closed out O’Neill raised the flag again to end the scoring action.

This result will give Owen Roes much needed confidence, as the attackers were able to produce 14 scores on the day, without the influence of Declan McCrossan. However credit too must go the Leckpatrick wingbacks of Paul Kelly, and the industrious Paddy McNulty who were the foundation for much of the side’s productivity.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Brian Kelly, Kevin Doherty, Willie Doherty, Paul Kelly, Brendan Boggs, Paddy McNulty, Noel Mullen (0-1), Aidan Christy (1-0), Sean og Devine, Stephen Dooher (0-1), Mark O’Neill (1-3), Ronan Parker (0-1), Aidan McCrossan (0-1), Kiernan Kelly (0-3)

Strabane secured the bragging rights in North Tyrone thanks to a hard fought Friday night victory over neighbours Owen Roes. In a tight encounter the hosts ran out four point winners, thanks to a fine second half performance.

It was The Sigersons who got the contest’s opening score on four minutes to settle any early nerves, however the visitors fought back to ensure that the lead was short lived. Aidan McCrossan knocked over a fantastic free kick from deep, and from the kick out Sean og Devine pointed from the angle. At this stage Owen Roes were clearly on top, Aidan Christy and Noel Mullen were bossing the midfield area. Aidan McCrossan was pulling the strings in the half-forward zone, with Keirnan Kelly and Ronan Parker looking dangerous up front.

On the quarter hour mark, it was the lively McCrossan who knocked over again to put two between them. However the visitor’s attempts to turn the screw were thwarted by a mixture of fine Sigerson defending, and poor Owen Roe’s shooting. Despite their supremacy on the ball, Strabane’s very well organised, and hard working back line, with Stephen Stewart particularly impressive, was not in the mood for offering chances.

As the half closed out, Strabane reduced the margin to one point, before a crucial couple of minutes in the encounter. Firstly Noel Mullen was sent through on goal for a great chance, but James O’Reilly was sharply off his line to prevent the Owen Roes number eight. Deep in injury time, the Strabane custodian had his crossbar smacked. An Aidan McCrossan free dropped short, and clipped the base of the bar before bouncing to safety.

If the first half was about controlled Strabane defending, the second half was about productive attacking play. Within 7 minutes of the second period, the league leaders had their noses in front. Firstly Warner Mullen from a dead ball tied things up, before JP Gallagher restored the lead that they last had on four minutes.

By this stage the Green and Red of Owen Roes found themselves encamped in their own half, unable to break out. John McLaughlin put two between the sides, with the score of the evening. Two more pointed Sigerson efforts on 45mins and 50mins saw them start to put the game out of reach.

With 8 minutes remaining, Strabane nearly found the net. A lose ball was prodded goal bound by the dangerous mcLaughlin, however Dylan Early managed to deflect the ball just wide. Nevertheless JP Gallagher’s resulting 45 ensured that there would be some returns for the effort.

With a mountain to climb, the Leckpatrick side gambled by launching high balls into the Sigerson goal hoping to get the goal they badly needed. However Strabane stood up well, and substitute Barry Porter’s point was the only return, to end the evening’s scoring.

This was a game that could’ve produced dividends for Owen Roes had some of their opening half possession been translated into scores. However a hard working, organised Strabane side more than deserved their victory to maintain the pole position in division 2. On a final note credit must go to both sets of players, and referee Patsy Kerlin who ensured that few cards were produced in this derby tussle.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Paul Kelly, Jim Devine, Willie Doherty, Kevin Doherty, Brendan Boggs, Paddy McNulty, Noel Mullen, Aidan Christy, Kevin Moore, Stephen Dooher, Sean Og Devine (0-1), Aidan McCrossan (0-2), Ronan Parker, Kiernan Kelly Subs: Chris Kelly for Paul Kelly , Mark O’Neill for Sean Og Devine, Barry Porter (0-1) for Kevin Moore, Mickey Dooher for Kiernan Kelly

Strabane Sigersons: James O’Reilly, Kieran O’Kane, Anthony McMenamin, Kyle Devine, Stephen Stewart, Eamon McGowan, Ryan O’Kane, Martin McNulty, Richard O’Neill, Chris Devine (0-1), Danny McBride, Warner Mullen (0-1), JP Gallagher (0-4), John McLaughlin (0-1), Mickey Barr Subs: Paddy McGavigan (0-1), Niall Conwell, Niall o’Neill.

Eskra and Owen Roes crossed paths once again in this ACL Division 2 clash on Sunday. This was the sides eighth meeting in 24 months, and after yet another closely fought encounter it was the visitors who got a small measure of revenge following the Emmett’s Championship victory last season.

In a game where scores swung one way then another, Mark O’Neill, Sean og Devine, and Declan McCrossan hit opening quarter points. However the most crucial moment of the contest was just after this period when utility player Stephen Dooher slammed home.

When Aidan McCrossan knocked over just before half time, ‘The Roes’ went in with a narrow one-point lead at the break.

The second half story followed a similar script to the opening thirty with the scoreboard lighting up at either end throughout the half. Aidan McCrossan was to the fore of most of the positive work that visitors produced. McCrossan hit two further second half scores to complement two from the elder McCrossan sibling.

As the game entered the crucial last few moments, Eskra almost snatched full points. A high ball into the box was fisted goal bound by the host’s full forward, but keeper Dylan Early was alert to tip brilliantly over the top. Ronan Parker’s comeback from injury was complete late in the second half, with his point giving Owen Roes a buffer and a welcome two points.

Lacklustre Leckpatrick Succumb to Drumquin

Owen Roes 0-8 Drumquin 0-11

The footballers of Drumquin returned home on Friday night with two well-earned points that keeps their 2005 promotion drive on course. The visitors produced a well-organised performance to defeat the hosts who never really got going in this re-arranged encounter.

Owen Roes always trailed, in this game and will know that the outcome was indeed the deserved result. Keirnan Kelly, and three from Declan McCrossan were the only marks on the scoreboard at the half-time interval.

The second half produced a similar performance. Brendan Boggs and Jim Devine’s enforced absences could be offered as partial excuses, but a better performance should have ensued. Aidan Christy’s pointed effort, two more from McCrossan and one from Kelly kept The Tones in touching distance, but a fine visiting defence met that this was as near as the hosts game.

Owen Roes 0-8 Drumquin 0-11

Owen Roes: Barry Porter, Paul Kelly, Kevin Doherty, Willie Doherty, Mark O’Neill, Stephen Dooher, Paddy McNulty, Noel Mullen, Aidan Christy (0-1), Sean og Devine, Declan McCrossan (0-5), Aidan McCrossan, Ronan Parker, Kevin Moore, Kiernan Kelly (0-2).

Unfortunately the Club’s usual roving reporter, Galvin Early, is, well, off roving again so apologies for no detailed match report this week. However, both the Reserves and Seniors had good wins over Aghaloo last Saturday, with the Senior match certainly having a nail biting sting in the tail, when, with the Roe’s 3 points clear deep into injury time, Aghaloo were awarded a penalty. With regular ‘keeper Dylan Early unavailable, stand-in ‘keeper Barry Porter made a great dive to his right to deny the visitors a share of the spoils. Scorers last Saturday were: Declan Mc Crossan (0-3), Kevin Moore (0-1), Aidan Mc Crossan (0-2), Kiernan Kelly (0-2), Mark O’Neill (0-1).

A virtuoso performance by Owen Roes’ Declan McCrossan saw the Leckpatrick side pick up their first points of the 2005 season. The visiting half-forward picked up no fewer than 11 scores, and could afford the luxury of putting a last minute penalty over the bar.

The former Tyrone star, will take most of the plaudits, but in truth this was a top class team performance that saw several players make huge contributions. The guile of Aidan McCrossan and the industry of Sean og Devine provided the foundation for most of McCrossan’s scores. Noel Mullen and Aidan Christy provided a novel, yet effective midfield playing, and Brendan Boggs put in a classy display marshalling the halfback line.

Despite the end result, things could have turned out a lot different for the hosts. The Harps’ full-forward Mitchell found himself unmarked on the edge of the square after only 30 seconds. Roes’ stopper Dylan Early though smartly blocked the marksman’s drive down to his left.

From the kick-out McCrossan converted his first of the day, before replicating in the 9^th and 12^th minutes. Aidan McCrossan tapped over a dead ball on 15 minutes, before Sean ogDevine and D McCrossan made the lead six before twenty minutes had elapsed.

Peter Larmour knocked over the Harps’ opening score on the 20-minute mark to offer some light, but Roes struck back in style. The man of the moment McCrossan picked up the ball 60 yards from goal, before soloing the length of the field and unleashing a venomous drive which smashed the cross bar. The loose ball fell to his the other McCrossan sibling who accepted the point. As the half closed out Aidan Christy bombed up field for a rare score, followed by another from the Roes’ number 11.

As the half closed out Stewartstown edged back into the contest, Larmour and Declan Mitchell pointing, to leave the hosts only seven points behind, and the prospect of playing with a strong wind at their backs in the second half.

J Kelly got Stewartstown a further point closer the visiting total, before the McCrossan brothers exchanged scores again, with Paddy McNulty heavily involved. Larmour, and County minor Gareth Devlin pointed to sandwich a Sean ogDevine point, before McCrossan turned it on once more.

Three unanswered points closed the door on the Ulster Junior Champions, who looked tired and jaded after their extended exertions in 2004. Larmour pulled another back from a placed ball, before Devlin rattled the net with a rasping effort to give the Harps a bit of hope before Stevie Dooher got in on the act with a 59^th minute point. That man McCrossan aptly had the final saw placing his last minute free over the sticks.

This was a top class team effort from Owen Roes, on a day when everyone aided the cause. To be fair to the hosts though two games in three days coupled with their recent national exertions appeared to catch them up. Next week Aghaloo make the long trek to Glenmornan, and Joe Higgins will be hoping his men can add to their first victory of the season.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Mickey Kelly snr, Kevin Doherty, Willie Doherty, Paddy McNulty, Brendan Boggs, Jim Devine, Noel Mullan, Aidan Christy (0-2), Sean og Devine (0-2), Declan McCrossan (0-11), Aidan McCrossan (0-2), Mark O’Neill, Kevin Moore, Stevie Dooher (0-1)

A goal from the boot of Brian Daly after only four minutes of this Division 2 contest proved ultimately to be the catalyst for a winning start for Derrylaughan. Daly found himself unmarked in clear space in front of the Owen Roes net and shot home with aplomb.

It was the home side that had applied themselves quicker, with Stevie Dooher knocking over the season’s opening score after only two minutes. Four minutes later though the visitors had soared ahead with Daly supplementing his major with a point. Roes restructured and switched Brendan Boggs back into the defensive sector. A switch, which slowly quelled the Kevin Barry’s attack.

Sean Og Devine knocked over twice in three minutes to restore touching distance, before Full-Forward Kevin Coary pointed. This was the pointer for a Roe’s purple patch, with Aidan McCrossan (two frees) and Chris Kelly scoring to give the hosts a one-point interval lead.

Five minutes into the second period, the Roes stretched their advantage with McCrossan junior adding to his tally. Just as it looked like Derrylaughan might succumb to a shock, the hosts baldly lost their way. Enda Cushnahan landed three unanswered points, as the 2003 Intermediate league winners started to show glimpses of their pedigree. With ten minutes remaining wing-forward Colm Robinson booted over the score of the day from tight on the right wing.

Roes started to fight back, with Paddy McNulty taking a more advanced role, however they could not translate midfield possession into the scoring zone, despite Declan McCrossan putting one between the sides with seven minutes remaining.

The potential come back though was never allowed to materialise as Derrylaughan used their guile to take the pace out of the contest and run the clock down. When Enda Cushnahan tapped over a routine free in the last minute there was no route back.

Although conditions on the day were slippy, and gave cause to poor handling and errors, neither side will probably feel happy with their performance. For Owen Roes, a big improvement is required ahead of the weekend’s double set of fixtures.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Jim Devine, Aidan Christy, Willie Doherty, Paul Kelly, Kevin Doherty, Paddy McNulty, Declan McCrossan (0-1), Kevin Moore, Sean og Devine (0-2), Aidan McCrossan (0-3), Mark O’Neill, Stevie Dooher (0-1), Chris Kelly (0-1), Brendan Boggs.

Subs: Kiernan Kelly for Sean og Devine (29 minutes), Sean og Devine for Chris Kelly (42 minutes), Noel Mullan for Paul Kelly (49 minutes), Mickey Kelly for Sean og Devine (53 minutes)