Quick Goals Quell O'Neills
Drumragh 2-10 Owen Roes 1-7
Owen Roes senior
squad returned to action on Friday evening past as they visited Drumragh.
Despite a much-improved display, the away side went down to a six-point defeat
that slightly flattered the hosts. Gerard Porter welcomed Kiernan Kelly back to
the squad, although his loss was tempered by the absence of the injured Kevin
O’Neill. The away side lined up with a defensive six all under 23, bar the
experienced Paul Kelly.
The defence may have
been inexperienced but it was the forwards that lacked in the opening exchanges
as Owen Roes’ seven wides were met by a Drumragh side taking a 0-4 lead.
Kiernan Kelly got the Roes’ on the board late on as the wide tally totalled
nine at the short whistle for the Green and Reds.
Drumragh had an early
free on the board, but Owen Roes were about to come roaring back. Kelly fed
Stephen Dooher and he made no mistake past the Drumragh keeper. Despite a couple
more of Sarsfield’s score, Owen Roes were chomping at the bit with Gerard
Devine featuring well.
However midway
through the second half all the O’Neill’s good work was about to be unraveled.
Twice in the space of several minutes Gareth Haughey struck for goal past stand
in keeper Barry McCrossan. Chris Kelly got a score back but Drumragh replied
instantly.
The Leckpatrick side
may have had their confidence rattled but they refused to yield and a couple of
Kiernan Kelly frees kept them within touch. Brendan Boggs fed Chris Kelly for
his second score with little over five left, and when sub Mickey Dooher split
the posts Owen Roes started to sniff a comeback.
The Sarsfield’s
though were keen to pick up their second win of the campaign, and two points of
their own sealed it. A late Kiernan Kelly free ended the scoring, as the
visitors ended six adrift.
Another defeat for
Owen Roes it what has been an extremely tricky start. However the side showed
much more conviction and belief on Friday past, and will hope to build on this
performance as they make the short distance to Strabane this Sunday.