Senior A front runners Knocknagree deliver against Newmarket
H O'Connor, Newmarket, tackles T O'Connor Knocknagree. Picture: Domnick Walsh
Knocknagree issued a statement of intent after storming past neighbours Newmarket in this McCarthy Insurance Group SAFC Group C clash at Ballydesmond on Saturday evening.
The contest ebbed and flowed with spells of dominance alternating before a wasteful Knocknagree succeeded in their task by finishing strongly on shooting three late points.
From the all-Duhallow derby, plenty of motivation for both sides entering this contest after falling at the semi-final hurdle last autumn. While Newmarket were disappointed by a defeat to eventual champions Newcestown, they had made great progress in the previous 12 months considering they had to overcome Bandon in the relegation play-off to stay afloat for 2023.
2022 finalists Knocknagree hopes of a return to a decider were dashed by a superior Dohenys in the last four. On this occasion, Knocknagree controlled matters and worked their way through whatever obstacles endured in the aftermath of kicking 13 wides and passing up on clear goal opportunities.
Little to choose between the sides in the opening exchanges, Newmarket captain Paudie Allen opened the scoring with a point, Michael McSweeney replying for Knocknagree. A nip and tuck affair continued, Newmarket points to Barry and Hugh O’Connor cancelled out by a pair by Denis O’Connor.
Knocknagree’s pace quickened through the strong input of Daniel O’Mahony, Donagh Moynihan and Tadc O’Mahony with Denis and David O’Connor on target upfront. Held scoreless for 13 minutes, Newmarket responded on welcome points by Darren O’Keeffe and Barry O’Connor. Still, Knocknagree remained dangerous, Newmarket keeper Josh O’Keeffe saved well from Denis O’Connor for Knocknagree to hold a 0-9 to 0-7 advantage at the break.
Defences dominated the restart, Knocknagree enjoying possession yet sloppy finishing impacted. The second half remained scoreless until the 41st minute with Newmarket midfielder Cathal Browne on target.
Knocknagree answered, three points from Tadc O’Mahony, Eoghan McSweeney and Anthony O’Connor helped build a 0-12 to 0-8 grip. Credit Newmarket on roaring back into the contest, Hugh O’Connor and Ryan O’Keeffe posting points to trim the arrears to the minimum.
In between, Knocknagree were denied a goal, Michael McSweeney’s effort blocked by Newmarket defender Allen. Late on, Newmarket lost Gavin Forde to a red card, that allowed Knocknagree to gain a definite edge, Cork player Eoghan McSweeney and Denis O’Connor delivering insurance points.
Honours on this occasion belong to Knocknagree, a boost for their next engagement against Clyda Rovers while Newmarket attempt to get back on track when facing Bishopstown.
DR O’Connor 0-5 (0-2 f), E McSweeney 0-3, M McSweeney, D O’Connor, P Doyle (f), T O’Connor, G Looney, T O’Mahony, A O’Connor 0-1 each.
H O’Connor 0-3 (0-2 f), B O’Connor 0-3, D O’Keeffe 0-2, P Allen, C Browne, R O’Keeffe 0-1 each.
P Doyle; T O’Connor, K Buckley, G O’Connor; D Moynihan, D O’Mahony, M Mahoney; T O’Mahony, D O’Connor; G Looney, E McSweeney, M McSweeney; J Dennehy, N O’Connor, D R O’Connor.
A O’Connor for N O'Connor (42), M Dilworth for G Looney (47), D Twomey for J Dennehy (51).
J O’Keeffe; J O’Connor, R Lynn, G Forde; A Browne, P Allen, M Browne; M Cottrell, C Browne; D O’Keeffe, H O’Connor, P Browne; T Ryan, B O’Connor, D Cottrell.
R O’Keeffe for T Ryan (35), D Hannon for D Cottrell (45), B Daly for J O’Connor (45), A Ryan for A Browne (59).
Ciarán Murphy (Glanworth).
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