Blistering start lays groundwork for unbeaten Knocknagree in SFL clash with Kanturk

Knocknagree 2-13 (2-1-11)

Kanturk 1-10 (1-1-8) 

KNOCKNAGREE reeled off their third win on the spin when overcoming Duhallow neighbours Kanturk in the McCarthy Insurance Group Cork County Football League Division 2 game at Knocknagree. 

No surprise, the contest operated at a fast pace with a sharp intensity paraded by both sides.

The hosts could scarcely have hoped for a productive start, two goals netted inside the opening five minutes from Niall O’Connor and Killian Cronin ultimately divided the teams on duty. 

That allows Knocknagree maintain an unbeaten run in the campaign, joining Carbery Rangers and Dohenys at the top of the table.

Having been slow to settle, Kanturk went all out to rescue the game, three points adrift at the interval and when Grantas Bucinskas netted a goal early in the second half, the contest was really in the melting pot. 

However, poor shooting blighted Kanturk from creating further inroads with 14 wides recorded over the hour.

Quick ball movement and excellent support play allowed Knocknagree to establish an early rhythm, their intent graphically illustrated on back to back goals netted by O’Connor and Cronin. 

It was a nerve testing time for Kanturk but favoured by the breeze, the visitors improved through the input of John McLoughlin, Brian O’Sullivan, Alan Walsh and Bryan Healy.

Points from Colin Walsh and Bucinskas boosted Kanturk’s cause yet they were left to reflect on a litany of further missed chances. 

However, a two pointer from Walsh provided the perfect encouragement for Kanturk to trail 2-4 to 0-7 at the interval.

Knocknagree restarted with a pair of points from Michael Mahoney and Anthony O’Connor to strengthen their position. 

In fairness, Kanturk weren’t found wanting, a Bucinskas goal narrowed the arrears to the minimum 2-6 to 1-7 by the 40th minute.

Predictably that provoked a response from Knocknagree, driven on by Mahoney, David O’Connor, Michael McSweeney and Anthony O’Connor. 

And their cause was helped by a massive two pointer from substitute Denis O’Connor.

Kanturk never stopped trying only to be halted by strong pressure from the Knocknagree rearguard. 

And Knocknagree found a winning kick, Anthony O’Connor landing a late brace of points to seal the seal in favour of a sharper combination.

Scorers for Knocknagree: A O’Connor 0-5 (0-2f), N O’Connor 1-0, K Cronin 1-0, G Looney 0-3, T O’Mahony 0-2, D O’Connor 0-2 (1 2pt), M Mahony 0-1.

Kanturk: G Bucinskas 1-3, C Walsh 0-5 (1 2pt), I Walsh 0-2.

KNOCKNAGREE: P Doyle; Neil O’Connor, K Buckley, D Mahoney; T O’Connor, M Mahony, D Moynihan; T O’Mahony, David O’Connor; K Cronin, G Looney, M McSweeney; A O’ Connor, Niall O’Connor, R O’Connor. 

Subs: Denis O’Connor for R O’Connor, D Twomey for D O’Connor.

KANTURK: J Fullerton; L O’Neill, M Healy, N Forde; C Mullane, J McLoughlin, B O’Sullivan; A Walsh, B Healy; G Kenehen. C Walsh, P Leahy; L McLoughin, I Walsh, G Bucinskas. 

Sub: A Murphy for L O’Neill.

Referee: K Murphy (Glanworth).