SAHC: Castlelyons up the gears in second half to outgun Bishopstown

Castlelyons 0-24 Bishopstown 0-17 

A much-improved second-half display from Castlelyons ensured they defeated Bishopstown in the Co-Op Superstores SAHC at Blarney on Saturday.

Not the greatest game that will be witnessed in the championship this season but Castlelyons will be relieved their injury-stricken side had enough in the tank to secure the points.

Following their relegation last season, Bishopstown were hoping to get this campaign off to a winning start but despite putting in a wholehearted first-half performance, went into meltdown in the second period.

The opening exchanges were frantic with Bishopstown making a reasonable start and a classy David Quaid point edged them ahead. Castlelyons lost Barry Murphy in the opening minute and Eoin Maye was also replaced with an injury in the ninth minute.

The first clear goal opportunity came Castlelyons' way but just as Dave Morris was about to pull the trigger, he was hooked by the Town corner-back Michael Murphy. Eventually, the Imokilly side got up and running with consecutive points from Alan Fenton and Anthony Spillane.

Bishopstown were hooking and blocking furiously and with the sides level midway through the half, they were awarded a penalty.

Up stepped James Scally and despite striking the resultant penalty well, Castlelyons goalkeeper Jack Barry produced a wonderful save.

The first half was lethargic and in the second quarter, Castlelyons were outbattled which saw Bishopstown surge into a two-point lead. Just before half-time, Anthony Cotter got in behind the Town defence but his shot went straight at Conor O'Donoghue, who cleared to safety.

Conor Hegarty then struck an outrageous point from an acute angle to Bishopstown a 0-11 to 0-10 lead at the break.

It was evident from the early exchanges of the restart, the tempo had increased with the sides sharing six points in the opening five minutes.

Bishopstown lost their shape as Castlelyons began registering points for fun. With the city side failing to score for 15 minutes, they trailed by seven points with nine minutes remaining.

The one negative for Castlelyons in this half was the straight card picked up by David Morrison after he made contact with the Bishopstown keeper chasing a high ball. Bishopstown continued to play with a sweeper against 14 men, which was strange in a game they were trailing.

The closing 10 minutes weren't easy on the eye but the winners won't worry about the standard.

Castlelyons now face Ballyhea, with Inniscarra meeting Bishopstown.

Scorers for Castlelyons: A Fenton 0-9 (0-7 f), A Spillane 0-4, D Morrison 0-3, D Tobin, K O’Leary 0-2 each, S Cotter, A O’Sullivan, J Kearney, C McCarthy 0-1 each.

Bishopstown: J Scally 0-6 (0-5 f), B Murray 0-4, C Hegarty 0-3, D Quaid, R Foley, H Grant, C Murray (0-1 each).

CASTLELYONS: J Barry; N O’Leary, C Barry, D Spillane; S Moroney, A O’Sullivan, P Roche; J Kearney, C McCarthy; E Maye, B Murphy, L Doocey; D Morrison, A Spillane, A Fenton.

Subs: D Tobin for B Murphy (inj 1), S Cotter for E Mawe (inj 10), K O’Leary for C McCarthy (50), C McCarthy for L Doocey (inj 54).

BISHOPSTOWN: C O’Donoghue; M Murphy, K McFadden, G Murphy; D Lester, D Quaid, D Murray; B Murray, C Hegarty; C Murray, H Grant, C O’Hara; R Foley, J Scally, L O’Driscoll.

Subs: D O’Donovan for L O’Driscoll (40), C O’Driscoll for K McFadden (47), B Cahill for H Grant (59).

Referee: Brendan Barry-Murphy (Aghabullogue).