Blackrock power on in second half to beat Glen Rovers despite Patrick Horgan goal

Blackrock 1-26 Glen Rovers 2-15 

Despite a first start of the season for Patrick Horgan, a storming second from Blackrock decided this highly entertaining Red FM Division 1 Hurling League clash at Church Road.

Horgan finished with 1-5 and Stephen Lynam grabbed the other goal but the Glen didn't have the same balance across the pitch, particularly in the second half when the Rockies took total control. Former Cork hurler Robbie Cotter led the way with 0-9, five points from play, while Ross Browne made some key saves and Ryan Sweeney hit the early goal for the hosts.

They came out with all guns firing and three consecutive points from Alan O’Callaghan, Cotter and Peter Linehan gave them the perfect start. Glen were giving their opponents far too much space but a superb Lee Quilligan point got them up and running in the fourth minute.

The home team continued to press on but the Glen were now beginning to find their rhythm and consecutive points from Adam O’Donovan and Lynam reduced the deficit.

The Glen were caught napping in the 11th minute as Ryan Sweeney got in behind the defence to drill a low shot past Cathal Hickey. As the half matured, the Glen began to get going and Blackrock can thank goalkeeper Browne, who denied Lee Quilligan and Lynam certain goals.

They finally raised a green flag after a terrific move when a beautiful flick by Horgan found the in-rushing Lynam who billowed the back of the net with a thunderous shot.

The Rockies, after going 10 minutes without a score, finally ended the drought in the 29th minute with a classy Kevin O’Keeffe white flag. Brian Moylan ensured the Glen went in at the break on level terms, 1-11 to 1-11, with a point in the closing possession.

Playing against the wind, the Glen had an opportunity to go ahead for the first time on the restart but Horgan’s 65 was off target. Then Quilligan missed a great chance when his shot went wide when he might have been better passing the ball.

Blackrock started to up the gears and moved three points in front before Horgan drilled an unstoppable shot to the roof of the net despite getting hauled down by a Blackrock defender.

The response from Blackrock stunned the Glen into submission as points were executed from all angles of the pitch, aided by the stiff wind. Niall Cashman, Fionn Coleman, who impressed after coming on in the last quarter, Michael O'Halloran and David O'Farrell among the scorers.

In truth, the Glen struggled to gain possession and all they could muster up was four points in 24 minutes of action following Horgan’s goal.

Scorers for Blackrock: R Cotter 0-9 (0-3 f, 0-1 65), R Sweeney 1-1, N Cashman, D O’Farrell 0-3 each, A O’Callaghan, M O’Halloran, K O’Keeffe, F Coleman 0-2 each, D Meaney, L O’Sullivan 0-1 each.

Glen Rovers: P Horgan 1-5 (0-3 f, 0-1 65), S Lynam 1-1, L Quilligan, B Moylan (0-1 f, 0-1 65), D Brosnan 0-2 each, A O’Donovan, D Wall, R Dunne 0-1 each.

BLACKROCK: R Browne; J Ryan, C Cormack, S Healy; S Murphy, N Cashman, A O’Callaghan; D O’Farrell, K O’Keeffe; C Cormack, R Cotter, D Meaney; PJ Lenihan, M O’Halloran, R Sweeney.

Subs: I O’Keeffe for R Sweeney (inj h-t), F O’Keeffe for C Cormack (36), F Coleman for S Murphy (45), D Cormack for D O’Farrell (52), J Ryan for A O’Callaghan (52), L O’Sullivan for K O’Keeffe (53), A Geary for P Linehan (57), D Stokes for C Cormack (57).

GLEN ROVERS: C Hickey; E Varian, L Coughlan, C McCarthy; L Horgan, B Moylan, D Noonan; A O’Donovan, J Brosnan; L Quilligan, D Brosnan, D Wall; R Dunne, S Lynam, P Horgan.

Subs: G Mulcahy for A O’Donovan (39), F O’Driscoll for B Moylan (50), K Kelleher for D Wall (52).

Referee: Mark Maher (St Finbarr’s).