Belfry S.F.C. Group 1, Rd.2     11-8-2018.

Coolaney-Mullinabreena in Control.         Report By Padraic Duffy.

Coolaney-Mullinabreena 2-18         Eastern Harps 1-6.

Coolaney-Mullinabreena dominated this game in Tourlestrane from the throw-in and were worthy winners of this Group 1 clash, played in damp conditions.

They displayed a greater desire and workrate right through the game and last year’s Co. finalists played second fiddle for most of this encounter. They were dominant in most sectors and held a 1-9 to 0-1 lead at the interval. Indeed, their lead could have been greater as they kicked eight wides, some from scorable positions in the opening half. Harps, on the other hand were never allowed to dictate the pace and lacked penetration in their subdued attack.

Coolaney-Mullinabreena jumped into an early six points lead with Harps sole response a Tony Taylor pointed 13m.free after 20 minutes. Then Kieran Finan and Criostoir Davey combined for the latter to finish to the Harps net. Centre –half forward, Shane O’Brien hit two points from play and Goalkeeper, Eoin Mc Donagh came forward to point a 45 leaving his side 1-9 to 0-1 comfortably ahead at the interval.

Sean Gorman pointed on the restart for the winners but Tony Taylor added his second point from a 20m.free for Harps. Criostoir Davey fisted over after a good save from Harps ‘keeper, Alan Davey. Wing back, Anthony Walsh capped a great run with a fine point for Coolaney-Mullinabreena to leave his side 1-12 to 0-2 ahead. Harps reduced the deficit immediately when a long delivery from  the right wing by Declan Hannon was touched to the net by Thomas Cryan.

Tony Taylor had his third point from a 30m. free, before midfielder, Barry Gorman, who was impressive throughout, ran unchallenged to add a point for the winners. When Kieran Finan’s initial goal bound effort was blocked, Criostoir Davey picked up the rebound to finish his second goal to the Harps net.

Shane O’Brien pointed a 13m free to ease his side further ahead as the Harps challenge faded. Tony Taylor again pointed a 40m.free and hit a great point from play, followed by a point from a 20m.free. At this stage consolation scores. Criostoir Davey had the closing point from play as the game reached its inevitable conclusion.

Coolaney-Mullinabreena will be greatly encouraged by this industrious display while Harps will have much soul searching in advance of the third round.

The winners defence coped well with any threat from the Harps attack, midfielders Stephen Connolly and Barry Gorman had the edge while the twin threat of Kieran Finan and Criostoir Davey had willing allies in Sean Gorman, Shane O’Brien and Niall Connolly.

Harps ‘keeper, Alan Davey did very well again in an overworked defence.

Robert Reid, Tomás Taheny and Kevin Gallagher tried hard to stem the tide; Tony Taylor was influential throughout while Thomas Cryan and Martin Doherty tried all they knew to unlock the solid winners defence.

Scorers: Coolaney-Mullinabreena: C.Davey 2-3, S.O’Brien 0-5 (0-1 f.), E.Mc Donagh 0-2 (45’s), B.Gorman 0-3, S.Connolly, C.Mc Cormack, K.Finan, A.Walsh, S.Gorman 0-1 each.

E.Harps : T.Taylor 0-6 (0-5f.), T.Cryan 1-0.

Lineout: Coolaney-Mullinabreena:E.Mc Donagh; S.Barrett,A.Coleman,K.O’Kennedy; C.Gorman,D.Mc Cormack,A.Walsh;

S.Connolly,B.Gorman; S.Gorman,S.O’Brien,N.Connolly; C.McCormack,C.Davey,K.Finan. Subs used:R.Connolly,G.Feely & P.Connolly.

Eastern Harps: A.Davey;T.Taheny,R.Reid,D.Madden;G.Horan,E.Dwyer,E.Lavin;

K.Gallagher,T.Taylor;C.Higgins,T.Cryan,M.Clarke;S.Bruen,M.Doherty,D.Hannon.

Subs used:J.O’Hara,K.Cryan & C.Gallagher.

Referee: John Doyle.