SFC: "Cilles' leave it late to seal place in last eight
St. Colmcille's Ben Brennan with Nicky Judge Ballinabrackey during the SFC round 3 clash at Dunsany
St. Colmcilles 1-15 Ballinabrackey 1-9
A scoring spree that yielded 1-5 in the last eight minutes proved crucial as St. Colmcilles defeated Ballinabrackey and earn a place in the Senior Football Championship quarter finals against holders Summerhill.
With both defences on top scores were hard to come by in the opening half.
David Bell got the scoreboard working for the winners with a fine two pointer. The full forward followed up with a white flag as the Seasiders gained early control.
Before Danny Quinn got his team’s opening score the Bracks were dealt a blow losing influential half back Richie Coffey to a shoulder injury. Keeper Dean Pluck doubled their tally before Gavin Quinn found the back of the Cilles net to put his team 1-3 to 0-4 in front. Pluck landed a two pointer just before the break and Ciaran Giblin’s men went to the dressing room 1-4 to 0-5 in front.
A Quinn brace early in the second half extended Ballinabrackey’s lead. The Cilles were beginning to grow into the game. Midfielder Kyle O’Brien landed a spectacular two pointer. Half back Liam Stafford, substitute Shane Crilly and Bell followed up with points and St. Colmcilles led 0-10 to 1-6.
Ballinabrackey found renewed energy. David Carroll kicked two fine points and Quinn added his 4th of the afternoon to open up a two point lead heading into the last ten minutes. The Bracks could have been further ahead but squandered numerous scoring chances.
The introduction of Godfrey Ehichoya began to pay dividends for Mickey Conlon’s men. Ehichoya picked up numerous possessions around the middle and kick started the 'Cilles' comeback with a fine point. Ben Brennan sent over a free and minutes later Oisin Brennan was in for a goal. Bell landed his 6th and Brennan sent over a two pointer before David Gough blew the full time whistle.
St. Colmcilles scores: David Bell 0-6, Ben Brennan 0-3, Oisin Brennan 1-0, Kyle O’Brien 0-2, Andrew Beakey 0-1, Liam Stafford 0-1, Shane Crilly 0-1, Godfrey Ehichoya 0-1
Ballinabrackey scorers: Danny Quinn 0-4, Dean Pluck 0-3, Gavin Quinn 1-0, David Carroll 0-2
Referee: David Gough
