Lucan are pipped at the post
THERE was disappoint-ment for Lucan Sarsfields in the Junior ‘C’ Football Championship in Parnell Park on Saturday evening.
For the second year running, the Lucan side fell at the final hurdle, going down 2-15 to 2-17 against St Brigid’s after extra time.
The Lucan boys had plenty of opportunities to win this contest, but they could not pull back the Brigid’s lead in extra time after they came from behind.
Sarsfields got off to a bright start in this contest and kicked two early points through Timmy Bradley and John Doyle before Brigid’s broke through for the opening goal.
But Lucan bounced back when a Doyle free looked like it was going wide, but Gareth Hamilton jumped high to fist it to the back of the net.
Niall McKiernan kicked a point for Sarsfields but at the other end Brigid’s were staying in touch and fired over a couple of points.
A second goal for Hamilton arrived when good play involving Doyle and Alan Parsons saw the corner forward shoot to the back of the net.
Lucan were on top at this stage and could have had another goal, but Cian Torsney was kept out by Brigid’s, but they did kick in a couple of further scores to extend their advantage.
At the other end Brigid’s had an opportunity for goal after the ball rebounded off the post but Shane Casey was alert to the danger and made a vital block.
Five points separated the teams at the break and this was extended to six when Doyle landed a free, but Brigid’s raised the tempo after this.
Indeed they continued to push forward and reduce the lead while keeper Niall Cunningham pulled off a couple of important saves to keep Sarsfields at bay.
The Blanchardstown side kicked nine points in the final 20 minutes to go two clear but Sarsfields pushed hard and forced extra time with Doyle and Hamilton splitting the posts.
In extra time, Sarsfields enjoyed the better of the exchanges and kicked five unanswered points, but Brigid’s pulled one back to leave four between the sides.
Straight into the second half Brigid’s hammered home a goal in the opening minute and Sarsfields seemed to tire as the sides drew level.
The game was hanging in the balance at this stage, but Brigid’s weighed in with a couple of points to see them over the line. Lucan did create chances but time beat them in the final minutes.
TAGS Sport
