Cu Chullains booked their place in the Pennine League semi finals with a hard fought victory against a strong St Brendan’s side in the sunshine at Scot Hall Road on Sunday.
1st Half
The boys from the north – east raced into an early lead with a trade mark Paul McGovern point in the opening minutes.
This was quickly followed up by a quality left foot point from Paddy Brennan, who impressed throughout on his first appearance of the season.
The Manchester lads clawed back and levelled the game with two softly awarded frees.
Cu Chullains then restored their advantage after a long range effort from Brennan rebounded off the crossbar straight into the arms off corner forward Christopher O’Kane who could do nothing but score from such a short distance. Not to be out done, Brendan’s raced straight down the field and after a rare misjudgement from the Newcastle keeper a high ball ended up in his net.
The Manchester team finished the half the strongest and took a one point lead at the break.
2nd Half
The Second half started just like the first and Newcastle scored early with points again from Brennan and half time sub (and manager) Martin O Doherty.
St Brendan’s levelled the game up again but from then on the Cu Chullains half back line and midfield took control of the game and corner forward Terrance Gallagher found his shooting boots and chipped in with an impressive four points all in the second half.
The game was sealed by a 45 from McGovern which stretched the lead out to six points and despite a spell of late pressure the defence remained solid to ensure the Newcastle boys headed back up the A1 with the points.
A special mention to debut boy Niall Considine who slotted straight into the defence as if he had played with them for years.
Scores
C. O'Kane (1-0)
T. Gallagher (0-4)
P Brennan (0-3)
P McGovern (0-3)
M O’Doherty (0-1)
P McCloskey (0-1)
