Clonoe Come From Behind To Defeat Dromore.

Sunday 20.05.2012

Club

Referee for the game of the day between last year’s championship finalists is Fergal Ward of Errigal Ciaran. One other piece of pre throw in news is that Ronan Mc Nabb will play no role in tonight’s game as he is suffering from a tight hamstring and is not being risked.

Five minutes in and it is a point apiece after a Niall Sludden point was cancelled out by Paul Coney. Clonoe went a point up following a free by top scorer Conor Mc Aliskey but Dromore responded in fine style with a free from Paddy Montague followed by their third point this time from the boot of Colm Mc Cullagh Clonoe 0-2, Dromore 0-3.

Seventeen minutes into the first half and there is no change in the score line. Ryan Mc Menamin is lined out at corner forward but is playing all over the field. however the most impressive player on the field is Niall Sludden.

Twenty three minutes in and Dromore have moved 0-6 to 0-2 ahead following points from Niall Sludden, Colm Mc Cullagh and an excellent long range point from county man Sean O’Neill.

Clonoe have failed to make the most of their chances with three shots rather tamely ending up in the keeper’s hands as well as three poor wides. A large crowd has seen a few yellow cards but very little else of real significance as the half moves towards the break. Dromore still lead 0-6 to 0-2.

The half time whistle has sounded and Dromore have extended their lead with another Colm Mc Cullagh point, this time an excellent long range left footed effort out wide on the right. Dromore 0-7, Clonoe 0-2. It is rather like the 2011 county final where Clonoe were very quiet in the first half and we all saw what they did after a half time roasting from their manager. Can we expect something similar in the second half tonight?

The second half is underway and it is all happening at Clonoe. A Conor Mc Aliskey free closes the gap on 32 minutes before a Colm Doris leaves only a point between the sides. Dromore are down to fourteen men following a second yellow card for defender Sean O’Neill in conceding the penalty.

Danny Mc Nulty levels the game with his first point of the game. Clonoe 1-4, Dromore 0-7.

Lots to get excited about now as both teams up the pace of the game. Colm Mc Cullagh landed his team’s eighth point of the game before Paul Coney had a super chance of a goal when through one on one with Niall Mc Nulty but the big keeper stood strong and made a fine save. A Conor Mc Aliskey free followed by a Shane Mc Cann point puts Clonoe 1-6 to 0-8 ahead with 43 minutes on the clock.

Clonoe have really turned this game on its head with a much improved second half showing. They are now completely on top and two further points from the boot of Conor Mc Aliskey puts the O’Rahillys 1-8 to 0-8 ahead with 47 minutes played.

Conor Mc Aliskey hits another two points as Clonoe seem set for victory. They now lead 1-10 to 0-8 and with less than ten minutes remaining look on course for the two points. Tyrone wing half back Cathal Mc Carron is getting quite a test from young Danny Mc Nulty in the full forward line.

Two minutes left on the clock Clonoe look set for victory as the game draws to a conclusion.

Clonoe finish 1-10 to 0-9 winners as Colm Mc Cullagh kicked the last point of the game. Interestingly Clonoe only scored two points in the first half while Dromore did the same in the second half. The switch of Niall Sludden from centre half forward to full forward in the second half had a major effect on the outcome of the game.