Moynalvey’s win over fellow Senior side Rathkenny in Round 10 of the Div. 2 A League in this top of the Table clash played at Kilmore Park Moynalvey on Friday evening 24th June moved them clear of their rivals with three rounds remaining in what looks like an incredibly tight run in to the division.
Moynalvey 2-8 Rathkenny 0-12
Despite kicking two scores less than the visitors it was the hosts ability to score goals combined with the heroics of Moynalvey goalkeeper Conor Egan keeping a clean sheet with a couple of fantastic saves which ensured Moynalvey gained the two points on offer and move a point clear at the summit of the table.
After just eight minutes Moynalvey held a six point to no score lead with the two James’, O’Neill and Weldon pointing within the opening three minutes. James O’Neill then turned provider in the 5th minute when he laid a pass on for Shane Lenehan who was left with the simple task of palming to the net. Weldon sent over his second in the 8th minute leaving it 1-3 to 0-00 after eight minutes.
Rathkenny opened their account in the 11th minute, which was quickly followed by two more Moynalvey points from O’Neill and Lenehan. Caolach Halligan pointed his side’s second point in the 19th minute, but three minutes later Moynalvey’s Mark O’Sullivan superbly pointed a free from out near the sideline to leave it 1-6 to 0-2 after 22 minutes. Having been guilty of several wides throughout the opening period the visitors did register a brace of points before half time, leaving the score reading 1-6 to 0-4 in favour of Moynalvey at the break.
Moynalvey would have to wait until 12th minute of the second period for their next score, while in the mean time the visitors converted two frees to leave just the goal between the sides. Rathkenny converted their third free in the 14th minute and two minutes later very nearly had the ball in the net only for a fine save from Moynalvey net minder Conor Egan.
Veteran Donal Curtis pointed for Rathkenny in the 47th minute and two minutes later another point for the visitors had the deficit down to the minimum, 1-7 to 0-9. For the second game in a row Shane Lenehan had two goals to his credit, when in the 51st minute he volleyed home just as the visitor’s were building some momentum. Two close range frees from Rathkenny’s full forward either side of a Dan Treacy effort left two between the sides with three minutes remaining. Moynalvey midfielder Donal Smith pointed in the 29th minute before Conor Egan pulled off a superb save to deny Rathkenny a goal in the 30th minute. Rathkenny did respond with a point in additional time to leave the home side two point winners on a 2-8 to 0-12 score line.
The win sees Moynalvey move a point clear of what is a very keenly contested division with several sides still in contention for promotion/playoff places. With three games remaining, promotion claims lie completely within Moynalvey’s own hands.
Best for Moynalvey were Conor Egan, Robert Lawless, Darren Brennan, Dan Treacy & Shane Lenehan.
Moynalvey: Conor Egan, Robert Lawless, Cathal McCabe, Shane Browne, Darren Brennan, Stephen Donoghue, Darragh Branigan, Donal Smith (0-1), Brian Harnan, James Weldon (0-2), Dan Treacy (0-1), Fearghal McCabe, Shane Lenehan (2-1), Mark O’Sullivan (0-1, f), James O’Neill (0-2).
Subs: Conor Shirren for O’Neill, James Kelly for Browne, Paul Conneely for Lenehan.
