Goals the difference as Kilcar defeat St Michael’s

Kilcar came from behind to chalk up their second SFC win on the trot with a four-point win over St Michaels at the Bridge, in Dunfanaghy, on Saturday night.

St Michael’s 0-11 Kilcar 2-9

Patrick McBrearty once again turned in another ‘man of the match’ performance for the winners. The Donegal skipper kicked 1-7 of his side's total. 

Ryan McShane scored the other Kilcar goal while Brian O’Donnell and the returning Matthew McClean chipped in with a point each for the men from Towney. 

They led 0-7 to 0-5 at half-time with Eoghan Kelly and Michael Cannon, two each, and Martin McElhinney, Mark Anthony McGinley, with the first of three converted 45s, and Carlos O’Reilly, all bagging one each.

O’Reilly was starting his first game in a number of months after being introduced in last Friday night’s first round defeat away to Glenfin.

He replaced the injured Colin McFadden who picked up an knock in training during the week. St Michael’s also lost centre half-back Kieran Kelly to injury in the first half. He was replaced by Michael McGinley.  

Kilcar, who had the advantage of the diagonal wind  that blew towards Dunfanaghy in the opening half, played their best football into the elements in the second stanza. 

And just like last weekend in their first round clash against Cloughaneely, they upped their game after half-time. 

McGinley knocked over the second of his 45s to extend the St Michael’s lead out to three points.

The Kilcar response was swift when McShane got on the end of a penetrating Ciaran McGinley run for the first of the two second half-goals.

That was five minutes into the new half and tied up the game at  0-8 to 1-5. And two minutes later McBrearty, on his trademark loop, kicked a fabulous point to give his side the lead for the first time since he opened the score two minutes into the tie. 

McGinley tied up the game again shortly after with the third of his 45s at the end of the third quarter. 

Matthew McClean, a half-time replacement for Eoin Cormac and Packie O’Neill, then traded points as the play swung from to end.

St Michael’s were back in front shortly after Carlos O’Reilly salvaged a point when he was put clear in behind the defence in front the Kilcar post only to be dispossessed by Brian O’Donnell. 

McBrearty tied up the game for the fourth time in the second half on 50 minutes. And three minutes later Kilcar were back in front when O’Donnell landed a fine point from out on the right wing.

Kilcar were now ahead by one, 1-9 to 0-11, and it was game, set and match when McBrearty polished off a good move involving Ryan McHugh and Matthew McClean for goal number two and a four-point lead.

St Michael’s pressed late on and Jamie Hunter had a shot come off the butt of the post in the closing seconds. 

St Michael’s scorers: Mark A McGinley 0-3,3’45;  Eoghan Kelly 0-2,2f; Carlos O’Reilly 0-2; Michael Cannon 0-2; Martin McElhinney Packie O'Neill, 0-1 each.

Kilcar scorers: Patrick McBrearty 1-7,4f; Ryan McShane 1-0; Brian O’Donnell, Matthew McClean 0-1 each.

St Michael’s: Mark Anthony McGinley; Jamie Hunter, Liam Paul Ferry, Stephen Doak; Hugh O’Donnell, Kieran Kelly, Packie O’Neill; Kyle McGarvey, Martin McElhinney; Martin Breslin, Michael Cannon, Antoin McFadden; Paul Johnson, Carlos  O’Reilly, Eoghan Kelly. 

Subs: Michael McGinley for K Kelly (19,inj). 

Kilcar: Mark McHugh; Pauric Carr, Brian O’Donnell, Ryan McHugh; Ryan O’Donnell, Kenny Doogan, Oran Doogan; Eoin McHugh, Kieran McGinley; Eoghan Cormack, Stephen McBrearty, Daniel Lyons; Conor Doherty,  Patrick McBrearty, Ryan McShane.

Sub:Matthew McClean for E Cormac (h/t). 

Referee: Shane Murrin (Killybegs).