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Scanlon on song for Macs
Two first-half goals from full-forward Lee Scanlon sent Sean McDermotts on their way to an eight-point
victory over Erin Go Bragh at Pairc na hÉireann on Sunday.
The four-goal haul from the first-half proved too much for Go Bragh who
fought back in the second-half with goals from Michael Harrighan and Alex
O’Connor.
The opening stages of the first-half reaped huge rewards for McDermotts
who notched two goals in the space of five minutes.
Their first meaningful attack saw Scanlon bearing in on goal and the full-forward
converted emphatically from 10 yards.
Another sweeping move through the half-forward line brought the afternoon’s
first penalty. Up stepped Eamon Hanlon to place the ball into the back
of the net.
Go Bragh’s dangerous front line almost retaliated with maximum
effect but Andrew McAlinden’s low drive landed the wrong side of
David Tierney’s upright.
A 20 minute period of McDermotts’ dominance followed thereafter.
Gary Murray struck the game’s first point on the 15-minute mark
before points from Stephen McGirr and Scanlon extended the lead to eight
points.
With the attacks becoming thick and fast a third goal looked on the cards
for McDermotts and it was Scanlon who obliged.
A superb team move from back to front gave Scanlon time and space to strike
low past Liam Boxwell. Another McGirr point from close range concluded
a confident first-half display by McDermotts who left Go Bragh with a
14-point mountain to climb.
Fourteen points became 16 within the opening five minutes of the second-half
as first Joseph Dowling and then Scanlon capitalised on some speedy counter
attacking through the middle of the Go Bragh defence.
However the second-half was to prove more fruitful for Go Bragh who began
their fightback
through a close range John Coyne point.
McDermotts satisfied themselves with two further points from neat approach
play — Des Kelly and Scanlon providing the finishing touches.
Go Bragh turned to direct attacks, and garnered a foothold through Harrighan’s
well-struck penalty on the hour mark.
Further points from Coyne and Harrighan soon followed before a swift counterattack
found Alex O’Connor who drove low and hard to beat David Tierney
for Go Bragh’s second goal.
It would prove to be the last action as Sean McDermotts recorded a strong
eight-point victory in this Senior Football League clash.
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