Leitrims Promotion hopes Ended

27 March 2005 – Division 2a: Allianz NFL Round 6

Leitrims Promotion hopes Ended

Leitrim 0-8
Monaghan 2-18

Leitrims promotion hopes came to an abrupt end in Pairc Sean as Monaghan proved much the better team in a one-sided league encounter that was effectively over when Mark Daly netted for Monaghan just four minutes after the break.

The performance, more so than the result, was a huge disappointment for the largest home league attendance in some years at the Carrick-on-Shannon venue. The pre match withdrawal of the injured John Mc Keon allied to that of Dermot Reynolds certainly didn t help the Leitrim cause and when Declan Maxwell was yellow carded in the first half, it was another serious blow.

However, after the promise shown in the victory over Clare and the draw with Longford, hopes were high that Leitrim could set up a final day promotion showdown with Roscommon by beating the Ulstermen, but Monaghans intent was evident early on as they raced into a five point lead – 0-6 to 0-1 – in the opening stages with Rory Woods, Tom Freeman and Paul Finlay causing particular problems for a makeshift Leitrim rearguard.

Leitrim did come more into the game as the interval neared, enjoying a large amount of possession but four first half points through Michael Foley, Barry Prior, Colin Regan and sub Donal Brennan was poor reward for their efforts and Des Dolan will no doubt be hugely concerned by the number of chances wasted.

With Monaghan leading by 0-10 to 0-4 at the break, Leitrim needed a good start to the second half, but it was the Farney men who picked up where they left off with Paul Finlay kicking the opening two points of the period. When Mark Daly followed up with a well takenÓgoal, the game as a contest was effectively over. Tomas Freeman added another to rub salt in the Leitrim wounds and although Leitrim kept fighting until the death, Monaghan were more than worthy winners on the day.

In the closing fifteen minutes Leitrim came close to narrowing the gap as both Donal Brennan and Christopher Carroll hit the Monaghan crossbar, but on a day when very little went right for the home side, Leitrim supporters were left to dwell on a comprehensive defeat ahead of the big local derby with Roscommon on Sunday next.

Leitrim: Cathal Mc Crann, Michael Mc Guinness, Shane Foley, Barry Butler, Niall Gilbane, Barry Mc Weeney, Dermot Kennedy, Christopher Carroll, Gary Mc Closkey, Johnny Goldrick (0-1), Barry Prior (0-1), Michael Foley (0-1), Colin Regan (0-1), Declan Maxwell, James Glancy . Subs used: Donal Brennan (0-4), Michael Duignan, David Mc Hugh,

 

 

30-Mar-05 by Lovely Leitrim