by Conor Lunney
Drumlane entered this game in a confident manner after previously beating Mullahoran in the league earlier in the year. They knew it would take a strong effort to beat this determined Mullahoran side.
Drumlane began the first half with the aid of a strong wind at their backs but missed a few early chances as the blustery conditions proved hard to judge.
Ciaran Keaney settled the nerves of the home side with a clinically finished goal after a well taken 45 from midfielder Francis Lunney. Ryan Connolly scored a free soon after to open his account for the evening.
The Dreadnoughts responded well and got a goal back after a well worked move up the field which opened their scoring.
Drumlane tried hard to notch up a few scored before the break with the wind advantage and Brian McKiernan and Francis Lunney fired into the back of the net to leave the score at 3-2 to 1-1 on Drumlane¢¬¢s favour at half time.
Against the wind Drumlane knew it would be a battle in the second half and every score would be hard earned.
Drumlane upped their work rate though and Mullahoran often found it hard to match
Drumlane¢¬¢s hard work.
Cian Monahan swept up in the half back line and gave a great platform of attack for the Drumlane forwards along with the hard working duo of James Dolan and Francis Lunney at midfield.
Mullahoran found it difficult to manage Ciaran Keaney¢¬¢s presence in the full forward line and he provided a good outlet for his forwards to work from.
Mullahoran to their credit never gave up and scored four more points in the second half to come closer to Drumlane.
As it went into the closing stages corner forward Ryan Connolly put the result beyond doubt with a well finished goal after terrific work from his team mates.
Drumlane ran out winners by ten points in the end on a scoreline of 4-6 to 1-5.
Drumlane now play rivals Ballinagh away next Thursday in the semi-finals of the competition. This will prove to be an interesting clash as these sides have battled against each other in last year¢¬¢s Under 13 Championship decider and this year¢¬¢s league.
Team and Scorers;
Fionan Janowitz , Declan Burns , Declan Lunney , Donal Monahan , Ciaran Seagrave , Kian Monahan , Philip King , James Dolan , Francis Lunney(1-1) , Ryan Connolly (1-4) , Brian McKiernan (1-1) , Killian McKiernan , Luke Longair , Ciaran Keaney (1-0) Seamus King.
Roinn B Semi Final Ballinagh v Drumlane away 3/10/09 at 6:30 pm.
