Simonstown 1—15 Na Fianna 1—12
These two teams served up an exciting and entertaining game of attacking football in Parc Tailteann on Sunday afternoon in blazing sunshine with the Navan men playing into Hospital end against the sun but with cross field wind of doubtfull advantage.
Aaron Farrelly clipped over to open the Simons account in second minute. Robbie Burlingham then saved a goal bound shot. The resultant rebound was sharply worked up the field with Brian McGrath splitting the posts while Na Fianna got of the mark from play. Sean Tobin converted a 45 and a minute later he fisted over to put Simons 0—4 to 0—1 after eleven minutes. Eoghan Gough raised the white flag twice from play and Tobin again on the mark put Simons 0—7 to 0—1 in front with twenty minutes gone. Na Fianna then posted two points (1f). Simonstown were playing football that easy on the eye...good accurate quick passing...Hand and Foot...—and sharp shooting with just 2 wides—to Na Fiannas 6 for the whole first half. Mark Devlin surged forward to kick a fine score from near the sideline and Tadgh Hanrahan from distance made 0—9 to 0—3 to Sky Blues with five to play in first half. Na Fianna dominated for a while and added three points (1f) to leave Simonstown leading by three at the break 0—9 to 0—6.
Early second pressure yielded two scores for Na Fianna and scoreboard reading 0—9 to 0—8. Eoghan Gough then intercepted a clearance and with a sublime footpass found the in running Padraig McKeever who finished low and powerfully past Shane Geraghty for a badly needed score at the time. Sean Tobin converted a free after he was fouled. Sims 1—10 Na Fianna 0—8 with ten second half minutes played.
Na Fianna surged into attack and added a three pointer when Owen McDonnell volleyed the ball and gave Burlingham no chance. They tagged a point from resultant kick out. Scoreboard now read Sims; 1—10 to 1—9 at end of third quarter. Aaron Farrelly slotted over and Padraig McKeever with a free increased the lead to three. Eoghan Gough from play made it 1—13 to 1--9 with five to play. Burlingham then made a wonderful point blank save that deflected over the bar . Tadgh Hanrahan fired over after a quick break and slick passing. Jimmy Heany the completed the Simons tally when clipped to put five between the teams two minutes into injury time. 1—15 to 1—10. Na Fianna fought to end and were reward with two late points (1F). Final score Simons 1—15 Na Fianna 1—12. Eight different Simonstown players got on scoresheet. Great credit to manager Joe Lyons and selectors /coaches Eanna Donoghue and Keith Brady for the way team played and finished out the game
Simons; Robbie Burlingham.. Mark Devlin (0—1),Michael Gavin, Aaron Chinchilla...Eddie Nash, Briain Conlon, Brian McGrath (0—1)..Sean Conlon, Tadgh Hanrahan (0—2),...Jimmy Heaney, Sean Tobin (0—4)f45, Ben Hoey..Aaron Farrelly (0—2), Padraig McKeever (1—1)f, Eoghan Gough(0—3)..
Subs; Shane Barry / S.Conlon.ht..Jimmy Heaney (0—1)/S.McEnery.42..Stephen Moran/B.Hoey.56.DavidMcKeever/E.Gough.56..
Na Fianna; Shane Geraghty..James Geagan(0—1), Michael Farrelly, Oran Smullen (0—1)..Luke Kelly, Sean Rafferty,Peter Slevin...Dean Hussey,Owen McDonnell (1—1)...Jack McNally, Conor Downey (0—1),Cormac Rafferty (0—1)..Sean McDonnell (0—4)2f, Daniel Queeny, Shane Walsh (0—3)2f...
Subs; Sam Jordan/ D.Hussey.20..Sean Hurlaey/D.Queeney.30..Ciaran Regan/L.Kelly.56..Patrick Jordan/J.MvNally.56..