Duleek’s clinical nature proved decisive and their ability to convert their goal chances was the key difference between two evenly matched sides.

Carnaross 0-7 Duleek/Bellewstown 2-6

A League (Division 2)
Played in Duleek – 3/2/2019

Carnaross began proceedings with a point from 2018 POTY Killian Porter. This was shortly followed by Paddy McDermott doubling the advantage after he turned over possession on the opposition’s 21. Carnaross then kicked some aimless passes and were guilty of some wayward shooting which gave Duleek the platform to level the game with 2 points of their own. Duleek began to impose themselves physically and they hit a purple patch scoring 1-1.

Carnaross lost influential midfielder, Cillian Comaskey, to a questionable black card during this barren period. However the North Meath men refused to lie down and laid siege to the Duleek rearguard creating numerous scoring chances. The full back line of Duleek were imperious in their defending and snuffed out various opportunities. Dermot McGee pointed well before substitution Stephen Dawson turned well to split the posts leaving a goal in it at the break, 1-4 to 0-4.

The maroon and saffron men burst out of the blocks in the second half with 2 points from the boot of Frank O’Reilly. His ball striking from the ground against the wind was a joy to behold. Duleek flooded their defence in an attempt to stem the tide and it worked wonders as they extended their lead back out to a goal after 2 frees. The game lost some shape and structure as tempers flared with neither side giving an inch. Carnaross were unlucky to see the ball rebound off the post after a Decky Reilly goal chance. Duleek then struck for the match-winning score when they converted a penalty to leave 6 between the sides.

Carnaross threw caution to the wind, frustrated with their lack of scores, despite being on top in the second half. They were met with staunch defending but Duleek struggled to keep tabs on their discipline. After a goal bound free was parried, Stephen Flattery was on hand to win a penalty with 5 minutes to go. After a lengthy delay, O’Reilly’s spot kick was expertly saved by Duleek’s net minder. Further efforts came up short leaving the North Meath men frustrated as they walked off the field knowing that their performance wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard.

Duleek/Bellewstown converted their 2 goal chances without a fuss whereas Carnaross spurned theirs. This was the ultimate difference between the teams as Duleek showed real grit and guile to ground out the result.

Carnaross will take a lot of positives from this war of attrition fought on the East Coast of Meath as they matched their opponent’s physicality throughout this intriguing contest. They move on to host their first Division 2 game in 9 years next in Round 3, against St. Colmcilles. Coincidentally that game in 2010, was also against the Seasiders where St. Colmcilles emerged one point victors after a last ditch goal.

Carnaross: Shane McNiffe, Jack Roche, Peter Farrelly, Ian Donoghue, Pierce Fleming, Tomás Plunkett, Stephen Flattery, Cillian Comaskey, Niall McDonnell, Frank O’Reilly (0-3fs), Cian O’Reilly, Killian Porter (0-1), Decky Reilly, Dermot McGee (0-1), Paddy McDermott (0-1). Subs: Stephen Dawson (0-1) for Cillian Comaskey (BC), Cian Gillic for Pierce Fleming, John L McGee for Stephen Dawson, Liam Day for Decky Reilly, Shane Casserly for Killian Porter.