Post date: Jul 17, 2013 10:08:41 AM
Kildangan Seniors survived a tremendous fight back by Sarsfields in a rousing SFC opener at Ballykelly on Tuesday evening last to win on a scoreline of 1-13 to 1-10.
In a game that had many talking points, it has to be said the better team won, but it could easily have gone the other way had Sarsfields converted an injury time penalty. A tremendous save by Kildangan keeper Sean Pollard denied them a share of the spoils.
Kildangan opened the scoring through a Stephen Quigley free, other first half points by Rory Jacob, Tom Moran and Robbie Murray and an extremely well worked goal had them ahead by 1-06 to 1-04 at the break, the Sarsfields goal the result of a penalty. The Kildangan goal was a result of great kick passing between midfielder Pauric Casey, Tom Moran and Stephen Quigley, who gave the keeper no chance with an unstoppable shot.
Another Stephen Quigley point opened the second half to put Kildangan three up. Sarsfields clawed two back, however despite all their efforts they could not close the gap, thanks to second half points from Robbie Murray, and Eric O'Hara. Sarsfields came close on occasion, a goal was disallowed for a double hop in the run up. With time almost up a Sarsfields attack resulted in a penalty, with the scoreline reading 1-13 to 1-10. Despite a well taken shot, goalkeeper Sean Pollard was up to the task, parrying the ball to safety.
A lack of discipline by Sarsfields saw them finish the game with 14 players, after their corner forward was shown a straight red for "verbals".
Kildangan Scores; Stephen Quigley 1-6, 4 from frees, Ruadhri Jacob 0-2, Tom Moran 0-1, Robbie Murray, 0-3, Eric O'Hara 0-1
Kildangan play Leixlip in Round Two on Wednesday evening 24th in Ballyteague at 7.30 pm.