Although they were again pressing hard at the end for an unlikely equalising goal, Kildress can have no complaints about their 1-12 to 0-12 loss to a strong and impressive Naomh Eoghan at Newtownstewart earlier tonight.
The Tones gave as good as they got for the opening quarter and again in the closing minutes, but for the rest of the game struggled in all sectors of the field. At the end of that opening quarter it was 0-4 apiece but that was as good as it got for Kildress and a late goal for the home side helped them to a 1-6 to 0-5 half-time lead that didn’t in any way flatter them.
In the second half Naomh Eoghan were always comfortable, stretching their lead to six points and might well have driven even further ahead. Kildress found it hard to get possession, in the air or on the ground, and also too often failed with their final pass. The introduction of a few substitutes did pep The Tones up and three points in a row threatened to bring about one of those recoveries they have regularly delivered over the last year. Naomh Eoghan however, with Kevin Gallagher the consummate ball player for them throughout and well supported by Aidan McSorley, saw things out for a deserved victory.
Despite the defeat Kildress were well served by goal-keeper Nathan McKernan, Dean McNally, Stephen Loughran, Enda McAleer, Shea Quinn, Shea Murphy, top-scorer Matty McGuigan and Pauric Lagan.
Mickey Quinn was an excellent referee, helping provide a thoroughly entertaining match for the sizeable crowd.
Kildress: Nathan McKernan | Aaron Loughran, Niall Connolly, Chrissy McKenna | Stephen Loughran, Dean McNally, Stephen McGurk | Conor McAleer, Enda McAleer | Philip Lennon, Shea Quinn (0-2), Shea Loughran | Shea Murphy (0-2), Mattie McGuigan (0-5), Corey Holland (0-1) | Johnny Connolly, Pauric Lagan, Shea Tracey, Ben Donnelly, Cormac Loughran, Eoin Brannigan
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A very exciting and well-contested Reserve game ended up 4-8 to 1-14 in Kildress’ favour, the four vital first-half goals coming from Ben Donnelly (2), Eoin Brannigan and Conor Quinn.
