Ó Laoi hits late winner for never-say-die An Spidéal

Milltown 0-13

Mike Rafferty at Pearse Stadium

IF ever a game gave hope to an underdog then this senior football championship contest in Pearse Stadium on Sunday was the perfect example as Milltown opened up a commanding interval advantage, before An Spidéal gradually wore them down and with perfect timing secured the winning point on 67 minutes.

Though the Connemara side were playing in their club’s Kilkenny themed hurling strip due to a clash of colours, maybe it could be used as a feeble excuse for their forgettable first half performance, while in contrast Milltown were all systems go in an impresive opening 30 minutes.

With Michael Martin at his deadly best and contributing five points in that spell, it looked like they had laid the foundation for an opening day win as they led by 0-10 to 0-4 at the break. The early exchanges of the second half gave little indication of what was to happen as Milltown looked like they were going to continue where they left off, but gradually An Spidéal built the foundation for a come from behind win.

It was Donal de Barra's side who got the first score of the day courtesy of a Liam Ó Conghaile free, but quckly it became apparant that Milltown were very much the driving force of the half and particularly down the right flank of their attack, where Martin's shoot on sight policy was certainly paying dividents with some splendid scores.

Indeed, it was Martin who opened their account with a free, before gathering a Damian Brennan pass and giving them a lead they were to hold until just pass the hour mark. The energy, speed and skill of Eoin Mannion was very prevalent throughout the contest and he offered a goal treat on nine minutes, but after rounding Maghnus Breathnach, he lashed a close range shot over the bar when a goal chance looked on.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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