Byrne’s last-gasp penalty secures draw for Mellows

Liam Mellows 2-9

Ivan Smyth at Duggan Park

Luke Byrnes buried a penalty to the net with the final puck of the game to help Liam Mellows salvage a draw in a gripping Junior A decider in Ballinasloe on Sunday.

Craughwell had led by 1-12 to 1-9 before Byrnes stepped up in the 64th minute to rifle an unstoppable penalty to the net to level the contest for the eighth time, with a draw arguably the fairest result.

Craughwell will look back on this as a missed opportunity after coughing up the penalty and firing 11 wides, eight of which came in the second-half. They led by 1-12 to 1-9 and had an opportunity to build a four-point lead in injury time but Fergal Healy’s long range free hit the post.

Liam Mellows continued to battle away although they struggled up front. Their first and final scores of this game were goals, but their attack failed to click thereafter as they struggled to win primary possession throughout the contest. They only won three of their eight first-half puckouts while claiming nine out of 16 in the second-half.

Liam Mellows moved 1-9 to 1-8 ahead after 54 minutes but Craughwell fired over four points without reply to edge towards victory. However, Liam Mellows’ John Lee was played through on goal by Enda Fallon in the final passage of play but the substitute, who was on the field for less than two minutes, was hauled down inside the square.

Byrnes’ fierce drive flew past Craughwell’s Colin Rooney in goal, with the full-time whistle immediately following.

Defences were on top for large periods as Liam Mellows centre back John Kenny was the spare man back while his opposite number Alan Callanan, was often utilised as an extra defender in the Craughwell rearguard.

It was Craughwell who were able to test their opponent’s defence with greater regularity but despite winning the midfield battle, they were unable to make their attacks count.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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