Raheens 1-10 Clane 1-09
Clane faced near neighbours Raheens knowing that almost certainly a win was required to maintain their hopes of progressing to the cup semi-final after suffering a defeat last week in their first round match v Sarsfields. They began the game playing at a much higher intensity than we saw last week and despite playing into the wind in the first half led by 1-2 to 0-4 with only a few mins left in the first half as they worked the ball well out of defence and powered up the field on a number of occasions getting just reward for their hard work.
However just before the break an attempted block by the Clane defence as a Raheens attacker shot for a point saw the ball deflected and loop over the keepers head for a goal. It was cruel blow and Raheens capitalised on their fortune and added another couple of points before the break to lead 1-06 to 1-03 at half time.
Clane started the 2nd half with the same intensity and clawed the lead back midway through the 2nd half and indeed nudged themselves in front with about 10 mins left. Raheens fought back and were very economical notching up scores on the few occasions that came their way. The crucial score came as we approached the hour mark. Raheens had a free from approx. 30 yards and the ball struck the post and cross bar before dropping over for a point. The teams traded one more score each in injury time but Raheens held on for the win.
Clane will rue some missed opportunities going for goals when points were available, particularly in the 2nd half and a few very questionable decisions that went against them at crucial times. Nonetheless it was a fine team performance, full of passion and matched by lots of skill. Raheens too played their part in contributing to a fine game of football.
News came through later in the day that Sarsfields beat group favourites Celbridge giving Clane a lifeline as they now face Celbridge in 2 weeks time in an all or nothing match.
It was hard to single out individuals in what was a great team performance but Daniel Malone, Adam Fitzpatrick and Donal Fitzpatrick were superb in defence while Sean Tighe, Calum Doran and Sean Dunne drove the team forward on numerous occasions.
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