Goals win games as Minors see off Ballinabrackey

Oldcastle 3-12 Ballinabrackey 1-12
They say goals win games and that was the case in a rain soaked Millbrook on Wednesday evening (5th September) for the MFC Div 3A encounter. A change in the appointed referee and a mix up with times meant that the game was delayed starting. A Colin Hawdon point from a free was the opening score and this was followed by a well take point from the boot of Oran Mulvanny. Ballinabrackey grabbed their first score before Pearse Sheridan got his name on the score sheet. Oldcastle had a number of goal chances but failed to hit the net with Colin Hawdon’s shot just going wide and a Dj Monaghan effort rebounding of the upright. James McCluskey added a point just as the rain started to pour once again. Jack Murphy was working hard in the Oldcastle half forward line and was winning a lot of ball. Jack Fox and Joe Lynch were working well in defence cutting out a number of attacks and in turn setting the ball moving up the field in the other direction. Ballinabrackey was working well in attack with No 11 Barry Thompson and No 14 Dean Pluck looking dangerous when in possession. Both are well used to Millbrook in recent weeks staring for the Meath Under 16’s where Dean Pluck was more used to the other end of the field as he plays he goals for the county side. Oldcastle’s own Meath player Pearse Sheridan saw his 45” rebound of the post but Oran Mulvanny was on hand to tap the ball over the bar to leave the score Oldcastle 0-6 Ballinabrackey 0-4. Ballinabrackey hit the back of the Oldcastle net to go a point clear but Oldcastle responded with a goal of their through Colin Hawdon.
H/T: Oldcastle 1-7 Ballinabrackey 1-5.
Ballinabrackey reduced the gap with an early score but the all important 2 goals game in the first 7 minutes of the second half. Dj Monaghan was first to react to a breaking ball in the full forward line and he fired the ball to the roof of the net. Colin Hawdon got his second and Oldcastle 3rd goal to put day light between the sides. Ballinabrackey were not taking it lying down and kept the Oldcastle backs under pressure and were also converting their chances. Cillian Connell and Colin Hawdon added to brace each to keep the visitors at arm’s length. With minutes to go and 4 points between the sides Ballinabrackey were awarded a free approx 20 metres from the Oldcastle goal. They took it quick and fired to the net but ref Gerry Selly called them back and ordered them to re take the free. This time Oldcastle were organised and the ball was put over the bar. As time ticked away Oldcastle added the final point of the game through full back Louis Colleran.

This was a very entertaining game played in wet and a slippery conditions with Oldcastle now sitting top of the group with Moynalty/Carnaross next to visit Millbrook on Sunday 16th September.

Oldcastle: Ross McCann, Darragh Reilly, Louis Colleran (0-1), Cillian Hanlon, Aaron Getty, Jack Fox, Joseph Lynch, Oran Mulvanny (0-2), Pearse Sheridan (0-2), Jack Murphy, Colin Hawdon (2-4), Charlie Lynch, James McCluskey (0-1) Cillian Connell (0-2), Dj Monaghan (1-0)
Subs: Darren Connell, Colin Halpin, Conor Smith, Conor Boylan, Mark Coyle, Lloyd Colleran, Ciaran Healy