The Heath 1-11 Killeshin 2-6
ACFL Division 2 Round 4
The Heath held off a late Killeshin resurgence to win by two points and get their second win of this years league.
It was a slow burner of a game but The Heath were the better side overall, particularly at the start of the second half where they hit 1-4 without response and controlled possession.
The Heath were the much more lively side in the opening quarter and they had their first score after a loose sideline was intercepted by Robert Ging which led to Daithi Carroll pointing off his left.
Killeshin’s danger man Evan English opened his account with a mark after he was picked out brilliantly by Cathal Byrne. The Heath responded immediately with James Phelan pointing.
The Heath were creating lots of chances but their finishing evaded them as they kicked three wides in a row. The intensity of the game dropped significantly due to a long stoppage resulting from a Kealan Galligan injury.
Despite not having a lot of the ball Killeshin, snuck into a 0-2 to 1-2 lead on 22 minutes after a disastrous Heath free went a stray on their own 45 and keeper Joe Walsh was miles from his goals.
Evan English intercepted the ball and his shot from distance trickled into the empty net.
English added another before Andrew Booth and Cathal Byrne traded points. The scores were left at Heath 0-5 Killeshin 1-4 at the break after Andrew Booth and Robert Ging pointed in quick succession.
Killeshin had done well to lead at half-time as they made use of every opportunity, kicking one wide to The Heath’s six.
However, The Heath upped their physicality in the second half which paved the way for them.
Booth, Brian Ging and Carroll all pointed and this was followed by the score of the day from distance through Denis Booth.
Killeshin were really struggling to exit their own half as the tackling from The Heath increased dramatically.
The Heath went into a demanding 1-9 to 1-4 lead with a goal on 50 minutes. Robbie Dowling broke a kickout to Brian Ging who raced through and set up Dylan Keyes who slotted home.
Despite momentum being against them, Killeshin dug deep and hit 1-2 on the bounce to level the game.
Byrne got their first score for over 20 minutes before substitute Danny McGrath was played through by English and he smashed the ball home and added another superb point on 57 minutes.
The game could have went either way but The Heath did not panic and Andrew Booth kicked two in a row to edge the Heath in front come the full time whistle.
SCORERS – The Heath: Andrew Booth 0-5 (0-1 free), Daithi Carroll 0-2 (0-1 free), Robbie Ging, Brian Ging, Robert Dowling and James Phelan 0-1 each, Dylan Keyes 1-0. Killeshin: Evan English 1-2, Daniel McGrath 1-1, Cathal Byrne 0-2 (frees), Eoin Fitzpatrick 0-1
The Heath: Joe Walsh; David O’Brien, Gary Roe, Alan Whelan; PJ Daly, Denis Booth, Dylan Keyes; Robbie Dowling, Daithi Carroll; Neil Keane, James Phelan, Sean Kirby; Brian Ging, Andrew Booth, Robbie Ging. Subs: Conor Hyland for Daly (49)
Killeshin: Ben Fitzgerald; Eoin Cawley, Kealan Galligan, Jack Brennan; James Davis, Brendan McDonald, Leeson Hughes; Michael Gaffney, Cathal Byrne; Simon Attride, Liam Sheary , Eoin Fitzpatrick; Riogan Doran, Evan English, Kaelum Hand. Subs: Gavin Deering for Doran (ht), Daniel McGrath for Hand (52) and Adam Brennan for Fitzpatrick (55).
REFEREE: Brendan McCann (Portarlington)
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