Gaeil Colmcille 2nds got the win they needed to preserve their place in Division 2B for 2024 thanks to a five point win over Skryne’s 2nds in Grangegodden on Thursday evening.
The Gaeils took an early two point lead thanks to a point full-back Fionn Smith and a free from Liam Barry. Asserting all the early pressure, Gaeil Colmcille were stunned when Skryne took the lead thanks to a Frank Carty goal on six minutes this was soon followed by a point as Skryne went two points clear. It could have been a lot worse only for a superb save by Stephen Reddy saving a low shot that looked destined for the corner with his right foot. Kells dusted themselves down and a second point of the evening for Barry followed by a Sean Cleary point drew the home side level.
The lead was restored in the 21st minute thanks to Oisin O’Reilly and Gary McGovern extended the lead shortly after. Kells Captain Ahmed Lawal got in on the action and he popped over the final score of the half to see Gaeil Colmcille lead 0-07 to 1-01 at half time.
A blistering start to the second half by Kells saw them rattle off 1-03 to no reply inside the first four minutes, Liam Barry added his third of the day and Ryan Farnham found the back of the net as well as two superb points to push The Gaeils nine clear. Skryne replied with a point but that was soon cancelled out thanks to a Rian Early point on 37 minutes.
Phil Ward got the rewards for his hard work in midfield when he finished beautifully with his left foot and substitute Andrew Butler made an instant impact as he pointed from what was first touch of the ball. Gaeil Colmcille went 14 points clear when Fionn Smith a darting run from full-back and got his second goal in as many games.
Credit to Skryne they never laid down and three points a row saw them gain a slight bit of momentum before another substitute, Harry Flanagan pointed to keep Kells 12 points clear with 13 minutes to go. Gaeil Colmcille needed everyone of those points on the board as Flanagan’s point proved to be Kells last of the game with Skryne finishing the game the stronger hitting 1-04 in a row to hit the nerves of The Gaeils. As Skryne went in search of goals late on, the Kells backs stood strong and held on for the all important win.
Gaeil Colmcille: Stephen Reddy, Conal Gormley, Fionn Smith (1-01), Cormac Ferguson, Ahmed Lawal (0-01), Danny Muldoon, Eoin Doogan, Sean Cleary (0-01), Phil Ward (0-01), Cormac O’Reilly, Rian Early (0-01), Oisin O’Reilly (0-01), Liam Barry (0-03), Gary McGovern (0-01), Ryan Farnham (1-02)
Subs: Andrew Butler (0-01) for Farnham, Harry Flanagan (0-01) for Ward, Max Finlay for Smith, Phil Ward for Barry.
