Maghery Avoid Certain Relegation

30 August 2005

Maghery defeated Crossmaglen at home last Sunday to enter a play-off to remain in Division One, along with Silverbridge and Wolfe Tones. The visitors had the brighter start, going 0:05, 0:01 up.

Four great scores from Stefan Forker and another from Jimbo Robinson kept Maghery within range through this period of Cross domination and midway through the half an excellent score from Niall Forker put Maghery in front for the first time in the game. Cross replied with two further points to put them one ahead at the break; strong defending from Stephen Cusack, Stephen Nugent, Gerard Campbell and Paul Rafferty denying Cross a stronger lead.

Half time score Maghery 0-06, Crossmaglen 0-07.

Maghery re-emerged for the second half to play some very impressive football, dominating for much of the remainder of the match. Cross were first to add to their first half tally but Maghery dug deep and 8 unanswered points from Niall Forker, Stefan Forker (2), Jimbo Robinson, Kieran Rafferty (2) and Antony Nugent (2) gave the home side a comfortable 6 point lead.

Cross kept applying pressure and managed to register 2 more scores but with Maghery’s defence and midfield dominating and further scores from Jim Robinson and Kieran Rafferty put the game beyond the visitors.

Final score Maghery 0-16, Crossmaglen 0-10.

This was an excellent team performance from this determined Maghery side who, when a win was vital, turned on the style and earned the points from this encounter.

Details on the play-off games with Silverbridge and Wolfe Tones will follow as soon as possible.