Sean Tracey’s Lurgan 2 – 13    St Malachy’s Portadown 3 – 3

This was a victory, which was as comprehensive as the score line would suggest.  One always expects both teams to be up for a local derby, but in truth only one team showed the desire to win.

St Malachy’ tried hard but they were unable to cope with the speed and interplay of Treacy’s young guns.  Christopher Mc Alinden once more produced an outstanding performance, and his contribution of 0 – 6 went some way to creating the foundation of victory.  He was ably assisted by Anthony Carville and Gary Seeley.

Playing with the aid of a strong breeze in the first half Treacy’s were always going to need a good half time cushion and they kept relentless pressure on the Portadown goals. Veteran Sean Duffy playing at full forward led by example and tormented the Portadown defence in the first half scoring 1-3 to help Treacy’s to a 1-10 to 2-1 half time lead. There was a cause for some concern when fullback Tommy Moore had to come off just before halftime with a muscle strain, but the old man of the squad Chris Shine proved to be a capable replacement and made some good clearances.

If the Treacy’s forwards produced the goods in the first half it was the defence’s turn in the second as Portadown aided by a strong breeze attempted to close the gap. However Treacy’s team captain Raymond Daly led the line well in the second half as attack after attack was repelled. The extent of influence of the wind on this game cannot be over stated and it is testament to the complete nature of the victory that The Lurgan lads outscored Portadown 1-3 to 1-2 in the second half.

In truth this was a clash of hurling styles. Sean Treacy’s youngsters hurled for the hour against an older more physical Portadown team. Although the match was far from dirty, Gerard Devlin brandished one red card during the game to Portadown’s Paul McConville, a number of Portadown players in the second half tried the ref’s patience as their frustration mounted. All in all the game was played in a fair and competitive manner with the best team winning.

Whilst keeper Chris McConville was well protected throughout the game, he made a number of important saves in the second half when Portadown were pressing. It is difficult to single out players, however in defence Kevin McCann continues to improve, Ruan McKinstry gave 100% throughout the game whilst Raymond Daly was in a class apart. At midfield Chris McAlinden caused panic in the Portadown ranks every time he got the ball. Sean Duffy led the forwards well ably assisted by Anthony Carville, Ciaran McAlinden and Brendan Coleman. However this was a superb team performance from the men in maroon and white. 

Sean Treacy’s: Chris McConville, Kevin McCann, Tommy Moore, Mark Fearon, Ruairi McGuinness, Raymond Daly, Ruan McKinstry, Chris McAlinden, Gary Seeley, Brendan Coleman, Anthony Carville, Ciaran McAlinden, Connor McStravick, Sean Duffy, Barry McDonald. Sub Chris Shine for Tommy Moore.