Glen move up to fifth with victory over Slaughtneil

H&A Group Football League Division One

Glen 0-12
Slaughtneil 0-9

Ulster champions Glen moved into fifth spot with victory over neighbours Slaughtneil in perfect conditions on Monday night at Watty Graham Park.

The home side were out of the blocks with Stevie O’Hara hitting two whopping early points but they were only three points clear at half time despite being the slicker team.

The Emmet’s carved out two goal chances after half time as they got to grips with the game and a Jack Cassidy levelled matters at 0-7 each as the clock ticked into the final quarter.

It was a well-contested second half, but points from Cahir McCabe and subs Paul Gunning and Jody McDermott saw Glen pull clear, with Gunning’s 60th minute shot sealing victory.

Both teams each fielded six players from last season county final with players missing for a range of reasons.

O’Hara was on song early on with three spinners from long range before Peter McCullagh thumped over an impressive score for the visitors.

Glen were polished in possession with Danny McDermott looking like a find for the season ahead, just a matter of days overage for minor football.

Jerome McGuigan lofted over a beauty from outside the Glen cover and Slaughtneil did enough in the second quarter to keep themselves in touch at the break, trailing 0-6 to 0-3.

Slaughtneil were level within 10 second-half minutes, but Ruairí Ó Mianáin had a goal chance blocked only for Jack Cassidy to effortlessly kick convert the ‘45’.

The Emmet’s had another half chance for goal when Sé McGuigan was through only for Eamonn Cassidy to see his shot repelled.

Glen found their feet again and hit five of the last seven scores to seal victory.

Glen are at home to Loup this weekend with Ballinascreen making the trip to Emmet Park.

Slaughtneil manager Mark Doran – who is in Colm Collins’ backroom team with Clare – will be able to call on Meehaul McGrath and Cormac O’Doherty for the remainder of the season after the conclusion of their season with Derry hurlers.

Sean ‘Tad’ Cassidy did play in the reserve game which Slaughtneil won by a late point after a spirited comeback.

Glen: Connlan Bradley; Adam McGonigle, Conor Gallagher, Connor Carville; Danny McDermott, Michael Warnock, Cathal Mulholland; Cahir McCabe (0-1), Emmett Bradley; Tiarnan Higgins, Danny Tallon (0-2f), Tiarnan McCusker (0-1m); Oisin Hegarty, Stevie O’Hara (0-5, 2f), Marc Dixon
Subs: Jody McDermott (0-1), Paul Gunning (0-2, 1m)

Slaughtneil: Antóin McMullan; Peadar Kearney, Fionnbharr McGuigan, Eamon Cassidy; Karl McKaigue, Conor McAllister, Brendan McEldowney; Prionsias Burke, Jerome McGuigan (0-2); Ruairí Ó Mianáin, Ronan Bradley (0-1), Peter McCullagh (0-2); Sé McGuigan (0-1), Mark McGuigan (0-1), Jack Cassidy (0-2, 1f, 1 45)
Subs: Shea Cassidy, Eoin Mulholland

Referee: Alan Nash (Doire Trasna)