DERRY GAA: Goals help ease Banagher's relegation worries

By Adam Cassidy (Year 11 - St Patrick's College Dungiven) THURSDAY night's match was more than just the points on the table, it was the fight to escape relegation for Banagher and Newbridge. Banagher dominated the first half, looking like a team in the top half of the division. The Banagher trio Eugene O’Kane, Mark Lynch and Gavin O’Neill managed to beat Newbridge goalkeeper Michael O'Neill for three goals. With Banagher giving it their all and scoring five more points before half-time they went into the dressing room confident. Newbridge needed to improve but struggled to get past the half way line.  On the other hand, the Banagher forwards showed great team play - passing the ball well. Peter Hagan went on to score 2-1 and Eugene O’Kane slipping another goal past the 'keeper O'Neill. Shane Farren  scored two points to keep the scoring gap and Mark Lynch added a point but his contribution was very important - gaining possession over and over again and setting up most of the goals. Newbridge got consolation points as Eamon Burke, Kevin Sweeney, Niall Sweeney and Nathan Rocks all scored two each, with Peter McGrogan once again their top scorer. Full-Time - Banagher 6-9 Newbridge 0-17. Banagher: Eugene O'Kane 2-2, Peter Hagan 2-1, Mark Lynch 1-2, Shane Farren 0-3, Gavin O'Neill 1-0 and Brian Óg McGilligan 0-1, Newbridge: Peter McGrogan 0-5, Danny Mulholland 0-4, Eamon Burke, Kevin Sweeney, Niall Sweeney, Nathan Rocks 0-2 each.