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PRESS
RELEASE: Sunday 5th February 2006
Mid
Armagh shield
Mullabrack GFC v Madden GFC [ 11.30am throw in. Venue: Mullabrack]
Charlie Agnew and his management team had their
first test of the season against 3rd Division outfit
Madden in the first round of the Mid Armagh Shield. It was to be a
learning experience for Charlie who for the first time was
witnessing the strength of the playing contingent at Mullabrack.
The game started off at the pace expected for
the first football of the season. Mullabrack came close within the
first few minutes; however it was Madden who got off to a good start
with a well taken point. Mullabrack then took over scoring with two
well taken free’s by Peter Quigley, a new recruit for the Mullabrack
contingent, playing in the full forward position. Scores were then
exchanged up until mid way through the first half when an error in
defence resulted in a Madden goal. Madden then followed this with
two further points bringing the score to 1:5 to 3 points. Mullabrack
then came back into the game with some fine fielding from Dara Smith
and Phelim Sands. A good ball from right half back Paddy Toal
released Stephen Murray in the right full forward position, who
rounded his man and hit an unstoppable shot to the top left corner
of the goal. A final point by Stephen Murray left the score at half
time at 1:4 to 1:5.
The second half began poorly for “the brack”
with 3 quick unanswered points by Madden. Madden took a grip of the
game from the outset showing their experience and superior fitness
by playing some very neat football which resulted in a second goal
15 minutes into the second half. Mullabrack did not give up and
although fitness was to prove their downfall Gareth Smith stood out
from the rest with some excellent possession and a well taken point
mid way through the second half. Further points in the second half
for Mullabrack were taken by new recruits Philip McKeown and Stephen
Murray.
Both teams then began to change things and each
fought hard to the end with Madden finally running out winners with
a score 2:12 to 1:7.
Overall Charlie Agnew was pleased with his
players and stated that it was a good ‘run out’ for everyone and
expressed the need for all to attend training in order to be ready
for the beginning of the new league season.
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