Clans have to settle for a draw

Clan na Gael 1-08

Clan na Gael put their indifferent form they showed against Eire Og behind them when they were unlucky not to take both points against Wolfe Tones on Tuesday night.

The Blues, who had to settle for a draw, lost no time in hitting the target on this occasion when Kieran McKendry rattled the Tones net with just three minutes on the clock. In the slippery conditions neither side were at full strength. The home side were missing Finnian Moriarty and the suspended Johnny McCarron among others, while the Clans were without Barry O’Hagan, Stefan Campbell and Niall Henderson from the side which started against Eire Og. The Tones were a point in front at the break and had Declan Lavery, Ciaran Murray and James Lavery to thank for their scores.

Sean Mackle, who had an outstanding game for the visitors, was unlucky when a goalbound was deflected over the crossbar.

The sides were level on four occasions in a gripping second half, Ciaran Murray up front was a constant threat for the home side, his points in the second half were crucial. The Tones had Ruairi McCaughley sent off for a second yellow 12 minutes from time.

Dairmaud O’Hagan and in particular Mel Patterson were in outstanding form for the Blues. O’Hagan, who had put the visitors in front after Laurence McGuinness and Ronan Austin had registered points, but the Derrymacash men with one last push hit the equalising score through James Lavery. The game was played in difficult conditions and in retrospect both sides performed well.