Downings 0-15 Naomh Columba 2-19
BY RYAN FERRY
NAOMH Columba laid down a marker in the Division 2 promotion race with an emphatic victory over Downings on Saturday evening.
Goals from Kevin McNern and Eric Carr had the Glencolmcille side leading by 2-5 to 0-8 at the break.
Downings were in the contest at that stage but it soon got out of reach and it was a tough day for them without regulars such as Johnny McGroddy, Oisin Boyce, and Paul McGroddy.
Aaron Doherty pulled the strings for Naomh Columba in the second half and they went on to win comfortably and they will be aiming to kick on in the league after this.
Naomh Columba came into the game off the back of a surprising defeat against Burt in their last outing but that was the first loss off the year while they also had four wins.
Downings have been defeated twice but with five victories to their name, they came into the game joint top of the league with Muff.
The home side drew first blood with James Lee McBride on target although the away side claimed it had drifted wide. The neutral umpires awarded a point.
Naomh Columba’s first score was a goal. Visiting netminder Padraig Byrne had to scramble clear from his own line but they broke down the field at pace then and Kevin McNern unleashed an unstoppable shot to the roof of the net.
McNern and Paddy McElwee (free) traded efforts but Glen were slick in possession and broke through for a second goal in the 12th minute with Eric Carr drilling past Kyran Gallagher.
Downings needed a steadying influence and veteran Gary ‘Ban’ McClafferty provided it with a two-pointer and then a score from inside the arc.
Naomh Columba played some good fast football and moved four ahead after good points from Alex Cunnea and Carr.
Paddy McElwee replied with a nice two-point free.
Aaron Doherty and Lanty Molloy scored points and Naomh Columba thought they were 2-5 to 0-7 ahead.
However, the referee Charlie Creevy was adamant that Downings had eight points to their tally and that was a surprise to spectators from both sides.
Glen were far from happy but they started the second half with intent.
Aaron Doherty posted two frees within four minutes and Kevin McNern then boomed over a two-pointer.
Former county star Aaron Doherty tagged on another effort and by the time Eric Carr struck a two-pointer in the 46th minute, Brendan Doherty’s Naomh Columba were 2-12 to 0-8 ahead.
Downings then enjoyed a purple patch as McClafferty fisted over, McElwee pointed and Ronan Gallagher struck a fine two-pointer.
Suddenly they were back to within six, but Aaron Doherty replied with a quickfire brace and Ronan O’Hare also fired over as more gaps started to appear.
Ronan Gallagher registered another super two-pointer and McElwee kicked a free late on but the contest was gone at that stage.
Naomh Columba were impressive and a two-pointer from Padraig Byrne, as well as injury-time scores from Aaron Doherty and Lanty Molloy capped a good team display.
Downings: Kyran Gallagher; Alex Gerwatowski, Tiarnan McBride, Ronan Pasoma; Paidin Shiels, Ronan Gallagher, James Travers; Shane Coll, James Lee McBride; Kyle McFadden, Dylan McGlone, Conor Boyce; Gary ‘Ban’ McClafferty, Paddy McElwee, Owen Bamforth. Subs: Stephen Shevlin for McFadden (39 mins), Daithi McGroddy for Bamforth (56 mins), Cathallll Sweeney for McClafferty (60 mins).
Naomh Columba: Padraig Byrne (0-2, 1tpf); Steven Callaghan, Philip Doherty, Evan O’Donnell; Pauric Ward, Aaron Doherty (0-7, 2fs), Ronan Hegarty; Eric Carr (1-3, 1tp), Kevin McNern (1-3, 1tp); Lanty Molloy (0-2), Alex Cunnea (0-1), Ryan McNern; Darragh Cunningham, Michael Callaghan, Ronan O’Hare (0-1). Subs: Eoghan Hegarty for McNern (46 mins), Ronan Gillespie for Cunningham (49 mins).
Referee: Charlie Creevy (Letteekenny Gaels).
Man of the Match: Kevin McNern (Naomh Columba)
McNern had a super outing and got scores when his team needed them. He just edges out Aaron Doherty who had a great second half while Eric Carr and Steven Callaghan had good outings. Ronan Gallagher and Gary ‘Ban’ McClafferty carried the Downings fight.
Turning Point: Downings were still in it at half-time when they were three down but the dispute over the scoreline at the break only seemed to motivate Naomh Columba who were excellent from there on.
The Whistler: There was confusion as to where Creevy got eight points for Downings in the first half when most other observers had seven. That could have been contentious but the second half proved to be a tame affair.
Talking Point: Naomh Columba were stung by Burt last week but that has perhaps sharpened the focus and they operated at a different level to Downings at times in this match. The Glen men should be able to kick on and win automatic promotion. Downings have lost three games now and with key men said to be departing for the States shortly, it could be challenging to stay pushing at the top end of the table.
What’s Next: Downings host Malin on Saturday while Naomh Columba entertain Buncrana the next day.
