Clinton and Keena goals seal victory

Coláiste Mhuire 2-12, Moate CS 1-5

A classy two-pointer from corner-forward Josh Scahill kick-started a decisive late rally from Mullingar’s Coláiste Mhuire as they overcame Moate Community School in the North Leinster Junior Football Competition at Shandonagh GAA grounds on Thursday.

Up to then, the eventual winners had struggled to find fluency in attack, with both defences generally controlling the match.

In heavy underfoot conditions, Moate CS led by 1-3 to 0-4 at half-time, their gritty defence managing to restrict the Mullingar side’s scoring return. Coláiste Mhuire struggled to find any rhythm against the breeze, and the difficult conditions conspired against slick attacking football.

Moate CS managed just one point from a free in the final 15 minutes, underlining their struggles in the final third.

The Mullingar side will aim to build on this victory when they take on Marist College, Athlone, in the second round.

Scorers - Coláiste Mhuire: J Leech 0-4 (1f), C Keena 1-1, C Clinton 1-1, J Scahill 0-3 (1tp), H Corroon, P Baird and J Mullaniff 0-1 each.

Moate CS: L Tooher 1-4 (1 tpf, 2f), N Gaughan 0-1 (free).

Coláiste Mhuire: Ben Thornton; Zak Bates, Louie Dillon, Peadar Baird; Cathal Keena, Tom Weir, Tom Leech; Michael Brennan, David Reilly; Jamie Leech, Josh Mullaniff, Fionn Carey; Colm Clinton, Cathal Kilmurray, Josh Scahill. Subs: Liam O’Brien for Carey (30), Hugo Corroon for Kilmurray (h-time).

Moate CS: Fionn Higgins; Darragh Gilroy, Matthew Marsh, Malachy Keaveney; Graham Slevin, Michael Fox, Aodhan Cullen; Billy Stenson, Alex Mullen Adamson; William O’Brien, Rhys Mason, Jack McGuinness; Luke Tooher, Niall Gaughan, Oscar Casey. Subs: Sean Doherty for Casey (47), Gavin Ross for Mason (52), Kieran Loddick for Marsh (57).

Referee: Jim Rock (Coralstown/Kinnegad).