Spa welcomed Glenflesk on Saturday afternoon in Round 2 of the McCarthy Insurance Senior County League Division 1, with both sides arriving off contrasting opening round results. After a competitive opening, it was a strong spell from the visitors either side of half-time that ultimately proved decisive.
Glenflesk made a sharp start, opening with early points from Luke Crowley and Patrick Darcy, but Spa settled well and were level inside six minutes thanks to frees from Evan Cronin and Cian Murphy. The sides continued to trade scores in an evenly contested opening quarter, with Dylan Roche and Killian O’Sullivan helping Glenflesk edge ahead before Spa responded with their most productive period of the game.
Scores from play by Gary Vaughan and Niall McCarthy brought Spa back on terms, and a fine individual effort from Evan Cronin pushed the home side in front for the first time. Michael McCarthy added another to give Spa a two-point advantage midway through the half, as they looked comfortable in possession and began to dictate the tempo. That momentum was slightly checked by the loss of Cian Murphy to injury during this spell.
Glenflesk responded impressively in the closing stages of the half, with their forward line finding a strong rhythm. Cillian O’Sullivan and Luke Crowley both struck two-pointers, while Dylan Roche, Emmet Finnan and Darragh Roche also added to the tally as the visitors surged ahead before the break. Despite a point from Luke O’Neill, Spa found themselves trailing at half-time on a scoreline of 0-14 to 0-7.
Spa began the second half in positive fashion with an early point from David Spillane, but Glenflesk struck a key blow soon after when Dylan Roche finished clinically to the net. Further points from Killian O’Sullivan and others kept the scoreboard moving for the visitors, although Spa continued to battle and were rewarded with a well-taken goal from Spillane midway through the half.
Any hopes of a sustained comeback were quickly halted, however, as Glenflesk responded with a second goal—substitute Liam O’Brien applying the finish after the chance opened up. Both sides added late scores, with Dara O’Connor and Michael McCarthy raising white flags, but Glenflesk’s accuracy and efficiency in front of goal ensured they ran out winners on a scoreline of 2-19 to 1-10.
It was a challenging afternoon for Spa, who were operating with a depleted panel due to injuries and absences, but there were encouraging passages, particularly during the first half, that will offer positives to build on in the weeks ahead.
Next up for Spa is an away trip to Kilcummin over the Easter weekend. Keep an eye on our website and social channels for updates during the week.
Spa Scorers: Gary Vaughan 0-1, Niall McCarthy 0-1, Cian Murphy 0-1, Evan Cronin 0-3, Luke O’Neill 0-1, David Spillane 1-1, Michael McCarthy 0-2
Glenflesk Scorers: Emmet Finnan 0-1, Killian O’Sullivan 0-4, Dara O’Connor 0-1, Tommy Bowler 0-1, Patrick Darcy 0-1, Luke Crowley 0-4, Dylan Roche 1-4, Darragh Roche 0-3, Liam O’Brien 1-0
See the photos from the match on our Facebook page HERE.
