Spa fell to a two-point defeat against Rathmore in the Kerry Petroleum Senior Football Club Championship on Sunday afternoon, with Rathmore coming out on top on a scoreline of 0-18 to 0-16.
Playing with the wind in the opening half, Spa made good use of the conditions and led by four points at the break, 0-11 to 0-7. There were two-pointers for Evan Cronin, Cian Murphy (x2) and Dan O’Donoghue who all found their range from distance, while David Spillane and Liam Kearney also got on the scoresheet with points.
Spa had established a seven-point advantage at one stage, but Rathmore hit three valuable scores in the closing minutes of the half to reduce the deficit.
Spa started the second half brightly and were unlucky not to extend their lead when the Rathmore keeper produced a good save early on after a goalmouth scramble. Spa continued to tick over on the scoreboard and added further points through Dara Moynihan and Shane Cronin, but with Spa leading 0-15 to 0-10, the game began to turn.
A Spa breach allowed Rathmore to advance the ball upfield and create a two-point opportunity, which they converted. The hosts then scored the next five points, including a two-point leveller from Paul Murphy, to move two points clear.
Evan Cronin reduced the deficit to one, before Spa had a golden opportunity to regain the lead with two minutes remaining. However, Rathmore keeper William Casey produced an excellent save with his legs to deny Spa. Rathmore added another point and managed possession well in the closing stages to see out the victory.
It was a closely fought contest in which Spa will feel there were opportunities to take something from the game, but attention now turns to a vital final group match at home to Dingle.
With Dingle losing out to Dr Crokes by a point, both Spa and Dingle remain on 0 points in Group A. Dingle currently hold the advantage on score difference, meaning Spa must win the game to avoid the relegation play-off.
The match takes place in Spa next Sunday, 23rd August at 1pm.
Playing with the wind in the opening half, Spa made good use of the conditions and led by four points at the break, 0-11 to 0-7. There were two-pointers for Evan Cronin, Cian Murphy (x2) and Dan O’Donoghue who all found their range from distance, while David Spillane and Liam Kearney also got on the scoresheet with points.
Spa had established a seven-point advantage at one stage, but Rathmore hit three valuable scores in the closing minutes of the half to reduce the deficit.
Spa started the second half brightly and were unlucky not to extend their lead when the Rathmore keeper produced a good save early on after a goalmouth scramble. Spa continued to tick over on the scoreboard and added further points through Dara Moynihan and Shane Cronin, but with Spa leading 0-15 to 0-10, the game began to turn.
A Spa breach allowed Rathmore to advance the ball upfield and create a two-point opportunity, which they converted. The hosts then scored the next five points, including a two-point leveller from Paul Murphy, to move two points clear.
Evan Cronin reduced the deficit to one, before Spa had a golden opportunity to regain the lead with two minutes remaining. However, Rathmore keeper William Casey produced an excellent save with his legs to deny Spa. Rathmore added another point and managed possession well in the closing stages to see out the victory.
It was a closely fought contest in which Spa will feel there were opportunities to take something from the game, but attention now turns to a vital final group match at home to Dingle.
With Dingle losing out to Dr Crokes by a point, both Spa and Dingle remain on 0 points in Group A. Dingle currently hold the advantage on score difference, meaning Spa must win the game to avoid the relegation play-off.
The match takes place in Spa next Sunday, 23rd August at 1pm.
