Patience pays off as Kiskeam wins through to next round

Kiskeam 0-14 Castletownbere 1-7

The reigning county junior champions were hard-pressed for most of the time, but a patient build-up and excellent combined play reaped dividends in a closely contested affair.

Playing against the wind, it was Castletownbere who made the better start and the inspirational Alan O'Regan had 1-1 on the scoreboard before Billy Dennehy opened Kiskeam's account with a tenth minute point.

Some exciting inter-passing by the Westerners had posed some difficulties and their lead was richly deserved with O'Regan's left-footed goal strike from 25 metres deceiving keeper Sam O'Sullivan as the ball ended up in the top right-hand corner of the net.

Kiskeam regrouped and Dennehy's point was complemented by similar scores from frees by Niall Cronin and David O'Leary to reduce the margin to the minimum by the 15th minute.

Castletownbere were not at all overawed by the occasion and a brace of points from Andrew O'Sullivan, plus a beauty from O'Regan, had them four clear again (1-4 to 0-3) by the 20th minute.

But these were to be their last scores of the half as Kiskeam hit five unanswered points two with the assistance of an upright to lead at the break 0-8 to 1-4.

That period of sustained pressure gave Kiskeam the lead for the first time, but any notions they may have had of having matters their own way when playing with wind advantage on the changeover were quickly dispelled.

It was that man O'Regan again who put it up to them in a big way and three points, one a gem from an acute angle on the sideline, had Castletownbere back in front once more (1-7 to 0-8) after 37 minutes.

Astonishingly, these were to be their last scores as Kiskeam's outstanding combined play left the Westerners floundering after that and, when they did attack, the brilliance of defenders like Bernard Breen, Maurice Angland and Donie Angland denied them on every occasion.

The Kiskeam attack began to thrive on quality ball and although Donagh Wiseman and Paul Harrington did their best to stem the tide, there was no stopping players of the calibre of Declan Cremin, Eamon O'Mahony, John Herlihy, Seamus Murphy, John Angland and Billy Dennehy.

That patient build-up was rewarded and crucial scores came their way. They hit six points without reply from the 43rd minute and the tally could have been greater as Niall Cronin's penalty attempt in the 47th minute soared over the crossbar.

The margin reached four points and while Castletownbere made gallant late efforts to redeem the tie, too many of their attackers were unable to shake off the Kiskeam close marking.

When they analyse the situation, Castletownbere will see that only two of their attack scored Alan O'Regan with an outstanding 1-5 contribution and 0-2 from Andrew O'Sullivan while seven different players raised white flags for the Kiskeam men.

Scorers for Kiskeam: N Cronin 0-4, D O'Leary 0-4, B Dennehy 0-2, E O'Mahony 0-1, P O'Leary 0-1, S Murphy 0-1, D Cremin 0-1.

Castletownbere: A O'Regan 1-5, A O'Sullivan 0-2.

KISKEAM: S O'Sullivan, J O'Connor, M Angland, B Breen; E Angland, D Angland,

D Cremin; E O'Mahony and P O'Leary; S Murphy, J Angland, J Herlihy; D O'Leary, B Dennehy,

N Cronin.

CASTLETOWNBERE: D Kelly, N Harrington,

E Wiseman, C O'Shea; B Harrington, D Wiseman, J P Sheehan; P Harrington and P J Gonnelly;

A O'Regan, N T O'Sullivan, A O'Sullivan;

S Spencer, A Harrington, D Nolan. Subs B O'Regan, S B O'Sullivan, S Deane and B Power.

Referee: M Collins, Clonakilty.