Naughton goal puts Charleville CBS on road to decider

Charleville CBS 2-13 Garbally College, Ballinasloe 1-8

The impressive Newtownshandrum corner-forward brilliantly scored Charleville’s first goal and then set up Ryan Clifford for a match-clinching second in the third quarter.

Exciting in attack but suspect at the back, Charleville allowed their Galway opponents to stay in contention for a long spell, but Clifford’s opportunist strike, after he connected with a rebound off the upright in the 47th minute, put the issue beyond doubt.

It was close enough early on, but with Michael Thompson outstanding at midfield and both Naughton and Clifford sparkling up front, Charleville always looked to have the measure of the College boys.

Following Naughton’s electrifying opening goal, when he soloed in from the left wing before billowing the Garbally net with a tremendous strike, Charleville led by by 1-9 to 0-6 at the interval. Dropping their guard on the resumption, Charleville allowed Garbally back in the game and when top player Cathal Kelly pulled a goal back in the 40th minute, we looked set for a close affair.

However, when danger threatened, Charleville upped the pace of their game once again and when Clifford touched home in the 49th minute there was only going to be one winner. Naughton, Thompson and Clifford stood out.

However, Charleville will need to tighten up, particularly in defence if they are to strike All-Ireland gold.

Scorers: Charleville CBS: R. Clifford 1-7 (0-5 from frees); C. Naughton 1-3; G. Morrissey, M. Thompson and S. Mullane 0-1 each. Garbally College: C. Kelly 1-3 (0-2 from frees); N. Hynes 0-2; P. Loughnane, A. Mooney and P. Cormican 0-1 each.

CHARLEVILLE CBS: S. Carroll; J. Herlihy, D. Howe, H. Dore; D. Walsh, E. Dillon, R. Villers; M. Thompson, M. O’Flynn; M. Bowles, S. Mullane, D. Murphy; C. Naughton, G. Morrissey, R. Clifford. Subs. S. O’Riordan for Clifford; M. Casey for Thompson.

GARBALLY COLLEGE: C. Finnerty; C. Curley, G. Glynn, A. Naughton; S. Kelly, P. Loughnane, B. Tully; C. Kelly, C. Dolan; P. Whelehan, D. Loughnane, D. Gilchreest; C. Keogh, P. Cormican, N. Hynes. Subs. S. Carey for Dolan; S. Keegan for Tully; A. Mooney for Gilchreest.

Referee: W. Barrett (Tipperary).