Bishopstown hold firm to secure win over Clyda in opener

Goals from Michael Nunan and the excellent Conor Dunne proved decisive as Bishopstown began their tough-looking Group C, which also contains Newmarket and Knocknagree, with a win.

Sat, 27 Jul, 2024 - 19:46

Andrew Horgan

Senior AFC: Bishopstown 2-8 Clyda Rovers 0-11

Bishopstown held firm against a late Clyda Rovers fightback to secure a crucial victory in their Cork Senior 'A' football championship opening round clash in Blarney on Saturday evening.

In the end, goals from Michael Nunan and the excellent Conor Dunne proved decisive as Bishopstown began their tough-looking Group C, which also contains Newmarket and Knocknagree, with a win.

And it was the men in Maroon who started the quickest as they opened the scoring in the first minute when Dunne, who quickly switched from midfield to full-forward, won and then coolly executed a free.

Clyda soon settled into the contest and shortly after Conor Flanagan sent a booming effort just inside the far post from distance, David Cooney did likewise in the seventh minute.

But the Town would regain the lead in the 12th minute as Michael Nunan blasted home from close-range after Brian Clifford claimed Dunne’s long pass before picking out the number 12 in front of goal.

Another calmly struck free from Dunne and a neat effort from Clifford put Bishopstown firmly in control at the end of the first quarter, 1-3 to 0-2, and the gap between the two teams would remain the same at the end of the first half with Bishopstown edging it 1-5 to 0-4, although it could’ve been more.

After great work from Paul Honohan, who would soon be forced off with an injury, Dunne struck the base of the far post.

With no advantage forthcoming, Dunne had the simple task of firing over another free for the final scoring of an entertaining first period.

Dunne would also grab the opening score of the second half, and it would ultimately prove to be the winner as he thumped the ball into the roof of the net, giving the goalkeeper absolutely no chance, 2-5 to 0-4.

But Rovers refused to give in and three unanswered scores – the pick of the bunch coming from the recently introduced Niall Hanley with his first touch – got them back in contention.

The comeback was briefly halted when Bishopstown replied with two quick scores at the beginning of the final quarter, but it was Rovers who finished the game the strongest.

Full-forward David Cooney would add four points (three from frees) to his tally in the final ten minutes but a Dunne free and some inspired defending late on ensured Bishopstown held on the secure the victory.

Scorers for Bishopstown: C Dunne (1-5, 5fs), M Nunan (1-0), B Clifford (0-2), P Casey (0-1).

Scorers for Clyda Rovers: D Cooney (0-5, 3fs), C O’Sullivan (0-2), N Hanley, C O’Reilly, K Graham, C Flanagan (0-1 each).

BISHOPSTOWN: C O’Driscoll; P Casey, M Murphy, L Hogan; K Murphy, E Byrne, J Murphy; C Dunne, D O’Connor; D Holland, D Lester, M Nunan; B Clifford, P Honohan, K McFadden.

Subs: S Sheridan for P Honohan (30).

CLYDA ROVERS: S Dennehy; C Kenny, P Ryan, D Buckley; C O’Reilly, G Deane, A Walsh; K Graham, C Flanagan; C Kelly, C Walsh, D Walsh; C O’Sullivan, D Cooney, A Kelly.

Subs: N Hanley for A Walsh (ht), C Buckley for C Kelly (38), M Forde for P Ryan (53), A Walsh for C O’Reilly (53).

Referee: Robert Whelan (Gleann Na Laoi).