Two-pointers prove key as Cill na Martra book semi-final bye with three point win over Clyda Rovers

SEMI-FINAL BYE: Cill na Martra's Damien O hUrdail scores a superb two pointer under pressure from Clyda Rovers' David Cooney. Pic: David Keane.

Cork SAFC Group 2 round 3: Cill na Martra 0-15 (0-4-7) Clyda Rovers 0-12 (0-2-8)

A flurry of early two-pointers provided the buffer as Cill na Martra secured a semi-final bye with a three-point victory over Clyda Rovers.

A stop-start contest saw both teams go for periods of 20 minutes without scoring. However, three orange flags from Jason Mac Cárthaigh (0-7) and one by Damien Ó hUrdail (0-5) built an eight-point cushion inside 15 minutes.

With Tadhg Ó Corcora keeping Conor Corbett under close surveillance, Clyda couldn’t get within a score until the final 30 seconds of stoppage time.

That meant Cill na Martra (+13) pipped Knocknagree (+10) for the semi-final spot by one point on score difference.

Both teams set out their stall in the first two passages of play. Playing into a strong wind, Clyda cautiously retained possession for the opening two minutes until Cian O’Sullivan found a pocket of space. His point would be their last for the next 21 minutes.

Cill na Martra targeted two-pointers, converting four of their six attempts from beyond the arc. Mac Cárthaigh banked three long-range efforts; two from frees and one from play.

Daire Mac Lochlainn produced a couple of turnovers, which led to three points; the latter finished off by fellow defender Danny Ó Conaill.

They carved out a quality goal chance, too, as Daniel Ó Duinnín squared for his brother Shane. His low drive was brilliantly blocked by Mike Forde.

Still, when Ó hUrdail arrowed over a stylish low-trajectory shot from close to the sideline, it was 0-9 to 0-1.

Remarkably, they wouldn’t add to that total in the second quarter. Stoppages and wayward shooting halted their momentum. Clyda gave them something to worry about, too. Eoin Walsh broke through to strike the post, although Gearóid Ó Goillidhe came within inches of a goal on the counter.

Corbett’s dangerous run drew a free to break Clyda’s duck, and that was all for the scoring before the break; 0-9 to 0-2.

Cill na Martra had gone 20 minutes without a point by the time Criostóir Ó Meachair exchanged a one-two and chipped over.

Clyda finally made some inroads through Ben Nyhan, O’Sullivan’s second, and a Corbett free.

They suffered a couple of blows with goalkeeper Kevin Coffey and Paudie Kissane, after securing a turnover, limping off. Ó hUrdail stabilised the Gaeltacht side with a point.

No Clyda forward had registered from play until Eoin Walsh curled over a fine two-pointer to reduce the gap to four, 0-11 to 0-7.

Ó hUrdail settled Cill na Martra with the next pair to spark a four-point streak, also assisting a big score for Ciarán Ó Duinnín.

They went for the kill as Ciarán teed up Shane Ó Duinnín to palm home. However, Brian Coniry ruled it out for a square ball. Shane then returned the favour for Ciarán, who was denied by sub-keeper Seán Dennehy.

O’Sullivan switched from wing-back to corner-forward as he doubled his final total to 0-4.

A Mac Cárthaigh black card allowed Corbett a two-point free, which cut the deficit to three with one play left. However, Colin Kelly kicked wide when he needed to drop the ball in.

Scorers for Cill na Martra: J Mac Cárthaigh (0-7, 2tpf, 1tp, 1 free); D Ó hUrdail (0-5, 1tp, 1 free); D Ó Conaill, C Ó Meachair, C Ó Duinnín (0-1 each).

Scorers for Clyda Rovers: C O’Sullivan, C Corbett (1tpf, 2 frees) (0-4 each); E Walsh (0-3, 1tp, 1 45); B Nyhan (0-1).

CILL NA MARTRA: M Ó Deasúna; D Ó Conaill, D Mac Lochlainn, F Ó Faoláin; S Ó Fóirréidh, T Ó Corcora, C Ó Meachair; A Ó Cuana, G Ó Goillidhe; J Mac Cárthaigh, D Ó Duinnín (capt), E Ó Conaill; D Ó hUrdail, C Ó Duinnín, S Ó Duinnín.

Subs: C Ó Fóirréidh for E Ó Conaill (44), A Ó Duinnín for S Ó Duinnín (60+2).

CLYDA ROVERS: K Coffey; A Walsh, G Deane, M Forde; A Kelly, P Kissane, C O’Sullivan; B Nyhan, D Walsh (capt); D Cooney, Conor Corbett, K Graham; C Walsh, E Walsh, P O’Grady.

Subs: S Dennehy for Coffey (38, inj), D Buckley for Cooney (40), S Kelly for Kissane (42, inj), C Kelly for A Kelly (43), C Buckley for O’Grady (46).

Referee: B Coniry (Crosshaven).