Sparky soars as Killyclogher edge Carrickmore

Killyclogher 2-13

Carrickmore 1-13

THEY were made to fight for it, but a Mark Bradley-inspired Killyclogher did just enough to see off Carrickmore in tonight’s first-round clash at Healy Park.

Bradley was in fantastic form from start-to-finish and his final tally of 1-8 went a long way as they earned a 2-13 to 2-10 victory to set up a clash against the winners of Trillick or Galbally.

Carrickmore looked leaden in the opening exchanges with Bradley and Oisin McCann splitting the posts, but a Michael Donaghy goal against the run of play spurred them into action.

By the half-time whistle, Killyclogher held a 0-9 to 1-5 lead which still flattered their opponents somewhat. 

Carmen came out strong in the second-half, but they struggled to get the ball over the bar and were punished for their wastefulness when Bradley coolly converted from the spot.

Carrickmore didn’t throw in the towel with substitutes Danny Fullerton and Ruairi Loughran scoring fantastic points, but the wind was taken out of their sails when Mark Hayes scored Killyclogher’s second goal of the night.

Ryan Daly’s team fought hard but Killyclogher had just enough to see them off with Mark Bradley fittingly scoring their final two points.

Meanwhile, Coalisland were the first team to qualify for the last eight as they were deserved victors 2-14 to 1-14 victors over Clonoe last night. It was an eagerly anticipated contest, and many are now pegging Na Fianna as favourites for the championship. Stalwarts Plunkett Kane was in fantastic form and helped himself to 1-3, while Bailey Leonard wasn’t far behind with 1-2.

Monday’s Tyrone Herald will have full match reports