Ardrahan 2-10 Pearses 0-9.andamp;nbsp;Despite a closely contested opening half in Kenny Park, Athenry yesterday, Ardrahan dominated the second period. They overturned a two point deficit at the break to come out on top 2-10 to 0-9. Jonathan Glynn caused problems for Pearses throughout and he was involved in the build up to both Ardrahan goals, both finished by Jason Kennedy.
Kennedy had the first point of the game after 4 minutes, but Emmett Ward and Jimmy Gelston hit back to put Pearses in front. Two Johnny Glynn points from play for Ardrahan were exchanged with a super Tomandamp;aacute;s Flannery effort from the touchline and a free, pointed by Ward after Flannery had been fouled. The game was finely balanced at 0-4 to 0-3, when Ardrahan netted their first goal, Glynn this time the creator, Kennedy finding the net, 1-3 to 0-4.
Pearses responded well, Emmett Ward pointed a free, won by Enda Cunniffe. Some good work by Pearses in closing down Iarla Tannian lead a 21 yard free, when Fearghal Flannery blazed over the bar to level the game, 1-3 to 0-6. Another Emmett Ward free followed, after Flannery was fouled again. Ronan Bellew extended the Pearses lead to two, following good work by Enda Cunniffe. Half-time: Pearses 0-8 Ardrahan 1-3.
Ardrahan had the first two points of the second half to level the game, while there were two chances for Emmet Ward, albeit from difficult angles. On the eleventh minute Jason Kennedy was on hand to first time the ball to the net following a rampaging run by Glynn. Soon after Cormac Ward was sprung from the bench in an effort to jolt Pearses back to life. Ardrahan tacked on three points opening the gap to six, with 22 minutes gone.
Emmett Ward landed Pearses first point of the second half on the 25th minute, from a free on the right touchline. Fearghal Flannery came forward for a 21 yard free in the frantic final minutes, hitting the crossbar. Ardrahan however closed out the game with two points. Final score 2-10 to 0-9.
Standout players for Ardrahan were Glynn and Jason Kennedy (2-2), with Iarla Tannian, solid at the heart of their defence. Emmett Ward and Tomandamp;aacute;s Flannery were best for Pearses. Pearses now enter Round 2, with the draw to be made next weekend. Round 2 is scheduled to take place on May 11th. Cyril Donnellan and Cormac Ward should hopefully be back to full health by then.
Pearses: F Flannery (0-1); A Kenny, T Kenny, R Lally; T McDonagh, S Raftery, K Hardiman; J Gelston (0-1), R Bellew (0-1); C Raftery, S Hardiman, T Flannery (0-1); G Lally, E Ward (0-5), E Cunniffe. Subs used: C Ward, B Sweeney, A Bellew, K Donnellan.