Argideen Rangers 2-16

Mayfield 1-8

MATTHEW HURLEY REPORTS

ARGIDEEN Rangers turned on the style in the third quarter to make sure they got their Co-Op Superstores Premier JHC campaign off to the best possible start.

Rangers played with the wind in the first half in Newcestown, but only had a 1-7 to 0-5 half-time lead.

The Timoleague club’s third quarter surge was the deciding factor as they sparked into life. They outscored Mayfield 1-5 to 0-2, putting this group opener to bed.

A John Michael O’Callaghan free was followed by a Seán Walsh goal on 33 minutes, after he pounced on a defensive error.

Just a minute after Argideen’s second goal, the city side had a big chance through Tomás Horgan but John Sheehan deflected his attempt away from danger. From there, Argideen managed the lead and emptied the bench to keep the energy flowing.

‘We’re delighted. It was a bit more comfortable than I thought it would be in the end,’ Argideen boss Christy Crowley told The Southern Star.

‘At half-time, it was squeaky bum time playing into the wind but our lads stood up in the second half. It doesn’t matter how you get the two points in the championship. As long as you get them, I can have zero complaints.’

Mayfield only managed 1-3 in the closing half which was a credit to the Timoleague club’s rear-guard. Even their goal from David O’Neill came when the game was effectively over.

‘We were delighted with our defence. We had two debutants – starting at corner-back was Charlie Dinneen and wing-back was Seán Murray. At half-time, we brought on Jack Twomey, another debutant. They really stood up to the occasion,’ Crowley explained.

‘There are a few stalwarts back there as well – Ger Crowley. Fergal Walsh. Seán Henchion. They were tremendous throughout but it was the work rate from our forwards that made it easier for the backs.’

In his first adult championship outing, Seán Murray opened the scoring after 30 seconds but Calvin O’Donovan and Shane O’Donovan hit back for Mayfield.

John Michael O’Callaghan and Charlie Twomey split the posts for the Carbery club before Seán Walsh’s blocked shot fell to Darragh O’Donovan who buried it beyond Darren Wyse in the Mayfield goal. 1-3 to 0-2 after ten minutes.

Argideen’s O’Callaghan and Mayfield’s O’Donovan swapped scores before James Crowley’s persistent work rate was rewarded with a point.

A well-worked Matthew Lawton point for Argideen sandwiched two Nicholas Kelly frees for Mayfield before O’Callaghan had the final say of the first half, Rangers led by five.

‘Johny’s a real leader in our team. Everyone looks up to him. The best thing about Johnny is that his work rate is incredible,’ the Argideen boss said about his talisman O’Callaghan.

James Crowley opened Argideen’s second-half account before Walsh’s goal gave them the platform to push for home.

Subs Philip Flynn and Eoin Lawton converted impressive scores to add to their increasing tally.

Argideen face local rivals Barryroe next on Sunday, August 23rd in Clonakilty.

‘Momentum is key. That’s for all dual clubs. When you play one code, there is a lot more preparation. If you’re playing two codes and winning though, the momentum is priceless,’ Crowley said.

OUR STAR: The Argideen defence put in a serious effort to limit Mayfield to 1-3 in the second half, and Ger Crowley orchestrated that showing at full-back.

Scorers

Argideen Rangers: John Michael O’Callaghan 0-7 (3f); Darragh O’Donovan, Seán Walsh 1-0 each; Charlie Twomey, James Crowley, Philip Flynn (1f) 0-2 each; Seán Murray, Matthew Lawton, Eoin Lawton 0-1 each.

Mayfield: Nicholas Kelly 0-4 (2f); Shane O’Donovan 0-3 (1 65); David O’Neill 1-0; Calvin O’Donovan 0-1.

Argideen Rangers: John Sheehan; Charlie Dinneen, Ger Crowley, Cathal O’Donovan; Seán Murray, Fergal Walsh, Seán Henchion; Matthew Lawton (captain), Finbarr Butler; Charlie Twomey, Seán Walsh, Darragh O’Donovan; James Crowley, Dara Walsh, John Michael O’Callaghan.

Subs: Eoin Lawton for D Walsh (29, inj); Jack Twomey for C O’Donovan (ht); Philip Flynn for M Lawton (42, inj); Daniel Hurley for D O’Donovan (56); Kevin Hennessy for C Twomey (59).

Mayfield: Darren Wyse; Shane Keegan, Kevin Punch, Daniel Lucey; Eoin O’Sullivan, Calvin O’Donovan, Gary Lehane; David O’Neill, Luke Malone; Michael John Coffey, Nicholas Kelly, Alex Mullery; Eddie Scanlon, Shane O’Donovan, Tomás Horgan.

Sub: David Malone for T Horgan (47).