Ballymore secure crucial victory in battle for survival

Ballymore 1-10 Ballynacargy 0-6

In a keenly contested battle for survival, Ballymore emerged as the dominant force in their Westmeath Intermediate Football Championship clash against Ballynacargy, securing a vital victory that consolidates their position after a difficult start to the campaign.

Played under challenging conditions at Sean Doolin Memorial Park, Milltown, on Sunday, the match saw Ballymore capitalise on a strong first-half performance, ultimately cruising to a comfortable win that leaves Ballynacargy relegated to the junior grade next year with a round to spare.

Both clubs came into the game with their backs against the wall. Ballymore, under the guidance of Michael Tumelty, had managed just a single point from their previous encounters, while Anthony Maher’s Ballynacargy side were rooted to the bottom of the table with nothing to show from their first three outings. With the threat of relegation looming large, the importance of this match was not lost on either side, making for a tense and hard-fought contest.

Ballymore, aided by a strong wind in the first half, eventually took control of the game. They were the superior team for long spells, with their forward line, led by the dynamic duo of Colm O'Roarke and Sam Maxwell, posing constant problems for the Ballynacargy defence. O'Roarke was first to strike, finding the target in the seventh minute after a well-worked move involving Eanna Keena and Maxwell.

Maxwell himself added a point soon after, though it wasn’t without controversy. Initially waved wide, the officials convened and reversed the decision, awarding Ballymore a valuable two-point lead. The conditions made it tough going for both sides, with numerous attacks breaking down due to the strong breeze, but Ballymore’s experience and quality began to shine through.

The vastly experienced Derek Molloy added another point in the 20th minute, after good work from Owen McCabe and Maxwell, to put Ballymore three points clear. Ballynacargy coped well under pressure and remained in contention, but were hampered by injuries, with Luke Price forced off the field after just two minutes and goalkeeper Thomas Nally following suit in the 27th minute.

Ballynacargy’s attack generally struggled and their first score didn't arrive until the 28th minute, when Philip Price stepped up to take a free, but it was his point from play in first-half injury time that was the standout moment. Price, displaying composure and accuracy, clipped the ball off the inside of the post, ensuring it sailed over and kept Ballynacargy in the hunt. That effort ensured the deficit was just four points at the break, 0-6 to 0-2.

The second half began with Ballynacargy trying to claw their way back into the game, and Jamie Loran’s pointed free reduced the margin to three. However, Ballymore responded in emphatic fashion, tightening their grip on the match and leaving Ballynacargy with little room to manoeuvre.

Sam Maxwell, who had been a thorn in Ballynacargy’s side all day, struck the decisive blow in the 38th minute. After a flowing move involving Ivan Smyth, Maxwell cleverly flicked the ball into the net, giving Ballymore a commanding seven-point lead.

Ballynacargy had their best chance of the game just before that, when Conor Byrne showed excellent vision to pick out Philip Price with a perfectly weighted pass. Price looked poised to capitalise, but the Ballymore defence, marshalled superbly by Jack Kearney, scrambled back to snuff out the danger. The opportunity came to nothing as Byrne’s subsequent effort was comfortably gathered by Ballymore goalkeeper Conor McNeill, and with it went Ballynacargy’s hopes of a comeback.

Ballymore took complete control, adding further points through Eanna Keena, O'Roarke, Molloy, and substitute Ciaran Finerty, extending their lead to ten points by the 58th minute. Ballynacargy, to their credit, continued to battle, with Byrne, Philip Price, and Rhys Keena adding points. However, Sean Keena, showing great composure, fired over from an acute angle to seal Ballymore’s victory.

The win not only strengthens Ballymore’s position in Section B but also confirms Ballynacargy's return to the junior grade, a definite blow for such a proud club.

In the challenging conditions, Ballymore’s key players stepped up when it mattered most. Jack Kearney was outstanding in defence, Sam Maxwell and Colm O'Roarke led the line with aplomb, and Owen McCabe’s contributions from distance were crucial.

Scorers - Ballymore: S Maxwell 1-3, C O'Roarke and D Molloy 0-2 each, O McCabe, E Keena, S Keena and C Finerty 0-1 each. Ballynacargy: P Price 0-3 (1f), J Loran (free), C Byrne and R Keena 0-1 each.

Ballymore - Conor McNeill; Brian McCabe, Darragh Monaghan, Mark Scally; Jack Kearney, Eoin Ryan, Eanna Keena; Sean Keena, Ronan McLoughlin; Colm O'Roarke, Ivan Smyth, David Jelistratovs; Derek Molloy, Owen McCabe, Sam Maxwell. Subs: Ciaran Finerty for Molloy (49), Brian Finerty for O'Roarke and Steven Rooney for E Keena (58), Barry McDermott for Jelistratovs (30+ 1).

Ballynacargy - Thomas Nally; Mark Murphy, Jack Doran, Enda Scally; Wayne Kelly, Gary Fagan, Luke Heduvan; Jason McKeon, Timmy Mescall; Philip Price, Jamie Loran, Edward Nally; Rhys Keena, Luke Price, Conor Byrne. Subs: Seamus Gannon for L Price (inj., 2), Rian Conroy for T Nally (inj., 26), Troy Maher for E Nally (35).

Ref - Mick Gordon (Shandonagh).