The final score line was not a true reflection of how tight this game actually was. We definitely put it up to the league leaders and they left the Falls Park last Wednesday night knowing they had been in a game.
We were quick out of the blocks, Danny Wallace kicking to the net and two points from Gerard Burns and Sean McGovern established a five point advantage. Portglenone opened their account with a free before Stephen Dobbin finished off a swift counter attack with a well taken point. Portglenone played themselves into the game and with fast breaks and power added three further points but we regrouped and stretched our advantage with points from Sean O’Neill (0-2), one of his points from a penalty and Danny Wallace. A late surge by Portglenone saw them reduce the deficit to a single point and we finished the half 1-6 to 0-8 in front.
Portglenone were quick out of the blocks in the second half as they reeled of 3 points before Daniel Largey kicked his first of the game. A Portglenone goal gave them the impetus but we responded with points from Liam McGivern and Nathan Maginn to leave two between the sides. From here on we battled hard but Portglenone had a bit more left in the tank and despite further points from Sean McGovern and Liam McGivern it was not enough to close the gap with Portglenone running out the victors 1-11 to 1-18.
Without doubt this was a very encouraging performance and one we should analyse and take away the positives. Portglenone are the league leaders, a very, very good side and for periods of the game we outplayed them. We must have belief in our own ability and that we will soon turn these promising performances into wins.
