Division 2 Status retained

Davitts 1-7 Tir Na Nog 0-9In a tough encounter we just managed to prevail by a single point in our relegation/promotion dog fight with Tir na Nog. We were well prepared for a tough game and this is what we got.We started lively, having plenty of possession but only managed a single Daniel Largey point. Tir Na Nog hit back strongly with three unanswered points to lead 3-1 before Gavin Shaw reduced the deficit with a 30 yard point following a good solo run from midfield.The game continued to ebb and flow with chances on both sides but a long pass from defense to Anto McGrattan saw him cut in from the wing and unleash a rocket into the roof of the net to give us a 1-2 to 0-3 lead. The first half ended with a Tir Na Nog point to leave a point between the teams.We started the second half with Sean McGovern kicking a 45 metre free over the bar to give us a two point lead but as with the first half Tir Na Nog responded with two points to level. Anto McGrattan edged us a point in front before Tir Na Nog kicked two frees to take the lead for the first time in the second half 8-7. Daniel Largey then hit two successive points and with time running out we held a point advantage.Tir Na Nog pressed for the equaliser and a mistake in our back line resulted in a foul to which the referee awarded a penalty and Tir Na Nog had the chance to win the game. The pressure was on as the Tir Na Nog man stepped up. He struck a hard and low shot to the keepers right – it looked a goal – but down went Darren O’Neill at full stretch to stop the ball. He reacted quickly, gained possession and played the ball out of danger. Was this to be the final straw and a Davitt win – not yet – Tir Na Nog equalised and seemed to have the impetus. We dug deep went on the attack and were awarded a 30 yard free. The experienced Kevin McParland stepped up to slot the ball over the bar and the vital score which gave us the win.There were great performances all over the park. Gary Nelson was outstanding as was Terry Park, Darren O’Neill, Ciaran and Colly O’Riordan and Gerard Rowntree.This was a vital win and perhaps we can now realise the potential we have within this team. If we can now sit down and draw up or plan for next season we will hopefully be in a better position to challenge for honours and we will not find ourselves in a similar position again