We welcomed Liscarroll to Shanballymore last Thursday night for round two of the football league and after a very shaky start which saw us concede two goals inside the first five minutes we recovered well to gain control of the game. We played into the village end with a strong wind at our backs in the first half but unfortunately Liscarroll cut through the heart of our defence for two well taken goals in the first few minutes.

This was a major setback but thankfully we got back into the match as the half went on and got the upper hand with half time approaching when Vincent Burke scored a beauty of a goal from the 13 yard line. Outside of the first few minutes our back line and midfield were again outstanding and Liscarroll only managed another point for the rest of the half.

We had well taken points in the first half with Jimmy Burke showing great movement was on hand to get two excellent points from his full forward position. Eoin McHugh and Sean Lynch combined very well in midfield and their work rate was outstanding all through this game. We led at half time by two points 1-6 to 2-1 but knew that Liscarroll had a strong wind at their backs in the second half and they would go all out attack.

Our back line again were outstanding in this half and great credit must go to these lads Brian Sheedy, Richard Burke, Brendan Hayes, Rob McHugh, Colman O’Reilly and Brian O’Reilly who game after game concede very few easy scores and keep some very good forwards under wraps. Stephen Donegan again was top class in goals with his kick outs and he made two vital saves in the second half when Liscarroll had us under pressure.

We had some well taken points in the second half from Vincent and Jimmy Burke to keep our lead intact but young Rob McHugh scored the point of the day off his left foot after a powerful run from the wing back position. Thankfully we were able to hold out for the win and this win now gives us full points from two games played in the div 2 football league.

Team: Stephen Donegan, Richard Burke, Brian Sheedy, Brendan Hayes,  Colman O’Reilly, Haulie Burke, Rob McHugh(0-1), Sean Lynch, Eoin McHugh(0-1), Alan Sheedy, Vincent Burke(1-3), Brian O’Reilly,  Eamonn Fitzgerald, Jimmy Burke(0-3), Kenneth Barry(1-3), Darren Roche.