Full-Time: 3-07 v 0-07
Having led by eight points at half-time and following a good comeback to within three by Milford, Cloughaneely needed two late goals, one from a penalty to finally complete this important Round Two championship victory.
Both these teams lost their opening games last week so this was a key one for them in terms of taking a top twelve in the championship.
The home team welcomed back County player Jason McGee from his successful trip to the United States.
Shaun Curran opened the score from a free after a foul on McGee in the fourth minute.
Kane Barrett got Milford on the scoresheet with a fine point from play but Ciaran Coll replied to put the home team ahead again. Milford then created an excellent goal chance when Darragh Black burst through and when his effort was blocked the ball broke to Rory O Donnell but his effort was also blocked.
A minute later the ball was in the net but at the other end, Blake McGarvey did brillantly before setting up John Fitzgerald who blasted the ball into the bottom corner, 1-02 to 0-01.
The home team pressed on from there with three excellent points in a row, Ciaran Coll, Darren Ferry, and Conor Coll all scoring from play and the lead was out to seven.
Kane Barrett got a second for Milford but Coyle and Ferry added two more for Cloughaneely and they led by 1-07 to 0-02 at the break but would face into the strong breeze in the second-half.
Milford got a great start to the half with four points in a row and right back in it, Cathal McGettigan, Kane Barrett, Conor Gormley and Kyle Black all scored, Barrett’s fisted effort from close range could have finished in the net but Milford were back in the game.
After a scoreless period Kyle Black got his second point to leave just a goal in it and Cloughaneely still without a score in the second- half and kicking some bad wides.
However they did finally score when they were awarded a penalty when a Milford defender lifted the ball off the ground in the box and John Fitzgerald confidently hammered it to the net and five minutes later Conor Coyle added a third when Milford were caught spare at the back to make it 3-07 to 0-07 and Milford’s good second-half comeback ended.
Not a vintage Cloughaneely performance but two important points won.
Cloughaneely : Sean McClafferty, Michael Fitzgerald, Shaun Curran (0-01), Cian McFadden, Mark Harley, Ciaran Scanlon, Daire Ferry, Jason McGee, Darren McGeever, Conor Coyle (0-02), Darren Ferry ( 0-02), Ciaran Coll ( 0-02),, Blake McGarvey, Ethan Friel, John Fitzgerald (2-00/1pen).
Subs: Paul Sweeney for McGeever ( 56mins) Cillian Gallagher for Coll (58mins).
Milford: Shea McBride, Shaun Coffey, Shay Durning, Finn Coll, Ronan Docherty, James Doyle, Kyle Black (0-02), Rory O’Donnell, Conor Gormley (0-01), Darragh Black, Caolan Bolton, Lorcan Friel., Shane Black, Kane Barrett ( 0-03 ), Cathal McGettigan (0-01).
Subs: Patrick Ferry for Durning (36mins), Martin Doyle for Shane Black ( 45mins), Durning for Friel (56mins).
Referee : Seamus McGonagle ( Aodh Rua).
