By Charlie Collins
St.Mary’s Convoy missed a great chance to win it with the last kick of the game as Robert Emmets came from five behind to earn a replay as they were gifted two goals in an exciting second-half.
After the teams had shared two early points, Jason McDaid for St.Mary’s, and Rory Dalton for Robert Emmets, the Convoy men took control of the remainder of the first-half and led by 1-04 to 0-02 at half-time.
Michael Ayton with two and Benny Bonner kicked fine scores from play and when Emmets keeper Sam McGlinchey was dispossessed close to goal, Darren Bonner blasted the ball into the net and the lead was out to six points, 1-04 to 0-01.
Just before half-time Dylan McNamee converted a free to leave five between them at the break, 1-04 to 0-02 and Robert Emmets were left with it all to do.
Dylan McNamee opened the second-half scoring with his second free but Darren Bonner replied immediately with a super 45. Then disaster for the Convoy men when the ball was given away close to goal and Rory Dalton lobbed the ball over Dannon O Kane into the net 1-05 to 1-03 and game very much on.
McNamee converted his third free and just a point separated the teams. We then had a scoreless period before Michael Ayton scored his third point and disaster revisited St.Mary’s again as they gave the ball straight to Rory Dalton in front of goals and he drilled the ball to the net, Robert Emmets led for the first time 2-04 to 1-06.
Cormac Mulrine pointed from distance to level it up with nine minutes left and anybody’s game. And just when it was looking like a replay, Convoy got a great chance to win it with the last kick of the game, but Michael Ayton’s free drifted wide to ensure both teams would get another chance next week.
St. Mary’s Scorers: Darren Bonner 1-01, Michael Ayton 0-03, Jason McDaid 0-01, Benny Bonner 0-01, Cormac Mulrine 0-01.
Robert Emmets scorers: Dylan McNamee 0-03, Rory Dalton 2-01.
