Swatragh Contrive To Let Winning Position Slip

Swatragh 1-09 Dungiven 1-14

After twenty five minutes of this game Swatragh led by 1-05 to 0-02 and were in complete control of the game, but a lack of concentration and belief allowed Dungiven back into the game and the Davitts were ruthlessly punished.

Swatragh almost completely controlled the first half but despite this Dungiven actually opened the scoring early on and added a second soon after. However after this early salvo, the Davitts took over completely and score 1-05 without reply. Swatragh played their best football of the season in this period, attacking from all angles and defenders Turner, Bradley and Mooney all got on the scoresheet in this burst.

However, the home side's concentration seemed to slip as the half time whistle approached and a second Dungiven scoring burst brought them within touching distance at the half.

Swatragh began the second half brightly enough, going point for point with Dungiven in the early stages. Halfway through the second half a hopeful ball forward was deflected to the Swatragh net and this blow seemed to rock the Davitts confidence. Despite the best efforts of the excellent Liam Kearney in attack, Swatragh failed to close the gap and a flurry of late points eased Dungiven to victory.

Swatragh will be asking questions of themselves as to how they managed to waste such a commanding position. The Davitts seemed to be lacking in belief and concentration at the crucial stages of the game, and abandoned the tactics that had served them so well in the first half.

The only consolation for Swatragh is that at least for the first real time this season they showed some of their true form. For the first time the forward line clicked into gear with Sean McMaster, Micky McKenna and youngster Liam Kearney putting stirring shifts. If they can replicate their first half form for sixty minutes they will be confident of beating any side they come across.

Team & Scorers: B. Og McAtamney, S. Bradley (0-01), M. Quinn, M. Quinn, G. Turner (0-01), P. Mooney (1-00), B. Tohill, M. Friel (0-01), R. Convery (0-01), M. McKenna (0-01), M. Kirkpatrick (0-02), S. McMaster , R. McNamee, R. O'Hagan , R. McWilliams

Subs: L. Kearney (0-02)for R. O'Hagan (inj), S. McPeake for McNamee, M. O'Kane for B. Og (inj)