Davitts Claim Comfortable Victory

Swatragh 3-11 St Pauls 0-06

Swatragh recorded their second victory in three Ulster League outings with a comfortable victory over St Pauls at Davitt Park. It was a good result for the Davitts and it still leaves them in contention to qualify from their group.

Swatragh took to the field without several big names with injuries and county commitments denying them of the services of Michael Conway, Martin Quinn and Ruairi Convery amongst others.

The game began in fairly poor conditions and had to be abandoned for ten minutes during the first half to allow a torrential rain shower to blow over. It was a sensible move by the referee and ensured the safety of all the players.

By this stage Swatragh had already edged into the lead, helped by a Paddy McQuillan goal and a fantastic save from Paul McFlynn. The Davitts picked up where they left off after the rain delay and fired in a further two goals before the interval, courtesy of McQuillans’ second and an effort from Neil McAtamney.

After the break Swatragh continued to have the better of proceedings and with Conor Quinn dominant at centre half back the result never looked in doubt. However, an improved effort from the St Pauls defence in the second half made scores harder to come by.

The Davitt defence had a fairly comfortable time throughout the game, and any forays forward, were efficiently dealt with. Some excellent tackling in the full back line ensured the clean sheet for keeper McFlynn who was commanding throughout.

Up front McQuillan caught the eye with his brace of goals and Eugene McGuckin continued his fine form, firing over some fine points. All but one of the forwards got on the score sheet and this certainly bodes well for the challenges ahead.

This was a confidence boosting performance from the Davitts, especially with so many influential players missing. There will surely be sterner tests ahead, but this result will certainly do no harm, and gives the manager plenty of selection headaches when a full squad is available.

Final Score: Swatragh 3-11 St Pauls 0-06

Team & Scorers: P. McFlynn, S. O’Kane, S. Bradley, S. McFerran, C. McQuillan, C. Quinn (0-02), S. O’Kane, M. McKenna (0-01), J. McKeagney, D. McGuckin (0-02), A. Diamond, O. McGuckin (0-01), P. McQuillan (2-01), N. McAtamney (1-00), E. McGuckin (0-04).
Sub: D. Shiels for D. McGuckin