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Tue 10th Nov 2009
The Abbey claimed a semi-final spot with a hard fought victory in Derrylaughlan against a strong St Pius X, Magherafelt side. The Abbey started strongly with points from Cathaly Foy and Conor Martin to take a two point lead. This lead was then lost when St Pius' added 3 consecutive free kicks to take a one point advantage. The Abbey boys then fought hard and regained the lead with a well-taken point from Cailum Cumiskey, followed by two great scores by Ciaran McCartan.
The Abbey were applying pressure to their Derry opponents and finally reaped rewards when Cathal Foy converted a goal oppurtunity following great play by Damian McKeown. The goal was then followed by another wonderful score from Conor Martin. Another St Pius' point before the half time whistle meant that the Abbey went into the break leading by 5 points, 1-6 to 0-4.
The second half saw a St Pius' team starting well from the throw-in. The Magherafelt side opened scorings in the second half with a well-taken score. The Abbey boys dealt with the pressure with excellent defending from Ciaran Davies, Donal O'Neill and Adam Clarke. It was then The Abbey's corner back, Adam Clarke who added the Abbey's next point with an excellent point on a rare trip up the field for the defender. Along with a Ciaran McCartan free kick, the Abbey Boy's had opened a 6 point lead.
The Magherafelt side reacted to this free by putting added pressure on the Abbey's defence. This pressure resulted in two points and a goal for the Derry side. This meant there was only a point between the sides. The Abbey then took control of the game when Cathal Foy set Damian McKeown up for the most important score of the game, when Damian rippled the back of the net from just outside the box. The Abbey then had Conor Hanna to thank when he made a marvellous save with two minutes to go.
The four point lead was enough for the Abbey boy's to hold on to and the Abbey will play Omagh in the semi-final.
Submitted by: Seamas McGeough
