Last Minute Point Deprives Trim of First Win
Dylan Buckley
Liam Kearns
Trim were unlucky to be caught in the final minute of an exciting Division 6 league match in sunny Ashbourne on Thursday 10th April when the home side scored a last gasp point to draw a match that both sides will believe they should have won.
Ashbourne started quickly and had two points on the board before Trim launched their first attack. Many in the attendance thought they registered their first point in the 5th minute but the umpire signalled Neil Sweeny’s effort wide. The same players made sure a few minutes later to register Trim’s first point which was quickly nullified by two further points for Ashbourne.
Trim were under pressure all through this opening ten minute period as Ashbourne made use of the long ball in to the big full forward who caused problems for full back Conor Hurley. Trim reorganised themselves and got themselves back into the game with points from Neil Sweeney, Danny Foxe and a brilliant goal after a great move from midfield in the 15th minute.
However that was as good as it got in the first half as Ashbourne scored 1-3 without reply in the remaining 15 minutes of the half to leave them leading 1-7 to 1-3 at halftime. Ashbourne were flattered by this scoreline as Trim played some great football but failed to convert their chances. Much of the good work being done moving the ball from defence to attack was frustrated by a bad last touch, a misplaced pass or bad shooting.
The second half opened with Ashbourne stretching their lead with three points to two in the opening ten minutes. Trim were trying hard but finding it difficult to break down the Ashbourne defence. The introduction of Gary Fleming, Mark Dempsey and Ian Byrne after this brought new life to the Trim attack and with Brian Bolger, David Boyle and Ian Collins asserting themselves a lot more Trim got the upper hand and converted their possession into scores. David Boyle’s goal in the 11th minute was as good as any you would see and he followed up a few minutes later with a great point.
Trim took the lead for the first time a few minutes later with a goal after a great run through the heart of the Ashbourne defence (1-10 to 3-6.0 In fairness to Ashbourne they rallied and replied with points in the 17th and 20th minutes to draw level but Trim were determined and two minutes later substitute Gary Fleming regained the lead for Trim with a well taken point. Play swung from end to end for the remainder of the match and just when it seemed Trim would hold on for victory Ashbourne broke their hearts with a last gasp point from a distance to draw level on a 1-13 to 3-7 scoreline.
Trim can take a lot of positives from this match. Many of the younger players are getting valuable experience and are showing up well. However, this is the second match in a row that Trim were capable of winning and had to settle for a draw. The next match in two weeks will be crucial to lift us from the lower half of the table and realise the potential of many of these players.
Panel Liam Kearns, Harry Harlin, Conor Hurley, Luca Taheny, Alex Fox, Danny Coleman, Liam O’Raghallaigh, Brian Bolger, David Boyle, Karl O’Dwyer, Evan Collins, Cathal O’Reilly, Niall Sweeney, Daniel Fox, Dylan Buckley, Peter Brennan, Mark Dempsey, Rian Collins, Caoimhín O’Neill, Ian Byrne, Luke Doyle, David Carey, Gary Fleming, Frank O’Reilly
