Clarke late winner has huge implications at both ends of Championship table
Jamie Clarke's late point proved to be the winner for Bagenalstown Gaels
A last minute point from Jamie Clarke lifted Bagenalstown Gaels into the knock-out places of the Senior Football Championship and, with one series of games to go, consigned the Borris side into a desperate battle to avoid a place in the relegation final.
There was an element of controversy in the final stages where it looked as if Fiachra Fitzpatrick’s two point effort had nudged Rangers in front. The umpires seemed to signal a score but the match officials reconsidered and an umpire signalled a wide. Word afterwards was that the side-line official had made the decision. It was a cruel way to lose and a great way to win with Clarke the Bagenalstown saviour at the end.
The first half ebbed and flowed with both sides missing chances as defenders cut down the space which left it difficult for their opposite numbers. Jake Doyle did score two points and Jamie Clarke one for Bagenalstown Gaels as they went into a 0-3 to 0-1 lead after six minutes.
Gary Kelly was the Rangers scorer as his experience exerted his influence on the game. Feature of the half were the two pointers for Patrick Stafford and Jon Nolan while Cian Doyle picked off three frees.
At the break the sides were level at 0-8 each. On 37 minutes, Fitzpatrick converted a Ranger’s free but Cian Doyle replied with a two-pointer for Bagenalstown Gaels. Conaill Fitzpatrick also found the posts with a two-point free from outside the arc and with just ten minutes to go the sides were tied at 0-13 each.
The Gaels had a spell in the ascendancy with points from Paddy McDonnell, Robbie Kane and Cian Doyle pushing them clear. A Rob Stafford Rangers two-pointer narrowed the gap and set up the fascinating finale. Fiachra Fitzpatrick levelled with a simple free after the two-pointer was ruled out.
The kick-out was vital. When Bagenalstown Gaels took possession in a frantic few seconds the die was cast. Attacking down the left the right man had the ball. Clarke never batted an eyelid and showing excellent composure he floated the ball over the Rangers crossbar for the winning score.
C Doyle 0-7 (1-2pf, 3fs), J Clarke 0-4, R Kane 0-3, Jake Doyle 0-2, P McDonnell 0-1.
F Fitzpatrick 0-4 (3fs), C Fitzpatrick 0-4 (1-2pf 45), J Nolan (1-2p), G Kelly, R Stafford (1-2p), P Stafford (1-2p) 0-2 each.
Rory Doyle; Thomas McDonnell, Jason Wall, Paddy Abbey; Sean Wall, Danny Doyle, Shane Clarke; Oisin Dillon, Jack McCullagh; Patrick McDonnell, Jamie Clarke, Jake Doyle; Cian Doyle, Robbie Kane, Jason Dillon Subs: Niall Bolger for S Clarke (h/t), Alan Wall for Dillon (54).
Tomas Joyce; Joe Dundon, Sean Joyce, Jamie Nolan; Jack Griffith, Evan Kealy, Tim Brennan; Jon Nolan, Patrick Stafford; Fiachra Fitzpatrick, Conaill Fitzpatrick, Conor Fenlon; Donagh Murphy, Gary Kelly, Chris Nolan. Subs: Kyle Nolan for R Stafford (54), Jack Joyce for Bible (temporary), Eoin Doyle for P Stafford (57).
David Hickey (Fenagh).
