Knockbeg far too strong for very depleted Benildus side
GAELIC GAMES: LEINSTER SF ‘A’ RD 1
THERE was disappointment for St Benildus College at Dr Cullen Park yesterday afternoon, when the Kilmacud school were on the receiving end of a 3-18 to 1-4 defeat to an impressive Knockbeg College outfit in the opening round of the Leinster Senior Football ‘A’ Championship.
With a number of players missing from their squad – including Dublin minor star Andrew McGowan – Benildus were under-strength for this encounter against formidable provincial opposition.
Additionally, following their reversal to St Aidan’s CBS (after extra-time) at the penultimate stage of the Dublin SF ‘A’ Championship last Thursday, Benildus had a very short time span to prepare for this clash.
Their cause wasn’t helped when Callum Pearson was issued with a contentious black-card just two minutes into the contest, but thanks to strong work in defence by the likes of Stephen McEntee and captain Nathan Nolan, as well as a neatly-constructed goal from Keith Noonan, they had reduced their deficit to five points in the early stages of the second period.
However, owing to a brace of well-worked goals, along with a series of points, Knockbeg (who are coached by former Laois footballer Chris Conway) ultimately progressed in comprehensive fashion.