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| Wed 19 May 2010 |
AGB's unbeaten run in the Division 1 league came to an end in Blessington on Tuesday evening following a narrow two point defeat to the home side, last years League Champions.
The lads were slow out of the blocks as Blessington began in whirlwind fashion, kicking 4 points without reply with AGB failing to create a single decent opportunity. Blessington then struck for a goal as their centre forward was allowed to waltz through unchallenged giving keeper James Bolger no chance with a powerful finish.
AGB then managed to show why they have shot to the top of the league this year, putting together some nice passages of play led by Stephen Hurley and Barry Gatenby who managed to get on top of their markers. Hurley knocked over a simple free to open AGB's account and was unlucky not to score a goal when his neat flick came back off the post.
While the lads were winning lots of possession, poor handling and an inability to get "stuck in" and get to the grips with the wet conditions didn't help their cause. However, the introduction of Andy Brennan, a few positional switches and a brace of points by the Hurley brothers, Stephen & Damien brought AGB right back into the game and at half time, the deficit had been reduced to 3 points : 1-5 to 5 points.
The second half began at a frantic pace with scores being traded on both sides and Blessington continued to lead until AGB pulled level with 10 minutes gone when a penalty was awarded following a foul on Billy Manley after some sustained pressure. Stephen Hurley made no mistake with the penalty and it was game on!!
The match ebbed and flowed for the next 10 mintues and as conditions deteriorated, both defences got on top with the full back line of Pat Egan, Danny O'Harte, Alan Byrne and James Tyrrell excelling as both sides registered some sloppy wides and turnovers of possession.
With 10 minutes left on the watch, Andy Brennan kicked us into the lead and Philip Gleeson quickly followed up with an expertedly taken goal when one-on-one with the keeper following excellent interplay between Stevie Hurley and newly introduced sub Philip Healy.
AGB sensed victory at this stage but an experinced Blessington side, featuring many ex County players reeled them in and knocked over three unanswered points to leave the gap at one point with minutes remaining.
With their tails up, Blessington went on to rattle off 3 unanswered points for a improbable victory.
While AGB will be downhearted at this defeat, they should reflect on the excellent start they have made to the season and use this defeat as a valuable learning tool and move on as they continue their preparations for the St Pats game on Saturday 30th May.
Team : James Bolger, Alan Byrne, Pat Egan, James Tyrrell, Mick Kavanagh, Adrian Minogue, Paul O'Donogue, Billy Manley, Danny Dempsey, Barry Gatenby, Freddie Millar, Danny O'Harte, Damien Hurley, Philip Gleeson
Subs : Andy Brennan for Miller, Philip Healy for Minogue, Chris Earls for Dempsey
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