Caulry needed a late Peter Smyth point to salvage a draw in a game that neither side deserved to lose. Having trailed for much of the game Francie Grehan’s side drew level on the three-quarter mark through the ever-reliable Peter Smyth. This followed a break in play of 20 minutes following a clash of heads between two Malachy’s players, one of whom had to be hospitalised.
Alan Mangan kept his side’s nose in front and looked to have clinched the winner when he converted a 45 with time running out. However indiscipline by the Castletown-Geoghegan proved costly as the ball was moved forward and Smyth’s job of converting the final free was made that much easier.
There will be little to separate the sides when they meet again this Saturday in Cusack Park. Eoghan Grennan, who has struggled with shoulder injuries over the years, is unfortunately ruled out of the replay and he will be a big loss at wing for the reds.
Caulry have already proven against Ballynacargy that they are capable of making the most of second chances. It will be tight again but something tells me that this is Caulry’s year and I still thing they will make the breakthrough.
