N.Y. GAA: Fitter Stamford overcome wasteful Tyrone

By John Markey

For long periods of this senior football Div. 1 encounter, no one would have forecast Stamford’s 1-17 to 1-7 margin of victory. But the manner in which the Connecticut men finished the game was impressive, illustrating how much fitter they have become and proving that their opening performance against Donegal was one to forget.

Aidan Creamer and David Cronin, lending their assistance to Stamford for the weekend, certainly made their presence felt, contributing 1-6 to their side’s total. Indeed, Cronin’s goal concluded a great move, with the final strike one of the best this season to date.

The playoffs now seem a long way off for the Northern side. Two defeats from two outings makes a Top Four position much more difficult. Tyrone displayed a lot more resolve than they did in their opening match and had Stamford under considerable pressure. But it was their lack of fitness that saw the verdict slip out of their grasp. They will have realized this and with their inexperienced panel beginning to grow in stature the months ahead may prove to be more profitable.

In the opening stages, Stamford gained the upper hand, but as the game progressed Tyrone grew in confidence with Philip Mallon and Danny Barr pushing them forward from midfield. However, they squandered several opportunities, and with Aidan Creamer and Mike Martin punishing defensive errors, it allowed Stamford to hold a two point advantage at the break, 0-8 to 0-6.

The second half saw Tyrone forge ahead with Eamon Devlin punching to the net in the early stages. They could have increased their lead but for some wayward shooting, and from this point Stamford took control. Tom McCarthy restored the parity and five unanswered points had them firmly in the ascendancy. David Cronin’s fine goal virtually secured the result with Stamford’s pace unrelenting in the closing stages.

Tom McDonagh, Martin McDermott, Ted Steede, David Cronin, Mike Martin and Aidan Creamer had a fine hour for Stamford with Michael Coleman, Aidan Lloyd, Danny Barr, Philip Mallon, Vincent Hollywood and Eamon Devlin trying hard for Tyrone.

Stamford scorers: A. Creamer 0-6, M.Martin 0-3, D. Cronin 1-0, B. Martin 0-2, T. McCarthy 0-2, J. O’Halloran 0-2, B. McKenna and D., Curtin both 0-1.

Tyrone: D. Barr 0-3, P. Mallon 0-3, E. Devlin 1-0, V. Hollywood 0-1.