New York 1-9
Boston 1-7
By Frank Brady
This game Sunday at Gaelic Park had the potential to be a redemptive experience for New York as they had failed to get the better of Boston in the last two meetings. However, a 2-point victory brought little redemption or vindication. One would be forgiven if it appeared that Boston was the team in serious training and New York the squad thrown together with no particular mission in sight on this occasion.
Boston started smartly as wing back Richie Fleming fired over a point after 30 seconds, followed by a fine effort from Michael McGinty. Michael Slowey then wasted a good chance to open New York’s account. However, he quickly made amends, scoring a free after being fouled. A few minutes later Fleming popped up again with another point. The New York fullback was penalized, and Ross Hainsworth slotted over the resultant free. Slowey responded with another free after good support play from Mahoney and Dowd. Then followed a short silly spell when New York indulged in short passing when a score was there for the taking. This was compounded when McCready and Foley got their signals crossed after a good delivery by Lilly.
Nigel Regan extended Boston’s lead after a foul by Ken O’Connor on the 30-yard line. With 10 minutes left, Kevin Lilly pointed after Tadgh Foley was fouled. Hainsworth increased Boston’s lead as they continued to dominate, missing several good scoring chances in the process. The halftime score was 0-5 to 0-3 in Boston’s favor.
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In the first half, New York looked lethargic and lackluster, a good indication of their ineptitude was the fact that they failed to score from play. At midfield they had size and strength but little mobility and ‘rial power, while the fullback line looked vulnerable at times.
The second half was extended to 35 minutes. Paul O’Connor and Darren Rocks came into the defense while Niall McCready moved up front to generate some spark. James Higgins also entered the game. Boston raced further ahead after Richie Fleming drove in a penalty, after multiple infringements in the penalty area. This seemed to be the wake-up call that New York needed as Kevin Lilly registered their first score from play, followed by a Slowey free. Then in a rare incisive New York move, James Higgins and Bingo Driscoll combined well with Fadgh Foley to finish with a well-taken goal to level the scores at 1-5 each.
New York continued to advance with points from Michael Slowey and Kevin Lilly. However, Boston refused to fold, with Allan Comerford and Gary Mage coming close. With the increasing winds favoring the home team and Boston’s Lar Bardon being sent to the line, New York were now gaining more control. Kevin Lilly inched them further ahead with a well-struck 50. Then a great run by the dynamic Fleming ended as Hainsworth was dispossessed as he bore down on the New York goals. Boston chipped over another point to leave just a goal between the sides. Once again, Richie Fleming, one of the most exciting players on the field, forced a top-shelf save from Eunan Doherty, and Boston continued to press with the best that they could do was a point from Nigel Regan to close out the scoring at 1-9 to 1-7.
On the plus side, Michael Slowey made a welcome return to New York football and was easily their best attacker. Kevin Lilly also showed touches of his class, as did Bingo Driscoll. Still, a forward of his caliber can ill afford to play so far out. Driscoll is one of the few New York players whot can taunt and tantalize a fullback line. Others to catch the eye were Martin Slowey, Niall McCready, Pa Murphy, Tadgh Foley, and, of course, keeper Doherty.
Judging from the level of the decibels coming from the New York dressing room, it appeared not to be a happy place after the game. For a team that is not in contention, the pride and purpose of the Boston play was commendable, especially the dynamo Richie Fleming, Michael McGinty, Ross Hainsworth, Nigel Regan, Allan Comerford, and Kieran Cox.
New York: Eunan Doherty, Pa Murphy, James Mitchell, Kieran Walsh, Martin Slowey, John Driscoll, Niall McCready, Ken O’Connor, Martin Coll, Kevin Lilly, Pat Mahoney, Gary Dowd, Bingo Driscoll, Michael Slowey, Jamie Driscoll. Subs: Tadgh Foley, Kieran Traynor, James Higgins, Rory Sweeney, Paul O’Connor, Brendan Horan, Darren Rocks.
Boston: Declan Traynor, Lar Barden, Michael Geoghan, Kieran Cox, Allan Comerford, Kevin Comer, Richie Fleming, Kieran Connelly, Michael McGirty, Ken Killeen, Gary Maye, Gary Comerford, Ross Hainsworth, Nigel Regan, Dessie Molohan.
Referee: Martin Gallagher (Boston).