February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Offaly 6-22
New Jersey 3-6
Offaly were on top from the get go in an impressive performance that lifts the perennial cellar dwellers to 3-1-1, just one point behind division leaders Connecticut.
Trevor Molton got the slithoar rolling for the Faithful with a first-minute point. Paul Carroll followed with a point, and then after a long Mike Dolan sideline cut, Carroll hit the twines. Offaly were all over New Jersey, cruising to a 1-7 to 0-2 lead when back-to-back goals devastated the suburbanites. Damien Culleton and Carroll goaled 30 seconds apart and Offaly were on their way.
Jersey were quick to respond with a Derek Gleason goal, but Offaly came right back at them. Points from Molton and Carroll were answered by Kevin Corbett’s goal from a free, but Molton’s three pointer led Offaly to the half with a 4-9 to 2-3 midway lead.
Offaly kept the foot on the gas, never letting New Jersey threaten the rest of the way. This performance puts Offaly in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs after several years in the wilderness. New Jersey are also still in the hunt, but they will want to improve on this performance.
Man of the Match: Paul Carroll.
Offaly: Alan Gleason, Seamus Spain, Mike Dolan, John Hanlon, Enda Condren, Brian Delaney, Niall Marshall (0-2), Dave Henry (0-4), Kieran Brennan (0-2), Adrian Guinan (0-3), Trevor Molton (1-3), Damien Culleton (2-3, 1 free), Paul Carroll (3-4, 1 70, 1 free), Subs: N. Carney (0-1), John Loughnane, Stephen O’Connor, Alan O’Meara
New Jersey: Kevin McManus, Noel Doherty, Tom Bermingham, Ronan Sheedy, Kevin Moore, Declan Hogan, Tony Spillane, David Connell (0-2, 1 free), Kevin Corbett (2-4, 3 frees), James Cantwell, Derek Gleason (1-0), Willie Convey.