In a thrilling championship match, Drumgath pulls off an upset against Mayobridge, thanks to a last-minute goal from Packie Downey.
In an electrifying showdown, Drumgath pulled off a stunning upset by defeating Mayobridge 0-14 to 1-10 during a crucial championship match last weekend. For Drumgath, who recently faced relegation to Division Three, this win is a monumental achievement, securing their place in senior championship football after a thrilling derby clash.
Match Overview
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Clonduff, the atmosphere was charged with excitement as fans from both teams gathered for this historic battle. It was particularly special, marking the first senior football meeting between these neighboring rivals in over 20 years.
Despite the differences in their league standings, both teams brought their A-game, resulting in a fiercely competitive match.
Mayobridge kicked off the game in impressive fashion, taking an early lead with a flurry of scores. Caolan Gallagher was a standout performer, netting 1-5 without a response, giving Mayobridge a commanding 1-6 to 0-2 advantage just 25 minutes in.
But Drumgath wasn’t ready to back down. They rallied back, closing the first half strong with a score of 1-8 to 0-5, showcasing their resilience and tactical savvy.
Turning Point in the Second Half
As the second half commenced, with the wind at their backs, Drumgath quickly shifted the momentum. Eoghan Travers played a pivotal role, scoring twice and assisting Colum McComish for another goal. Meanwhile, Colm Magin dominated the midfield, and Shea Byrne made dynamic runs deep into Mayobridge’s territory, maintaining relentless pressure throughout the half.
With the match heating up, Drumgath leveled the score thanks to a well-timed two-point free from Travers. The intensity skyrocketed as both teams traded points, with Mayobridge’s Brian Grant and Gallagher striving to regain control. However, it was Drumgath that seized the moment, with Packie Downey and Darcy Burns leveling the match with precise kicks.
Dramatic Finish
In a nail-biting finale, the last three minutes had fans on the edge of their seats. Downey made a brilliant move to his left, finding space to unleash a right-footed shot from a tight angle that sailed through the air and over the bar for what turned out to be the winning point. Mayobridge had a chance to equalize, but Gallagher’s challenging free kick against the wind drifted wide, sealing Drumgath’s historic victory.
Meanwhile, Warrenpoint secured their spot in the championship draw with a solid performance, defeating Bredagh 0-17 to 0-11 in another thrilling encounter. After a tightly contested first half, Warrenpoint pulled ahead decisively in the second half, highlighted by an early point from Ruairi McCormick.
This weekend will surely be remembered in local football lore, with Drumgath celebrating a landmark victory and eagerly anticipating their future in senior championship football. Are we witnessing the rise of a new powerhouse?
