Offaly run out of steam in second half as promotion bid derailed

OFFALY'S bid for promotion was uncermoniously derailed by Down when they recorded a very comprehensive win in Glenisk O'Connor Park on Sunday afternoon.

National Football League Division 3

Down 1-18

Offaly 0-9

A flat and subdued second half display with the wind on their second half meant that Offaly's brave challenge fell short on the final day of the group phase.

As things turned out, Fermanagh's win over Cavan meant that Offaly would have been denied Division 2 football no matter what the result, their second half demise posed plenty to ponder on.

With the sudden death of manager Liam Kearns still fresh in their memories, it was understandable that Offaly would eventually run into empty and they can still reflect with pride on a good, solid league campaign.

They did well to get to eight points and they had a great chance of promotion on the final day of the season. They were not good enough on the day as they ran out of steam in the second half while Down played some very good football. Even though promotion was out of reach for the Northerners, they were certainly not in the mood for handing out any gifts as they laid down a marker for the championship.

The returning Kilcoo contingent made a big difference here and they really controlled the second half. Ahead by 0-9 to 0-6 after playing with the wind in the first half, Down still had plenty of work to do. They dominated play, breaking forward and it quickly became evident that this was a bridge too far for Offaly.

They were still three clear, 0-10 to 0-7 when a fine 44th minute goal from Liam Kerr put them in control. It also completely knocked the stuffing out of Offaly and for whatever reason, their resistance levels and fight was way less than expected. While a break before the Easter Sunday championship date with Longford is no bad thing, this was the most disappointing aspect of the afternoon for Offaly.

They really went down with a whimper as Down scored six without reply for a 1-16 to 0-7 lead with eight minutes left. The game was up for Offaly and this was reflected in their substitutions. Forwards Dylan Hyland and Anton Sullivan had been absolutely pivotal in Offaly's promotion charge but both went into empty here and were called ashore by the 59th minute.

It could have been worse for Offaly as Ian Duffy denied Rory Mason a 64th minute goal as the game drifted out very tamely. Down eased off in the closing few minutes as they emptied the bench but Offaly could do absolutely nothing to turn it around. Jack Bryant and Cian Farrell (free) got late points for Offaly but the game was well and truly gone at that stage – three points with the wind shows how poor Offaly were in the second half and such a beating had not looked likely at half time.

It was a disappointing end to a positive, traumatic league campaign and on the day, Ian Duffy, Lee Pearson, Peter Cunningham, Conor McNamee and Bernard Allen were among the few who impressed – Nigel Dunne's free taking was excellent in the frst half.

Promotion was very much in the balance at half time with Offaly trailing by three but Cavan leading by the same margin in their game against Fermanagh.

Offaly had played against a swirling wind in the first half and a 0-9 to 0-6 deficit left them with plenty to do but it was very retrievable for them.

Offaly played some good football in the first half but were vulnerable when Down broke forward at pace and could have conceded a goal or two – Ian Duffy made a great 20th minute save from Liam Kerr and Down almost broke through the Offaly cover on another couple of occasions.

There was nick or nothing between them the whole way through. The sides were level on five times in the opening 22 minutes before points from Pat Havern and Danny Magill finally gave Down a two point lead. Bernard Allen was wide with a fairly straightforward mark and Dylan Hyland just short with a punched effort as Offaly missed a couple of chances.

Down broke well and points from Eugene Branagan and Ryan Johnston pushed them four clear coming up to the break. Bernard Allen could have got a 35th minute goal, blasting over the bar for a point that left that three point gap in it.

MATCH ANALYSIS

MAN OF THE MATCH

Eugene Branagan (Down): It was a very impressive display by Down and they played excellent football in the second half. The Kilcoo contingent made a big difference to them and one of them, Eugene Branagan is the choice. He scored three points and moved the ball very efficiently all afternoon.

THE SCORERS

Down: Eugene Branagan and Conor McRickard 0-3 each, Liam Kerr 1-0, Ryan Johnston, Danny Magill, Pat Havern and Rory Mason (f) 0-2 each, Niall Kane (f), Ryan McEvoy, Miceal Rooney, Anthony Morgan 0-1 each.

Offaly: Nigel Dunne 0-3 (3f), Bernard Allen 0-2, Cian Donohoe, Cian Farrell (f), Jack Bryant and Anton Sullivan 0-1 each.

THE TEAMS

OFFALY: Ian Duffy; Ciaran Donnelly, Declan Hogan, David Dempsey; Lee Pearson, Peter Cunningham, Rory Egan; Jack McEvoy, Conor McNamee; Cian Donohoe, Ruari McNamee, Anton Sullivan; Bernard Allen, Nigel Dunne, Dylan Hyland. Subs – Jack Bryant for Dunne (47m), Jamie Evans for Donohoe (47m), Joe Maher for Ruari McNamee (53m), Bill Carroll for Hyland (53m), Cian Farrell for Sullivan (59m),

DOWN: Niall Kane; Peter Fegan, Ryan McEvoy, Pierce Laverty; Ryan Johnston, Niall McParland, Gerard Collins; Anthony Doherty, Conor Fitzpatrick; Miceal Rooney, Eugene Branagan, Danny Magill; Liam Kerr, Pat Havern, Rory Mason. Subs – Donagh McAleenan for Kerr (49m), Conor McRickard for Havern (53m), Antony Morgan for Fitzpatrick (57m), Conor Francis for Johnston (58m), Owen McCabe for McParland (65m),

Referee – Seamus Mulhare (Laois).

REFEREE WATCH

Seamus Mulhare was efficient and was not a factor in the result.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Liam Kerr's 44th minute goal put Down 1-10 to 0-7 ahead and ended the game as a contest.

VENUE WATCH

Well done to head grounds man, Jim Kelly and support staff who did a remarkable job in getting the pitch back into tip top shape after Saturday's hurling game between Offaly and Kerry. That game was played in inclement weather and they spent hours after it in O'Connor Park working on the pitch and getting the ground ready. An improvement in weather helped but the end result was a credit to them while there was a decent crowd here.

The County Board also deserve great credit for inviting in school children from each club to a league game to savour the whole O'Connor Park experience. They were given a tour of the ground, including dressing room and press facilities while they played at half time. It has been going on for the last few weeks and the excitement of the children shows how worthwhile an initiative such as this is.

WHAT'S NEXT

Offaly's focus now turns to Longford in the championship.

STATISTICS

Wides: Offaly – 6 (3 in first half); Down – 7 (4 in first half).

Yellow cards: Offaly – 0; Down – 1 (Owen McCabe).

Red cards: 0.