CONFUSION was the order of the evening in Falcarragh after the County U-21A tie between Cloughaneely and Termon.
Cloughaeely 0-9 Termon 1-7*
The score above was the one match referee James Connors from St Eunan’s insisted on how the contest finished. And it’s his decision that for tonight at least, is final.
The majority of those in attendance, however, had a drawn game, Cloughaneely 0-10 to Termon’s 1-7.
Nobody was quite sure when the final whistle was tooted and when hands began being shaken as dusk fell, it was clear there would be no extra-time and everyone discovered Termon were declared the winners by a single point.
For the record kept by this reporter, it was a drawn match at full-time as Brian McDaid and Johnny McCaffferty’s Termon team hadn’t led once all evening.
There was a lot of inquiries afterwards, with Connors showing his notes to officials from both teams in his dressing room, as well as comparing notes with the media. Cloughaneely’s protests, it must be noted, were not vehement and there wasn’t a voice raised as everyone merely sought to clarify the apparent discrepancy.
Termon, for their part, were sympathetic and whilst there was talk of a possible replay – at the Burn Road more than likely – this is a matter that might rumble on to the boardroom.
One thing is for sure, Kevin Scanlon’s Cloughaneely were 0-4 to 0-1 up at half-time. The scoring was low, although both sides were contesting well with poor finishing hampering each. The hosts kicked six wides in that first period, while Termon had seven with another four balls dropping into Cloughaneely goalkeeper Shaun McClafferty’s hands.
Cillian Gallagher, who would score six times in all, posted two points before the break and was joined on the scoresheet by Martin Ferry and John Harley. Termon managed their solitary first half score through a Daire McDaid free on 26 minutes.
Points were traded at the start of the second half, with Michael Fitzgerald scoring for Cloughaneely and Enda McCormick replying for Termon.
The away team lost centre-back Alan Dugera, who suffered a heavy hit and had to be helped from the field.
At that stage, it looked as though there was only going to be one winner in any case, with Cillian Gallagher kicking three points – two frees and one from play – in just over two minutes to give Cloughaneely an 0-8 to 0-2 advantage with only 18 minutes remaining.
Termon were struggling but regardless if they scored enough points to draw the match or even win it, they certainly finished very well with Ricky Gallagher pivotal to their comeback.
The midfielder scored a point to reduce their arrears to five before adding another after McCormick picked up a rebound to point.
Then came an outstanding goal from McDaid, who on receipt of a diagonal ball from McCormick, picked up possession in the right-corner forward berth and cut inside two defenders before thundering a shot past McClafferty on 45 minutes.
The discrepancy with the scores, when looking back, occurred in this opening quarter-four of the second half. Connors, who was communicating throughout, told the players that Termon now led 1-5 to 0-7 when others had the score level at 1-5 to 0-8.
Cloughaneely were off target for long spells of the second half, posting another eight wides, but did score twice to edge ahead – on the unofficial scorecards it must be noted – 0-10 to 1-5 with Cillian Gallagher and substitute Eamon McHugh the scorers. Termon rallied again and managed to point twice, with McDaid and the galloping Ricky Gallagher on the mark.
There was a frenetic finish, with the waters becoming muddy in regards the score and both teams passed up huge chances.
Termon’s McCormick hit an upright and, following a scramble, McClafferty cleared the danger. Then, at the other end, with Termon penned in, Cloughaneely it seemed had a massive opportunity, only for an effort from Jason McGee to fall wide.
Full-time. All over? Who knows.
Cloughaneely: Shaun McClafferty; Ciaran McFadden, Cian McFadden, Noel Sweeney; Daniel Scott, Martin Ferry (0-1), Christopher Cannon; Joe Coll, Lee O’Brien; Mark Harley (0-1), Jason McGee; Michael Fitzgerald (0-1), Cillian Gallagher (0-6, 4f), Ciaran McGeady. Sub: Eamon McGee (0-1) for Sweeney (42).
Termon: Shane McElwaine; Fintan O’Flynn, Antoin Friel, CillÃan McConigley; Shane Callaghan, Alan Dugera, Lee Doherty; Caolan Mellett, Ricky Gallagher (0-3); Nathan McElwaine, James McSherry, Daire McDaid (1-2, 1f); Joe McCusker, Evan Donoghue, Enda McCormick (0-2). Subs: Paul Mallon for Dugera (40), Damien Carins for O’Flynn (56, black card)
 Referee: James Connors (St Eunan’s)
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