Four Masters are left in dire straits after suffering their third defeat in the league at home to Malin this afternoon.
Four Masters 0-13 Malin 1-13
By Conor Breslin
The home side started much the better team landing on the scoreboard after just 20 seconds with a point from 17-year-old Jamie Crawford at half-back. Malin replied quickly however with a free slotted over by full forward Darren Malarkey.
Four Masters produced some nice football scoring three unanswered points in the opening five minutes from Michael Doherty, Patrick Reid and Jason Duignan.
Malin remained patient and eventually were rewarded with two points scored by Benny and Paul McLoughlin to put one between the teams.
With dry conditions and a wind in their favour the ever-present Michael Doherty produced a strong performance on the day landing a tight angled point to keep his side ahead. The visitors kept fighting however with midfielder Christopher McLoughlin scoring his first of four points.
Malin eventually took the lead in the 16th minute after a Masters attack resulted in an unforced turnover, Malin broke through the heart of the Four Masters defence which resulted in corner-forward Joe DOherty driving the ball past goalkeeper Eamon Jordan.
Malin took control at this stage with points scored from Darren Malarkey and Benny McLoughlin, however the hard-working team of Kevin McBrearty and Michael Doherty resulted in them slotting over two points apiece to bring the teams level to the dressing room at half time.
Malin got off to the worse possible start with their danger man Benny McLoughlin who, already received a yellow card in the first half, was sent off after a off the ball pull down on corner-back Cathal Canavan. Four Masters took this to their advantage with full-back John Boyle charging up the field only to give it to Leo McHugh who fire it over the cross bar. Christopher McLoughlin responded quickly from a kickout to land a point of his own.
With a combination of turnovers and fatigue, Malin felt a sign of hope to Four Masters frustration, scoring three unanswered points in the final 15 minutes from Paul and Christopher McLoughlin. Kevin McBrearty’s score in the 18th would be Four Masters final point as Malin took complete control looking the much fitter and stronger team. Final points from Sean Kelly and Christopher McLoughlin was the cure Malin needed to seal their victory in Donegal Town.
Four Masters scorers: Leo McHugh (2 points), Jamie Crawford (1 point), Kevin McBrearty (2 points), Patrick Reid (1 point), , Jason Duignan (1 point), Michael Doherty (5 points).
Malin: Paul McLoughlin (3 points), Sean Kelly (1 point), Christopher McLoughlin (4 points), Benny McLoughlin (2 points), Joe Doherty (1:01), Darren Malarkey (2 points).
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