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Bell’s boys bounce back
Jackie Crossan Premier Division 30.04.08

Quigley’s Points Swifts...0

Redcastle...1
(Martin Farren ’64)

by Michael Stamp, Inishowen Independent, at Muff

A MUCH-changed Redcastle managed to scrape a victory against local rivals Quigley’s Point Swifts in Muff on Sunday on a perfect day for football. With the sun shining and a great pitch, good football should have been served. However, good football was the last thing on either team’s minds. Redcastle have been stuttering in the league lately and three points, no matter how they would be earned, was their goal. The Point, on the other hand, have already guaranteed Champions League football next season yet local pride was still on the line.
In keeping with the tradition of derbies the opening exchanges were cagey. The Point had the first decent chance of the match when Sean Harkin headed just wide from a corner. In the early moments the home side were in the ascendancy and Terry McColgan and Donny Bell both had efforts, albeit efforts that didn’t challenge Redcastle ’keeper Gerard Crossan.
Redcastle were slow coming out of the blocks but they were still potent with Colm McLaughlin and Joe Doherty having chances. Stephen Davenport was also unfortunate to see his shot go just wide.
The game was very scrappy with midfield battles being the order of the day. The Swifts were by far the better team for the rest of the half and saw Seamus McColgan head wide from a Rory McColgan free kick and Kevin Wallace shoot over from distance. In the 40th minute the Point were given a great chance to get in front when the referee pointed to the spot after Terry McColgan was brought down by Martin Farren. The penalty was somewhat debatable but it became a moot point as Sean Harkin put the penalty just wide.
Referee Laurence Duggan was the busiest man on the pitch in the first half booking six players. In all fairness, most of the bookings were warranted with tackles flying in from both sides.
The Point had the first chance of the second half when Terry McColgan saw his free kick sail over. Redcastle were much improved in the second half and had chances of their own with sub Brendan Murphy striking just wide after a ball from Gavin McCauley.
Redcastle were rewarded for their improved display with a goal in the 64th minute. Marty McNutt delivered a brilliant free kick into the area and Marin Farren sent a bullet header past Mark Duffy.
McNutt was playing particularly well and his set pieces were a constant danger to the Swifts’ defence.
Swifts were still battling but Martin Farren and Niall McColgan were proving tough for the home side to penetrate. Bob Buchanan sent a good ball into Terry McColgan who struck over. The home side almost got lucky with a strike from the half way line by Kevin Wallace but Redcastle custodian Gerard Crossan had it covered. The Swifts kept plugging away but to no avail as Redcastle took the three points and kept their tile hopes alive.

Quigley’s Points Swifts: Mark Duffy, Dean Barron, Paul Grant, Christy Harkin, Kevin Wallace, Sean Harkin, Bob Buchanan, Rory McColgan, Donny Bell, Terry McColgan, Seamus McColgan. Subs: Paul Hegarty, Alan Harkin, Dean Hegarty, Joe Johnson.

Redcastle United: Gerard Crossan, Liam Davenport, Seamus Doherty, Martin Farren, Niall McColgan, Colm McLaughlin, Gavin McCauley, Paul Doherty, Stephen Davenport (Alan Harkin), Joe Doherty, Marty McNutt. Subs: Seamus Farren, Joe McClenaghan

For full coverage of all your weekend sport, read the Inishowen Independent.
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