Extra time push from Bantry minors gives Millstreet the blues
BANTRY BLUES kept the momentum going forward into extra time to get the measure of Millstreet in the Ulster Bank Co. Premier 2 MFC quarter final played at a sizzling Annahala last Sunday.
Bathed in scorching sunshine, the game ebbed and flowed through the opening 60 minutes but in the subsequent bout of 20 minutes, Bantry timed their run to perfection and two goals from David Casey ripped the heart out of a battling Millstreet challenge.
The early exchanges indicated this was going to be a close affair with points at either end confirming a nip and tuck affair. Millstreet relied on points from Michael
Vaughan, Michael Murphy and John Buckley but Bantry answered on likewise scores from Rory Deane and David Casey.
Millstreet proceeded to shade matters in general play from the pursuits of Barry O'Reilly, Brian G Murphy, Buckley, Vaughan and Michael Murphy. And their prospects turned favourably from a Tony Cronin goal.
However Bantry replied before on the break from a David Power goal to enjoy a 1-6 to 1-4 advantage at the break. The balance of the game shifted to Bantry upon the resumption, Alan Keane, Timmy O'Brien, Eoin O'Keeffe and Mark Delaney emerging strongly.
In attack, Casey broke through for the first of his three goals. Millstreet responded positively from points to Vaughan and Murphy in addition to a goal from Cronin.
Bantry held a facility to respond from points to Deane and O'Keeffe. However, Millstreet held the closing say from a Vaughan point to tie matters at 212 apiece by the end of the hour.
Into extra time, the searing heat took its toll on both sides yet Bantry appeared to hold the additional stamina and a lone goal from Casey divided the sides at the end of the first period.
Millstreet funnelled forward in a bid to save the outcome but Casey completed his hat trick to allow Bantry see matters comfortably home at the finish.
