Shels down holders
IT WAS all so easy for Shelmaliers as they demolished the holders, St. Martin's, with ease in this one-sided Captain Michael Baker Under-21 football Premier championship semi-final at Hollymount on Wednesday last.
Shelmaliers, having first use of the strong downfield wind, were the dominant side from the outset as they pressurised St. Martin's into mistakes. It was evident early on that the holders were about to relinquish their title as they were totally outplayed in every sector of the pitch.
The home side looked impressive with their controlled brand of football, mixing the short passing game with the long ball, which was hugely effective in dismantling a weak opposition defence. With André O'Brien and Conor Walsh dominant in defence, and Aidan Cash and Ciarán O'Shaughnessy on top in midfield, it was no surprise that the attack ran up an impressive final scoreline, which really could have been far greater with more accuracy in front of goal.
St. Martin's only offered a token defence of their title in what was a disappointing display. It looked from a very early stage as if they accepted the inevitable as their defence was completely over-run, while the attack never offered a real threat.
By the end of the opening quarter Shelmaliers had stormed into a 2-2 to nil lead with both goals coming frm Brian Tobin, with St. Martin's having to wait until the 16th minute for their opening score, an Alan Kehoe pointed free.
When Shelmaliers added a third goal from James Gordon following fine approach play from Benny Barron, the Shels looked comfortable, leading by 3-6 to 0-2 at the interval, with their opponents' second point also a Kehoe free just on half-time.
Surprisingly the Shels dominance continued into the strong wind as they picked off points with James Gordon and Conor Byrne very much to the fore.
The St. Martin's goal arrived five minutes from the end through a Ciarán Redmond penalty, but by then the result was a foregone conclusion.
- BRENDAN FURLONG in Hollymount
