Rooney's goal separates Blues and Naomh Máirtín in Division One clash

Division One

Newtown Blues 0-8 Naomh Máirtín 1-8

A first half goal from JP Rooney proved the difference as Naomh Máirtín collected their fourth win of the campaign to remain in touch with the Division One leaders.

The game at Newfoundwell on Friday night was a repeat of last year’s county final and once again it proved to be a closely contested affair. Once again the Monasterboice side had the slight edge for much of the game, but on this occasion they managed to hold out for the win.

Blues came into the game on the back of a confidence-boosting first win of the season in their previous outing. However, like Máirtín’s, they were hampered by the loss of their county players and were unable to add a second win.

The visitors took the game to Blues from the start and it was Rooney’s goal that helped give his side a 1-5 to 0-3 advantage at the break.

The Drogheda men battled throughout the second half and kept in touch with the help of scores from Robert Carr. However, sub Francis McCullough grabbed two vital points for his side as the Jocks did enough to hold out for the win.

Newtown Blues: Jay Lowney; Thomas Costello, Niall Costello, Conor Ayson; Ian Connor, Johnny Connolly, Alan Connor; John Kermode (0-1), Johnny McDonnell; Dáire Nally (0-2), Jimmy Murray, Jamie Kelly (0-1); Conor Moore, Robert Carr (0-4), Colm Judge

Subs: Hugh McGinn, Johnny McDonnell, Cormac McQuillan, Keith Lynch

Naomh Máirtín: Jamie Mulholland; Paul Berrill, Mick Fanning, Shane Campbell; Pádraig McDonagh, Conor Morgan (0-1), Mark Whelan; Gavan Mooney, Val Leddy; Jack Murphy, Stephen Campbell (0-1), Wayne Campbell; Conor Whelan (0-1), JP Rooney (1-3), Brian McQuillan

Subs: Francis McCullough (0-2), Conor Healy, Eoin Wright, Graeme McQuillan