Summerhill put Donaghmore/Ashbourne to the sword

It's three wins from three outings in the SFC as far as Summerhill are concerned after they defeated Donaghmore/Ashbourne 2-15 to 2-7 at Pairc Tailteann this evening. 

The ability to translate possession into the scores was the difference in this contest played in the sunshine. 

John Lyons' Summerhill side were far sharper when it came to taking the chances and they deservedly won this contest after leading 0-8 to 1-2 at the interval. 

Some of the point-taking by the 'Hill was exemplary with David Larkin, Seanie Dalton, Davy Dalton, Kevin Ryan and Brian Ennis knocking over the kind of scores from play that augurs well for them as the quest for the Keegan Cup intensifies.  

The Summerhill goals were also created with a combination of speed and skill that opened up gaps in Donaghmore/Ashbourne defence. The first arrived on 40 minutes when Seanie Dalton finished superbly after a Ronan Ryan shot had been brilliantly saved by Jack Hannigan. 

Their second goal on 52 minutes the product of an inventive, fast-paced move with Dalton releasing Barry Dardis and he finished to the net with a flourish. That left the 'Hill in front, 2-13 to 2-5 and you knew there was no way back for the team in green after that. 

Dardis is a place-kicker capable of considerable power and accuracy and he contributed three points from placed balls including one monster free from near half-way. 

With the kind of pace players such as David Larkin, Seanie Larkin and Davy Dalton possess Summerhill are always going to be a threat and when that's combined with a high level of accuracy than they are difficult to stop. 

Donaghmore/Ashbourne had plenty of possession but a statistic that stands out from this game is the wide count: Donaghmore/Ashbourne hit 12 while the 'Hill registered seven. 

All too often Donaghmore/Ashbourne were laboured. They struggled to create any space near the Summerhill goal although they did bag two goals that kept them in contention. 

With 12 minutes on the clock John Broderick was deemed to be fouled in the square and Paul Galligan slotted home the penalty with aplomb. Then Donaghmore/Ashbourne didn't score for the next 23 minutes as the 'Hill took a grip on proccedings. Sean Barry's side did get a second goal with 41 minutes played when Thomas McGovern set up Dara McGovern who netted from close range but they couldn't push on. 

Conor Carton, Shane Melia, Dylan Brady, Dara McGovern and Leo Reilly did get points  over the hour but too many chances were wasted and Summerhill took full advantage. 

Summerhill - Tony McDonnell; Iarla Hughes, Willie Ryan, Ronan Ryan; Padraig Geraghty, Richie Hatton, Ross Ryan; Michael Byrne, Brian Ennis (0-3 two frees); Kevin Lyons, Barry Dardis (1-3 two frees, one '45'), David Larkin (0-4); Sean Dalton (1-2), Kevin Ryan (0-1), Davy Dalton (0-2). Subs - Liam Shaw for K Ryan 19 mins. 

Donaghmore/Ashbourne - Jack Hannigan; JP Casserly, Cormac McGill, Conor Carton (0-1); Colm O Mealoid, Shane Melia (0-1), Paul Gilligan (1-0 penalty); Conor Carey, Bryan Menton; Sean Byrne, Dylan Brady (0-1), David Carey; Dara McGovern (1-2 one free), John Broderick, Thomas McGovern. Subs - Ciaran Ellis for Byrne 22 mins, Leo Reilly (0-2) for Carey 38m, Jack Giles for Broderick 40m. 

Referee - Liam Reddy (Duleek/Bellewstown).