VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: Oldcastle's AFL Div 3 title victory over Trim included a goal of real quality

AFL Div 3
Oldcastle2-9
Trim1-9
Their good start proved to be half the battle for Oldcastle as they claimed the A FL Div 3 title with a narrow victory over Trim at Moynalty on Saturday evening.
This repeat of the IFC quarter-final clash last month looked set for another comfortable Oldcastle win when Eoin Gilsenan, Jason Scully and Robbie Farrelly all pointed in the opening minutes to give the north Meath men a strong foothold.

However, just like in their earlier league meeting which ended in a draw and their championship clash Trim battled back and were in contention right until the end.
Trim eventually opened their account in the 15th minute, but moments later Paddy Gilsenan had the ball in the back of their net after Niall Mangan split the Trim defence with a perfect pass.
Trim did reply with another pointed free, but Gilsenan, who was the thorn in their side in the IFC encounter, ensured Oldcastle led by 1-3 to 0-2 at the break.
Any thoughts of an easy evening's work for Oldcastle disappeared immediately after the break when Trim bagged a goal to close the gap to the minimum, but Gilsenan settled his side's nerves with another converted free.
Boosted by that goal Trim found some confidence and kicked three points in succession to lead by one with 20 minutes remaining, 1-5 to 1-4.
However Oldcastle recovered from their mid-match slumber with Ronan Farrelly, Gilsenan, Scully (free) and Ger Reidy restoring their advantage.
Both sides exchanged scores as Trim stayed in touch, but in the closing quarter Oldcastle grabbed a crucial second goal with Ronan Maguire selling a dummy with his right foot before lashing the ball to the net with his left.
Trim piled on the pressure in search of a title saving goal, but they could only manage three more points as Oldcastle defended well and hit the insurance score from Rory McHugh to secure the title and some deserved silverware after an excellent year's work.

Oldcastle - P Kevin; K Connell, C McPartland, S Lawless; R McHugh (0-1), G Reidy (0-1), C Delaney; C McHugh, E Gilsenan (0-1); D Hawdon, P Gilsenan (1-3), R Smith; N Mangan, J Scully (0-2), Robbie Farrelly (0-1). Subs - R Maguire (1-0) for Mangan, Ronan Farrelly (0-1) for Robbie Farrelly, P Monaghan for C McHugh, CJ Healy for Delaney, S Maxwell for Connell, S Tierney for Scully.