Heffernan goal vital in Trim victory

All the tactics in the world can count for nothing if the basics aren't mastered and that was the case at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday afternoon as the simplicity of Neil Heffernan's goal, 11 minutes from time, earned Trim a SHC victory over Clann na nGael. Trim set out their stall with Michael Lowther moving from corner-forward to operate in the half-back line with Alan Douglas and Heffernan in the full-foward positions. However, once Clann na nGael adapted to that style they had Trim in trouble and it wasn't until John Andrews' charges reverted to a more orthodox game with Niall Murray on the edge of the square that they got the upperhand. The game was of a very poor standard with both sides guilty of scrappy play and terrible waywardness in front of the posts. The crucial and decisive score came when Colm Doyle's long clearance was broken down superbly by Murray and Heffernan followed in to clip the ball to the net. That gave Trim a 1-10 to 0-10 lead and settled them after they had fallen behind for the first time just four minutes earlier when Paddy Geraghty stroked over a long-range effort. The squally showers that prevailed before throw-in and at half-time didn't help the flow of the contest and led to lots of slipping, sliding, poor handling and late tackles. Both sides were guilty and responsible for the sleep-inducing opening period. The standard improved after the resumption as Clann na nGael came more into the game which spurred a response from Trim. Prior to Clann na nGael's improvement Trim seemedcontent to plod along to victory with only Joey Toole showing any serious urgency. The Trim talisman is still a majestic player, but at times he to seemed afflicted by the malaise of the game as he missed several decent chances that he would normally put over with his eyes shut. Trim's decision to move Murray to the edge of the square might have been assisted by the fact that the big midfielder had played in goals in a full training match with the Meath senior football panel just a couple of hours earlier and was obviously exhausted from his endeavours. It is hard to know what Trim's aspirations or ambitions are? They appear to be a team very much in transition with many new young players starting to make an impact, but they still have a nucleus of experience and should be producing better fare than they are currently finding. Jimmy Canty was moved to full-back with Gay Kennedy taking up a midfield role. Those stalwarts are still the driving force, along with Toole, and if they can elicit better performances from those around them then they might have a big say this year. Toole started brilliantly converting two huge frees, a '65' and a point from play, while Lowther was also on target to give Trim a 0-5 to 0-0 lead after 11 minutes. It took Clann na nGael another six minutes to open their account when Barry Doherty pointed. Doherty replicated that score two minutes later after Toole had pointed again. However, for the remainder it was all Clann na nGael as they restored parity before the break, 0-6 each, with points from Daithi Geraghty (two frees), Paddy Geraghty and Matthews. Inside the opening minute of the second-half Toole and Alan Douglas restored Trim's advantage, but Clann na nGael refused to give up. Toole had a 20-metre free stopped by Vinny Doyle and Murray missed the follow up, before points from Paddy Geraghty (two) and Matthews cancelled out a Douglas effort to give Clann na nGael a surprise 0-10 to 0-9 lead which lasted three minutes. Toole restored parity from a free before the winning goal from Heffernan. Daithi Geraghty converted a free to close the margin to two points, but Trim shut up shop and sealed the win when Heffernan dispossessed Jamie Shaw with nine minutes remaining. Trim - B Carley; K Higgins, J Canty, B Keogh; P Gilsenan, C Doyle, C Joyce; N Murray, G Kennedy; T Farrell, J Toole (0-7, three frees, '65'), D Magee; M Lowther (0-1), A Douglas (0-2), N Heffernan (1-1). Subs - R Andrews for Farrell 43 mins, D Melia for Gilsenan 46m. Clann na nGael - V Doyle; A McCormack, P Shore, G Woods; D O'Shea, G Mangan, M Mullen; J Shaw, D Geraghty (0-4, frees); B Higgins, D Heaney, P Geraghty (0-3); T Matthews (0-2), B Doherty (0-2), G Breachnach. Sub - D Wright for Heaney 37 mins. Referee - Gerry Kelly (Navan O'Mahonys).