Maguiresbridge 1-09 Coa 1-14

COA travelled to Maguiresbridge on Friday night where they picked up a first win in Division 2 by a scoreline of 1-14 to 1-09.

The first half was a cagey affair with Coa forward Darren McQuade displaying some impressive long-range points to keep the scoreboard ticking for the visitors.

Sean Corrigan answered for the Bridge with a couple of free kicks while midfielder Barry Flanagan also got his name on the scoresheet.

Gary Lynch and Caoilte Farry added points for Coa before Fionn Nolan replied with a goal for Maguiresbridge after a low left-footed shot. The Bridge went into the lead at half-time 1-06 to 0-07.

Peter Phair made a great close-range save to deny Caolan Duffy from adding a second goal for the Bridge early in the second half.

Coa’s confidence grew as the game went on, Ryan Hannah, Oisin Farry and Mark Slevin all added points.

And after the Bridge defence did not deal with a high ball it dropped for Slevin who placed a powerful right-footed shot into the far bottom corner along the ground to give Coa a cushion. Mark Hughes, Caolan Duffy and Sean Corrigan scored late on for the Bridge, but it was not enough to stop Coa from earning a deserved victory.

Coa manager Ruairi McGuinness said he was delighted to get the win: “Obviously we are happy to get the win we are also well aware Maguiresbridge were short a few men tonight.

“But we worked really hard and deserved the win. I think the goal turned the game in our favour and started a real period of dominance for us and we were able to push on and see it over the line.”

Stand-in manager Shane O’Donnell said his Bridge side missed too many chances: “It was a bad day at the office and a game to forget. There were some great scores in the first half and our goal came at a good time.

“Credit to Coa they had some excellent scores from play and free kicks, and we could not take our scores when it mattered. It did not help we were missing men but that is no excuse and Coa deserved it. There’s plenty to work on and we have to improve next time out against Brookeborough.”

Coa take on Tempo this Thursday night, McGuinness said: “It will be a different kettle of fish against Tempo with their squad strength and depth.”