Tempo 1-06 Belcoo 1-08 

A strong second-half performance propelled Belcoo to a hard-earned win over Tempo in the second round of the CADCO Intermediate Championship Group A.

Following their opening-day defeat to Maguiresbridge, the O’Rahilly’s needed a win to keep their hope of progressing in the competition alive.

And they lifted their performance in the second period to set up a vital clash with Roslea this Saturday.

Within 12 seconds, Tempo had the opening score.

The home side won the throw-in and Aidan Breen played in Tiarnan Bogue who went through on goal and he probably should have found the net but blasted over.

Three minutes in Belcoo responded when Ciarán Flaherty pointed after a run.

But Tempo responded in emphatic fashion as they worked the ball from the kickout and a ball in from Eunan McCann was palmed to the net by Oisin Murphy.

Both sides had missed opportunities before Bogue converted a free with Flaherty responding from a free for the visitors and it was 1-02 to 0-02 with 10 minutes played.

Scores would be at a premium for the remainder of the game as both sides were only able to register a point each.

Ben Warnock knocked over a free for Tempo on 19 minutes while Flaherty with help from the posted pointed from a free with the last action of the half to leave it 1-03 to 0-03 at the break.

The second half saw Belcoo start well with Conor McAloon knocking over two good scores to leave one point in it.

Murphy had a chance to increase the lead for Tempo from a close in free but it dropped short.

Ryan McGovern did well to catch a poor shot and played it out to McAloon and he fired over.

From the kickout Belcoo won and drove forward and a few passes found McAloon who pointed off his unfamiliar right foot.

It was a draw game shortly after as Flaherty hit his third free following a foul on Eoin Shiels, 1-03 to 0-06.

Belcoo would take control of the game with 43 minutes played.

McAloon was found in space by Flaherty and he dinked a ball over the top for Shiels to run on to and he fired to the net.

It would take 15 minutes of the half for Tempo to get back on the scoresheet and their first in 26 minutes.

A driving run from Ryan Breen and pass to Warnock allowed the forward to clip over.

The sides traded scores in the last quarter of the game.

The home side had calls for a penalty as Ryan Breen and Josh Killilea came together but the protests were waved away.

Both sides also were guilty of missed chances.

Lawrence McKeown hit his first as he was played in by Shiels.

Bogue tapped over a free in response but McKeown hit a super score to seal the victory despite Conor Foy hitting a late free.

Tempo were also dealt a blow as Caomhin Bogue was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Ryan Leonard.

Speaking after the game Belcoo manager, Mickey McGillen was happy to see his side bounce back from the Bridge defeat.

“Absolutely delighted with the win. Last week against Maguiresbirdge wasn’t a true reflection of our squad and we had a lot of soul-searching throughout the week and two good training sessions. The players knew what they had to do against Tempo.

“I thought in the second half when we scored 1-03 without reply turned the game. Our experienced players came to the fore in the second-half and I thought it was a very good performance.

“We are looking forward to the Roslea game. It’s a huge game for us and we are really looking forward to it.”