Buttevant get their revenge on Killavullen.
July 11, 2022
Buttevant came into this first round of Division 1 football desperate to avenge the loss they suffered to Killavullen in the league semi-final a few weeks previous. It turns out that after a fiery game made more so by the sweltering heat, Buttevant would do just that as they walked away with a convincing victory in Doneraile.
It did not take long for Buttevant to show signs of dominance in the first half. Right from the throw-in, Buttevant's main threat, Mark Linehan, collected the ball from centre field and made a daggering run down the heart of the Killavullen defence, polishing the move off with a well-taken score. The Buttevant momentum continued to increase as a flurry of fast-paced attacks on the Killavullen back lines, most notably, a goal from former goalkeeper Diarmuid Doody, who looked comfortable as any forward in front of goal as he rifled the ball into the back of the net. Killavullen however, responded well, looked to have weathered the storm of the Buttevant early intensity, and began to catch up with the pace of the game and found themselves in dangerous positions forcing Buttevant to foul. Killavullen clawed their way back into the game, converting three frees in quick succession. Two from Padraig looney and one from Jamie Magner. However, Buttevant's tenacity was proven in the minutes that followed as they showed great composure to retain control of the game. This control began to display on the scoreboard as they meticulously picked away at gaps in the Killavullen defence with their fast-running game. As they entered half time, Killavullen had left themselves with a hill to climb, but not a mountain. Killavullen 0-3, Buttevant 1-7.
Killavullen introduced Mark Nagle at half time for the injured Gary Lane. Similar to how the game began, Buttevant came out with all guns blazing as they looked to dampen any Killavullen hopes at mounting a comeback. Scores from Mark Linehan and Michael O Neill extended the gap between the sides. Killavullen, however, showed no signs of backing down. Even in the sapping heat, they remained physical and battled to find an avenue back into the game. Their cause was aided by veteran Billy Norris in the 15th minute, who looked as fit as any young bucks on the field. Billy found himself in a pocket of space and calmly slotted the ball over the bar as he hoped to reignite a Killavullen revival. However, this is an experienced Buttevant side, which was evident as for every question Killavullen had for them, Buttevant delivered an answer. Buttevant made devastating runs wrapping around the Killavullen defence, who, not for lack of trying, were unable to contain the speed of their wide players. On the 20th minute, Killavullen made a change seeing the injured Padraig Looney replaced by Charlie Lillis. Killavullen's newly introduced man did not waste any time in getting involved in the game. While on a darting diagonal run, Charlie was fouled, which saw the Buttevant wing back taking the long walk to the side-line after receiving a black card, which considering the time left, was as damning as a red. From here, although now officially a mountain to climb, Killavullen did decrease the deficit with a clever finish on goal by Mikey O Connor, rounding the keeper in style and finishing into the empty net. Substitute Mark Nagle also opened his tally on the night, creating room for himself and finishing in his usual clinical style when given the chance. Nevertheless, even a man down, Buttevant refused to be denied their win, which was well deserved in the end, with their big players stepping up in big moments. This result puts Buttevant in a healthy position heading into the second round of the championship. On the other side of the coin, this loss puts Killavullen in the dreaded must-win category as they square off against Ballyhooly on Friday. Final score Killavullen 1-6, Buttevant 1-14.
The team was;
- James Angland
- Joe Cagney
- Fionn Magner
- Patrick Angland
- Cian O’ Connor
- Liam Cronin
- Brian Cotter
- Mikey O’ Connor (1-0)
- Billy Norris (0-1)
- Kian Lane
- Eddie Cotter
- Paul O’ Sullivan
- Gary Lane
- Jamie Magner (0-2, 2f)
- Pádraig looney (0-3, 3f)