Liam Blake’s Hat-Trick Leads Newtown Gaels to Championship Victory
Manguard Park echoed with excitement on Saturday as the Manguard Plus Minor Football B Championship unfolded, culminating in a thrilling match that saw Newtown Gaels defeat Balyna 3-8 to 1-10. The standout performance came from towering full-forward Liam Blake, who netted a remarkable hat-trick, securing his team’s championship victory and earning the coveted Man of the Match title.
Building Momentum Early
From the first whistle, Newtown Gaels displayed their intent. Within the opening ten minutes, they surged to an impressive lead of 1-3. Barry Kelly kicked off the scoreboard with an opening-minute point, shortly followed by a 30-meter free converted by Josh Gannon. The early momentum took a hit for Balyna as center-back Kieran Ryan was shown a black card just three minutes into the game, leaving them at a disadvantage.
Blake was quick to capitalize on this setback, scoring his first goal in the 9th minute with a deft flick from Mick O’Toole’s high delivery. This goal instilled confidence within the Newtown Gaels, who extended their lead to six points just moments later with a point from Ross Kavanagh.
Balyna’s Response
Despite the early dominance of Newtown Gaels, Balyna took nearly twenty minutes to respond. Jimmy Lynch finally broke their scoring drought with a converted 40-meter free in the 20th minute. This was soon followed by a point from Andrew Nicholson, but Balyna was still trailing significantly.
With six minutes remaining in the first half, Joe Morrissey delivered another perfect ball into Blake’s path, allowing him to score his second goal. Newtown Gaels surged ahead with another point from Gannon, pushing the score to 2-4 to 0-2. However, Balyna worked hard to stay in contention, with Luke Ennis converting two frees alongside a point from Liam Dunne, closing the gap to five points at halftime.
Second Half Drama
Newtown Gaels started the second half in control, with Oisín Hand and Oisín Bagnall notching points to extend their lead. Balyna’s Ennis, however, refused to be subdued, adding two more frees to the scoreline. The tension rose after Lynch scored a remarkable point in the 41st minute, reducing the gap to just four points.
Blake’s dominance re-emerged five minutes from time when he scored his third goal, following a high delivery from Gannon that left Balyna’s defense grappling. Despite a spirited effort from Balyna, including a consolation goal from Ennis and near misses, Newtown Gaels had established an unassailable lead.
Luke Percival in goal for Newtown Gaels showcased impressive skills, notably when he thwarted a penalty from Ennis to keep Balyna at bay.
A Closer Look at the Teams
Newtown Gaels’ Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Luke Percival
- Defenders: Donnacha McCormack, Cillian Barr, Charlie Byrne
- Midfielders: Oisín Dwane, Mick O’Toole, Oisín Hand (0-1), Billy Kelly (captain) (0-1), Ben Kehoe
- Forwards: Joe Morrissey, Josh Gannon (0-2, 1f), Ross Kavanagh (0-1), Oisín Bagnall (0-3, 1f), Liam Blake (3-0), Faolan Hayden
- Substitutes: Ryan Bagnall, Jamie Hand
Balyna’s Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Ben O’Riordan
- Defenders: Brandon Murray, Jack McKeon, Corey McKeon
- Midfielders: Conor O’Donoghue, Kieran Ryan (0-1), Shane Grimes
- Forwards: Andrew Hill, Darragh Carey, Ethan Tansey, Luke Ennis (1-5, 4fs), Andrew Nicholson (0-1), Jimmy Lynch (0-2, 1f), Rian Cully, Liam Dunne (0-1)
- Substitutes: Shayne Boyle, Seán Denehan, Flynn Nolan, Gareth Davitt, Liam Colleran
End of a Thrilling Match
As the match drew to a close, Newtown Gaels emerges as deserving champions of the Manguard Plus Minor Football B Championship. Liam Blake’s performance remains a talking point among fans and analysts alike, illustrating the importance of teamwork and individual brilliance in the sport.
This victory not only highlights the skills present in local football but emphasizes the shared spirit and community engagement found in sports at this level. As the dust settles on Manguard Park, Newtown Gaels can celebrate their title, a moment that will live on in local sporting history.
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