Wolfe Tones' Padraic Diamond looks at his options during this evening's SFC clash with Skryne.

Goals propel Tones to deserved victory

Showing all the guile and effectiveness that helped them to win the Keegan Cup last year Wolfe Tones started the defence of their title with a real sense of purpose at Pairc Tailteann this evening.

Ahead 1-6 to 0-4 at the interval Micheal McDermott's side pushed on to eventually win 3-9 to 0-12.

As the scoreline suggest the reigning champions' ability to create and take goals was a major factor in this contest with Oisin Martyn, Saran O Fionnagain and Thomas Reilly finding the net.

The champions led from start to finish and any time the young Skryne side threatened to draw level Tones were able to conjure up a goal.

The champions also had a 'goal' disallowed in the second-half.

Skryne's Niall Finnerty finished up his team's top marksman with six points, five frees.

He caused Wolfe Tones plenty of problems early on but the champions eventually came to grips with him.

Skryne created few goal chances themselves with Wolfe Tones 'keeper Ciaran Gallagher making one excellent save to deny Skryne's Eoin Smyth in the opening half.

Tones are on their way.

SCORERS

Wolfe Tones - Saran O Fionnagain 1-3; Thomas Reilly 1-0; Oisin Martin 1-0; Caolan Ward 0-3 one free, one '45'; Niall O'Reilly 0-2; Stephen Sheppard 0-1.

Skryne - Niall Finnerty 0-6 five frees; Mark Battersby 0-2; Shane Smyth 0-1; Harry Rooney 0-1; John Finnerty 0-1; Conor O'Brien 0-1.

MORE ANALYSIS OF THE GAME AND PHOTOGRAPHS IN NEXT ISSUE OF THE MEATH CHRONICLE