Bective save best until last to ensure safety

IFC RELEGATION

Saving their best form for when it really mattered, Bective ensured their safety in the IFC for another year at least after they defeated Curraha with six points to spare in this relegation semi-final encounter at Seneschalstown on Friday evening.

They might not have shown any great form or consistency in their championship run this year but, crucially they claimed victory in this game to ensure they survived.

They were greatly helped by two opening half goals from Sean Manning. The first arrived when a fine interception from Neil Dowdall broke up a Curraha attack. The ball was moved swiftly to Cathal McConnell who transferred to Mark O'Brien who used his power to protect the ball and flick it back to McConnell.

His shot was parried by the Curraha goalkeeper. The ball broke to Manning who volleyed to the net from close range. Super fielding and a penetrating run by Tristan O'Neill set up Manning for a well-taken second goal on 18 minutes.

Those goals helped Bective go in at the break 2-6 to 1-5 in front with one of the Curraha strikes coming from the penalty spot.

Bective continued to add to their account early in the second-half when Adam Cully won the throw in and released his midfield partner O'Neill. He, in turn, drove forward and pointed from 20 metres.

Shortly afterwards Manning flicked the ball to David Donnelly who drove forward before blasting the ball to the net. It was then Bective's resolve and character that was really tested as Curraha hit back with two goals of their own in quick succession.

Bective's response was emphatic and decisive. Mark O'Brien who tormented Curraha all game and he was on hand to confidently finish for his team's fourth goal after a powerful run and pass from Donagh Garvey on 44 minutes.

Con Smith, Manning, Adam Cully, Tristan O'Neill and Cathal McConnell were among those to contribute points to Bective's cause.

Defensively Bective stayed strong and organised with Ciaran McConnell managing the ball well. Curraha pressed hard for the scores the needed but a determined, gritty Bective side were in no mood to yield.

Bective - Scott O’Sullivan; Jack Grant, Jarlath Brennan, Donagh Garvey; David Donnelly, Mark Dowdall, Luke Heneghan; Tristan O’Neill, Adam Cully; James Donnelly, Cathal McConnell, Neil Dowdall; Sean Manning, Mark O’Brien, Con Smith.