Na Fianna survive stern Curraha test
Na Fianna survived a serious Curraha SFC test today at Pairc Tailteann to win by 2-15 to 3-11.
Na Fianna had two goals on the scoreboard inside seven minutes with Shane Walsh and Conor Downey finding the net.
During that period it looked as if Na Fianna would have a comfortable outing and after only 12 minutes they were well on top with a 2-4 to 0-2 advantage as Michael Collins (two), Downey and Luke Kelly sent over the points.
Curraha relied on the free-taking ability of Jack O'Connor for a brace of points, a tally he increased by the interval with four more points and he also converetd a penalty goal in the 18th minute.
FIRST PENALTY GOAL
That was his side's second goal with Brian Murphy claiming the all-important first goal following a flowing move in the 12 minute.
David Coyle claimed Curraha's remaining first-half point while Na Fianna managed to take a 2-8 to 2-7 interval lead with the extra points from Walsh (two), Ethan Devine and Downey.
The second-half turned into a thriller with five minutes added time adding to the drama with Walsh converting a free that was brought forward to the 13-metre line.
Curraha will rue a number of squandered chances after they forged ahead from a second O'Connor penalty in the 51st minute after early points form O'Connor and James McEntee.
SECOND PENALTY GOAL
Walsh (three) and Downey (two) points kept Na Fianna in contentionand with two minutes remaining the teams were tied at 2-13 to 3-10 .
Oisin McCloskey gave Na Fianna the lead in added time, but an O'Connor free drew the sides level again before that late Walsh point after which Na Fianna lost James Geagan to a black card.