White’s Cross delivered a commanding performance on home soil on Tuesday evening, recording a comprehensive victory over Na Laochra Aeracha in the City Division Junior 4 Football League. This fixture marked the first ever meeting between the sides, with the visitors only formed two years ago, but it was the hosts who set the standard from the outset.
Playing with the aid of a stiff breeze in the opening half, White’s Cross were utterly dominant. An early point from Murt Kelleher settled any nerves before Edwin Buckley quickly made his mark, adding a superb two-pointer. The home side’s intensity was evident throughout, with strong work rate highlighted by a turnover and run from corner-back Ethan Ryan, who had not seen much action to that point. led to another score.
White’s Cross continued to pile on the pressure, with Kelleher and Buckley again raising white flags, while Buckley also found the net midway through the half when his effort for the point dropped in over the head of Mike Conlon in the visitors goal. A steady stream of points followed from Cathal Quinlan, Daniel Kelleher, Luke Murphy, Evan Quain and Buckley, who was in outstanding form. Another late two-pointer from Buckley capped a flawless first half, leaving the score at 1-15 to 0-0 at the break.
The second half was a more even contest, with Na Laochra Aeracha showing great determination. Although they managed just a single point through Scott Byrne, they created several chances and battled hard to the final whistle. White’s Cross made a number of changes, including a notable debut for 17-year-old Jamie Murphy, who replaced his brother Luke.
Murphy made an immediate impact, scoring a well-taken goal, while further major scores from Chris Dunne and points from Patrick Harrington and James Buckley ensured the hosts maintained control.
In the end, White’s Cross ran out convincing winners on a scoreline of 3-17 to 0-1, with a dominant first-half display laying the foundation for a deserved victory.
White’s Cross
1 – James Buckley
2 – Ethan Ryan
3 – Richie Sherlock
4 – Chris Dunne
5 – Sean Twomey
6 – Cathal Quinlan
7 – Luke Murphy
8 – Murt Kelleher
9 – Daniel Kelleher
10 – Michael Mullins
11 – Patrick Harrington
12 – Luke Mullins
13 – Evan Quain
14 – Edwin Buckley
15 – Fionnan Quinlan
SUBS:
Jordan Bransfield, Jamie Murphy , Cian O’Brien, James Royal
Na Laochra Aeracha
1 – Mike Conlon
2 – Kieran Murphy
3 – Paddy Joyce
4 – Jamie Kenneally
5 – Mark Twomey
6 – Ian Barry
7 – Alan Wallace
8 – James Byrne
9 – Scott Downey
10 – Aaron Kelly
11 – Raymond Tobin-Walsh
12 – Tom Piggot
13 – Stephen Lynch
14 – David Daly
15 – James Quirke