The defending champions claimed an impressive victory over the Clarke’s to set up a quarter-final meeting with Omagh, but are sweating on the fitness of a key player
Loughmacrory made light work of Dungannon in their first round replay on Thursday night , easing to a nine-point victory in O’Neills Healy Park.
Two of the Donaghy clan, Cathal and Gareth, scored four points from play each while Ruairi McCullagh chipped in with 0-5, including a two-point free.
The Clarke’s, in stark contrast, failed to score a point from play in the first half with their opening score arriving after 10 minutes via a Leo Hughes goal.
However, they were unable to match their heroics from the first game when they fought back from being eight points down to claim a draw with four late goals.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for the holders.
They are sweating on the fitness of defender Arnoldas Macilduskas ahead of next weekend’s quarter-final clash with Omagh after he was forced off with a knee injury early in the second half.
St Teresa’s manager Marty Boyle is hopeful that the injury isn’t as serious as first feared with Macilduskas able to leave the ground unaided, albeit with his right knee strapped up.
“Arnie (Macilduskas) picked up a wee injury there so we just have to see what it is. “We’re hopeful enough, so we just have to see – fingers crossed.”
Boyle was reasonably satisfied with his side’s display in tough conditions as rain lashed down during the second half as Loughmacrory kept their foot firmly on the gas, extending their six-point half-time lead to nine by the full-time whistle.
“Job done – that’s what replays, that’s what Championship football is about,” added Boyle.
“But when it goes to a replay, it becomes even more important then. Listen, there was nothing flash or fancy about it. It was just about getting over the line.
“The players led a lot of the chatting this week. They weren’t happy with a lot of aspects of Saturday and on themselves. It was all about getting the attitude right from the start and I think they definitely brought the attitude from the start.”
While Loughmacrory were impressive in all departments, Dungannon will rue a series of missed opportunities with leading attacker Paul Donaghy having a tough day at the office.
The former Tyrone panelist scored 0-5, but just one from play as he was well marshalled by Loughmacrory skipper Nathan Kelly.
“It sort of goes without saying that Nathan’s always outstanding. That’s the type of player Nathan is,” stated Boyle afterwards.
“Nathan is outstanding every week, plain and simple. Not only is he outstanding as a player, but outstanding as a person and as a captain. I can’t speak highly enough about him.
“What he does for the group, for the players, for the management, for the community, you know, it’s unbelievable. That’s why he’s the captain of this team.”
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