Burren 1-12 Coleraine 0-5:AFTER AN even first half in which they trailed by just three points, Eoghan Rua Coleraine failed to maintain their momentum and were overrun in the second half by a strong Burren side in this AIB Ulster Club SFC quarter-final game in Páirc Esler, Newry yesterday.
In a game which at times produced some good football, it was all too evident that the Derry champions lacked the experience, craft and skills of a Burren side that sent out a warning to Crossmaglen for their semi-final meeting in Casement Park next Sunday.
Coleraine started well playing fast open and attacking football and raced into a two-point lead within the opening seven minutes when they led by 0-3 to 0-1. But once Burren settled, with Declan Rooney and Alan Higgins dominating midfield, the Derry champions failed to score again in the remaining 23 minutes of the half. But scores were slow in coming in that opening period and Coleraine were still in contention, being just three points behind at the interval.
J P Henry and Mark Polly worked overtime for Coleraine at midfield while centre-half back Barry McGoldrick was their top scorer with four points and along with Mark Nerin and Ciarán Mullan battled gamely against a Burren attack that flowed throughout, with Seán Murdock, Eamon McGovern and Eamon Toner outstanding. At the back Burren gave away few chances with Dan and Gerard McCartan and Ciarán McGovern prominent.
Seán Murdock shot Burren ahead but Coleraine’s reply was three points from Barry McGoldrick, with two coming from frees. Burren settled with Seán Murdock pointing two frees and Eamon, Conal and Chris McGovern also pointing as Burren led by 0-6 to 0-3 at half time.
Ciarán McGoldrick pointed for Coleraine within a minute of the restart but Burren took control and points flowed from Eamon and James McGovern and Seán Murdock as they raced into a 0-10 to 0-4 lead entering the final quarter.
Barry McGoldrick pointed a Coleraine soon after but that was their last score. Burren keeper Cathal Murdock pointed a long-range free and Eamon Toner added another while 10 minutes from time Toner set up Seán Murdock for their goal as the Down champions cruised to victory.
BURREN: C Murdock (0-1, free); Ciarán McGovern, D McCartan, R McGovern; K McKernan, Conal McGovern (0-1), G McCartan; D Rooney, A Higgins; Chris McGovern, J McGovern (0-1), E McGovern (0-4); S Murdock (1-4, two frees), E Toner (0-1, free), A McArdle. Subs: R McGovern for Chris McGovern; E McCartan for S Murdock.
COLERAINE: R McGeough; A Rafferty, C Mullan, L Trolan; K Lenaghan, B McGoldrick (0-4), M Nerin; JP Henry, M Polly; R Carey, SL McGoldrick, D Mullan; Ciarán McGoldrick (0-1), Colm McGoldrick, G Bradley. Subs: P Daly for JP Henry; C Casey for G Bradley.
Referee: P McEneaney (Monaghan)
