Longford Leader Columnist Mattie Fox: Stern Eire Og test awaits Mullinalaghta

Mullinalaghta edged a little bit closer to Leinster success on Sunday, by defeating favorites Rhode in a tight, dour, and physical encounter.

The game was heading out of control when Brian Darby received a red card following an off the ball incident. After that, Rhode began concentrating on football and after failing to score in the first twenty minutes, went in at half time at the score of three points apiece.

This was a very tough uncompromising battle between the two sides, and although favourites, Mullinalaghta had their focus fully tuned in the start of the game, and quickly racked up a very hard earned two points before Rhode - in a usual development after losing a player - fired over two quickly taken points.

That made the sides level. Rhode pulled ahead by one before Mullinalaghta drew level again, just before halftime.

Rhode were to lead for the last time before they had an Anton Sullivan goal disallowed for being in the square. Then Mullinalaghta scored the goal that decided the game, by Jayson Matthews.

After that Mullinalaghta were never to lose and although scores were traded it never looked in real danger.

John Keegan scored a brilliant point, before Donal McElligott kicked the ball over the bar in the last minute when he could have tried for the goal. Experienced head ruled.

After that, all Rhode managed was a point from a Ruairi McNamee free, but Mullinalaghta held out for a hard won victory.

Next game is at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on November 25 against Eire Og of Carlow. It will be a stern test.