Sport

Offaly tough it out and take points

Offaly 3-15 Waterford 1-19: Despite losing this entertaining fixture at Walsh Park, Waterford progress to a quarter-final meeting…

Mon Apr 02 2007 - 01:00

Offaly 3-15 Waterford 1-19:Despite losing this entertaining fixture at Walsh Park, Waterford progress to a quarter-final meeting with Tipperary, while Offaly will relish their championship preparation after a diligent, skilled display.

From the 15th minute John McIntyre's team never trailed to the hosts, who were frustrated by a disciplined Offaly defence, spearheaded by centre back Cathal Horan.

Full forward Joe Bergin's excellent 2-5 proved instrumental in securing back-to-back league wins over Waterford.

Offaly led by five points at the break, with the help of goals from Bergin (a penalty) and Gary Hanniffy and a strong breeze.

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Waterford handsomely contributed to a compelling 70 minutes but never enjoyed a sustained period of superiority as Offaly gamely stuck to their task.

While John Mullane's well-struck, 39th-minute goal had the home crowd on their feet, the visitors responded excellently and never looked like buckling.

The first half clearly ended in Offaly's favour, but the second proved a titanic battle. Everything Waterford tried was matched by an Offaly team that fully exploited their traditional ground-hurling strengths.

For Waterford, Mullane's return to fitness was a timely boost given the disappointing displays by their forwards in the league campaign to date.

The De La Salle wing forward produced several moments of high quality, striking three fine points from play and rifling home an excellent goal.

Though Waterford enjoyed the greater share of territory after the interval, Bergin's aerial threat and free-taking proficiency proved pivotal to Offaly's success.

Bergin's cleverly-struck goal on 65 minutes, created by a fine pass from substitute Alan Egan, made the trip back to the Midlands a happy one for McIntyre and company.

OFFALY: S O'Connor; C Hernon, P Cleary, M Verney; G Oakley, C Horan, K Brady; B Teehan (0-2), B Murphy (0-1); E Bevans (0-3), R Hanniffy (0-2), D Molloy; B Carroll (0-1), J Bergin (2-5, 1-0 pen, five frees), G Hanniffy (1-1). Subs: D Franks for Brady (20 mins), A Egan for B Carroll (64 mins).

WATERFORD: C Hennessy; T Feeney, D Prendergast, J Murray; E Murphy, K McGrath (0-4, two frees, one 65), J Kennedy (0-1); T Browne, D Bennett; J Mullane (1-3), D Shanahan (0-1), M Walsh; S Molumphy (0-1), S Prendergast (0-1), E Kelly (0-8, five frees). Subs: E McGrath for D Bennett (47 mins), S O'Sullivan for J Murray (60 mins).

Referee: S McMahon (Clare).