Ranelagh Gaels 3-11 Erin’s Esle 2-5

RANELAGH Gaels endured some worrying moments in their top-of-the-table clash with Erin’s Isle at Bushy Park on Thursday evening, but eventually ran out comfortable winners.

The home side continued their winning ways in Division 9 though they didn’t have it all their own way against a well drilled side from the Finglas club.

When the game was still tight goalkeeper Conor O Droma pulled out a truly fantastic save, diving full length to his right to stop a point-blank effort and keep Gaels’ noses in front.

And then later in the first half an Erin’s Isle shot hit both posts and somehow bounced back into the square without crossing the line and a free out was awarded following a scramble for possession.

Ranelagh led by 1-6 to 0-3 at the break, but conceded 1-1 shortly after the change of ends and the game was suddenly back in the melting pot.

This woke the Gaels up however and they reasserted their dominance around the middle of the park and kept the ball moving quickly through the hands, which has been key to their successes this season.

Tiernan McMahon steadied the ship with his second goal and Ken Fitzmaurice came off the bench to score the third and fire over a 45. The visitors only raised the green flag again as a late, late consolation.

This was a brilliant result for Ranelagh considering the number of regular starters who were unavailable for all sorts of reasons.

But manager Liam O’Hagan was able to show the strength of his panel with several players coming into key positions and performing well.

Denis Doolan and Alan Toolan started in midfield and despite the pair of them suffering injuries in the opening minutes they battled on and only left the action once the game was as good as won.

Wingback Alan Kelly once again displayed brilliant drive over the course of the hour and also in defence the likes of Denis Crehan, Shane Minihane and John Daly were outstanding.

McMahon’s two goal haul was vital, but man of the match was Enda Marren who showed what he is capable of with a string of points in either half during an all-action display.