The first of the Division 2 play-off games saw the Shamrocks face a stern test against Glasdrumma in Rostrevor, with both teams knowing that defeat would deal a major blow to their prospects of remaining in Division 2.

The Shamrocks got off to a good start and went into an early lead of 0-3 points to 0-1 following a good interchange of play between Kieran Courtenay and a sweet point to completing the move by Hugh Davey.

 

However, Glasdrumman came back with a long range point and goal midway thru the first half  to go 1-02 to 0-3 points. However, Shamrocks had most of the possession in this period of the first half and chipped at this lead, with a great point from Martin Rafferty from a difficult angle and followed by a point from Conor Fegan to bring the sides level.

 

The Shamrocks were unlucky not to score a goal just before half time with the Glasdrumman keeper making a fine stop, although the ball was not not cleared and fell to Damien Rafferty who duly took advantage with a fine point. Glasdrumman leveled the scores and just before half time saw a burst from Kevin McGuigan, starting and finishing the move with a fine point, to leave the Shamorcks leading by a point at half time. 0-07 to 1-03.

The Shamrocks started the 2nd half where they had left off at the end of the first half, and scored a superbly worked goal, finished cooly by Seamy Trainor to leave it 1-07 to 1-03.

However Glasdrumman came straight back with a point, with the centre half forward causing the Shamrocks defense a number of problems both from play and from frees. Glasdrumman had another opportunity immediately with a brilliant block from Gareth Loughran stopping a probable goal and having a man of the match performance at the heart of the Shamrocks defense. The resultant 45 resulted in a point to leave 2 points between the sides.

 

The Shamrocks came back thru an Ian Curran point, who showed well for the ball throughout the game and showed good strength to act as the focal point for the attack.

 

Straight after a high ball was sent in to the Glasdrumman centre forward, which caught out the Shamrocks full back line, and resulted in a goal to leave the Shamrocks behind by a point with only 5 mins remaining.

 

The Shamrocks kept working hard and were awarded a free kick which Nial Cunningham slotted over to leave the game a draw, and tthis was followed quickly by a great piece of Shamrocks play to finish with a great point from Hugh Davey.

 

It looked like the Shamrocks had done enough but Glasdrumman were awarded a free kick in the last minute of the game, which was played short and slotted over by Glasdrumman to leave the match all square.