On an uncharacteristic, cold and wet March afternoon, football skills were never going to be the determining factor in the opening round of the East Cork Junior Football Championship, but rather hard work and determination.
Glenville opened the proceedings with three un-answered points and looked to be in the driving seat for the opening ten minutes, however Cobh worked their way into the game with some well worked hand passing from the 45′ to the 65′ with Liam Greaney, Cian Spriggs and the midfield partnership of Brian Aherne and Allen Whally showing well. Besides the first two well worked points from Glenville, Cobh Limited Glenville to scores from set pieces. Missing their regular free taker, Derek Barrett, Cobh had to score the more difficult way and converted some lovely points in the opening period with Conor Farrell, Mark Foley and Brian Aherne all getting their name on the scoresheet. Cobh Entered the break with a one point advantage and looked to have to impetus going forward in this tie.
As in most championship games the second half did not go exactly to plan and all credit to Glenville as they got lots of men behind the ball to force Cobh to shoot from range. Cobh Enjoyed a lot of possession but found a tough wall of Glenville defenders waiting for them in the shooting zone which frustrated the Cobh men. Glenville converted the few chances they had and had a two point lead approaching the closing stages. Cobh threw everything at Glenville in the finish and pegged the lead back to just a point. Cobh had chances to level the game in the end but Glenville held on to come out on the right side of the tie.
Glenville now enter the third round as Cobh will have to take the back door route. With lessons learned from playing a good Glenville side Cobh will have to overcome newly promoted St. Catherines in the next round to continue their quest for championship glory. Second round ties to be played on the 13/14th of April.
