RANNAFAST CUP Abbey CBS, Newry 0-11 St Mark’s, Warrenpoint 0-5

THE winning margin of six was a fair reflection at the end of a rather passive game at Páirc Esler and the winners will definitely need to find another gear before the final.

Midfield action during Tuesday night’s Rannafast cup clash at Pairc Esler – Photo: Brendan Monaghan Sports DNA

The sides had drawn in the group stages, but this time the Abbey were able to keep the goal threat at bay, Brodie McGreevy doing well to deflect one second-half high ball onto the post to keep his clean sheet.

Aerial view of Páirc Esler during the clash – Photo: Sean Donegan Fuzz Media NI

Abbey were fairly wasteful in the opening half, kicking five wides. After a scoreless 18 minutes, they opened the scoring through Odhran Reel and quickly established a 0-3 to 0-1 lead, but two fabulous long-distance points from the right boots of Jimmy Haughey and Dylan Kelly left it all square at half-time.

Abbey’s Ryan O’Hare on the attack – Photo: Brendan Monaghan Sports DNA

Scores arrived easier in the second half, Keelan McEntee responding to a ball that dropped off the post to fire over on the rebound and restore the Abbey lead straight after the resumption. It set the tone for a half the Abbey would control.

St Mark’s fullback Bobby Magowan scoops the ball at Pairc Esler

St Mark’s rallied but Sam Murdock was isolated up top and though he won a couple of frees which he converted over the hour, the Abbey had the stronger finish.

Abbey midfielder Keelan McEntee gets away from Gavin Barry – Photo: Brendan Monaghan Sports DNA

Key scores from McEntee and a lovely driven Oran Donnelly effort that opened a four-point gap more or less wrapped it up and as St Mark’s tried to be more adventurous going forward they were picked off with late points from Ethan Lavelle and Darragh Phillips.