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*Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Michael Power. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS will look to put their “best foot forward” as they battle relegation for the second year running.
Defeats to Kilmaley and Sixmilebridge left Newmarket-on-Fergus needing to beat Wolfe Tones by three points in the final round of the Clare SHC but while they achieved victory it was only by a margin of two points which not alone saw them miss out on a quarter-final but pits them in another relegation play-off.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Newmarket-on-Fergus manager, Michael Cummins said, “it’s disappointing, you don’t know where you stand after any match, you could win the first and second games and are still not through”.
Having led by seven points with less than five minutes remaining, the Blues somehow ended up letting this lead slip with the concession of an Aaron Cunningham goal a “sucker punch” according to Cummins.
Adding to the blow of the green flag was it arriving a minute after Peter Power goaled for Newmarket-on-Fergus and Cunningham’s major was followed up by an immediate point for the Tones. “In the next play we were turned over and it led to a Wolfe Tones point. We looked to be going in the right direction but those scores were a blow.
A winner of two-time Galway SHC with his native Gort, the former corner back admitted there was obvious disappointment to be facing relegation in his first season with the Clare SHC roll of honour leaders. “In the first round against Kilmaley we created five gal chances to their one. While disappointed to be in the relegation contest we are taking positives from the games. Look, we are where we are and we will get back on the saddle this week. Nobody wants to go down”.
St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield await Newmarket-on-Fergus in the relegation play-off which takes place on Sunday week in Dr Daly Park, Tulla. “There will be nothing easy in the relegation battle, There are four good teams there and there won’t be an inch given by. The teams involved represent four clubs with a proud history. We will be putting our best foot forward”.
Selector Kenneth Arthur highlighted the fine margins between a quarter-final and a relegation playoff. “It ebbed and flowed, their goal after our one was a crucial score. “We didn’t kick on when we had the extra man. We knew that we needed to win by three. Every game in this championship is so vital, a three-point win today and we were in the quarter final, a two-point win and we are in relegation. There is nothing between any of the teams. Every game is crucial”.
