Moate condemned to relegation play-off

Moate's intermediate status remains in doubt after their defeat to Ballynacargy condemned the All-Whites to a relegation play-off with Ballinagore Ballynacargy victory though secured their Intermediate status for 2012 in Rochfortbridge on Sunday last. Ballynacargy were fully deserving of their win and they landed some excellent scores along the way. Moate played well for spells of this game but they struggled to cope with their opponent's industry levels. Ballynacargy constructed some pacy attacks which exposed the Moate defence. Ballynacargy led by two points at half-time, 0-8 to 0-6, but they stepped it up a gear in the second half. Led by outstanding centre-back Willie Murtagh, Ballynacargyjust weren't going to put their status in doubt. John Keena opened the scoring for Ballynacargy with a point in the second minute. Moate full-forward Niall Mackey replied with a well taken angled point in the third minute. Dan Keena edged Ballynacargy in front with a pointed free in the fourth minute. With Niall Mackey proving to be a big threat in attack for Moate, the All-Whites registered the next two points (Conor Hynds from a free and Mackey from a free). Ballynacargy were dealt a blow in the 11th minute when corner-back Stephen Riggs was forced off injured, with Owen Burke his replacement. Dan Scally levelled matters for Ballynacargy when he topped off good inter-play with an impressive point in the 14th minute. Points from Willie Murtagh ('45) and Mark Murphy gave Ballynacargy a two-point lead in the 18th minute. The nip and tuck nature of the game was set to continue, with Gareth Murray and Niall Mackey (free) replying with points for Moate. Ballynacargy then opened up a three-point lead, with the scores coming from Dwayne Maher (a free and also from play) and Dan Scally.Prominent Moate midfielder Gareth Murray landed a point in stoppage time of the first half, leaving two between the sides at the break.Ballynacargy were denied a goal two minutes into the second half when Dwayne Maher's shot came off the post Following a foul on Gareth Murray, Niall Mackey sent over a free for Moate to leave a point between the sides with five minutes gone in the second half. Points from Dwayne Maher and Richard Price increased Ballynacargy's lead to three 11 minutes into the second half. Alan Claffey replied for Moate with a point in the 42nd minuite. Ballynacargy were awarded a penalty in the 45th minute, following a foul on Mark Murphy. Mick Loran took the spot kick and he duly sent it past Moate 'keeper David Mackey to open up a five-point lead for his side. Richard Price further increased that lead with a point in the 47th minute. Alan Claffey replied for Moate with a point in the 48th minute but Ballynacargy underlined their supremacy with a Liam Reilly point in the 49th minute. Ballynacarrigy were not going to be caught now and scores from Dwayne Maher, Mark Murphy and Gary Keena left eight between the sides with just over five minutes remaining. Moate midfielder Nigel Adamson sent over two successive frees to eat into the deficit a little. Ballynacargy full-back Declan McGuinness added to his side's tally with a point in the 58th minute. Nigel Adamson got another point back for Moate at the end of normal time, but Ballynacarrigy were to have the final say, with Willie Murtagh landing point number 17 for his side in stoppage time. Moate simply couldn't match Ballynacargy's pace in the second half, despite the best efforts of a few players. Their midfield did quite well overall, but after full-forward Niall Mackey was taken off, their attack lacked any cut to it. Hard times for a proud club and another defeat will consign Moate to the lowest ranks. Ballynacargy: Mick Penrose; Cathal Burke, Declan McGuinness (0-1), Stephen Riggs; Dara Keena, Willie Murtagh (0-2, 1 '45), John Keena (0-1); Niall Eivers, Richard Price (0-2); Dan Scally (0-2), Mark Murphy (0-2), Mick Loran (1-0, pen); Dan Keena (0-1, 1f), Dwayne Maher (0-4, 1f), Liam Reilly (0-1). Subs: Owen Burke for Riggs (11 mins), Tony Doran for Dara Keena (41 mins), Gary Keena (0-1) for Dan Keena (46 mins), Jamie Loran for Murphy (53 mins), Frank Slevin for Price (injury time). Moate: David Mackey; Colin Bracken, Ciaran Kelly, Eamon McDermott; Brendan Arigho, Declan Whelan, Robert Gorman; Nigel Adamson (0-3, 2f), Gareth Murray (0-2); Paul McLoughlin, Jack Linnane, Jamie Madden; Conor Hynds (0-1, 1f), Niall Mackey (0-4, 3f), Alan Claffey (0-2). Subs: Mark Ennis for McLoughlin (22 mins), Damian Keenaghan for Whelan (28 mins), David Minnock for Madden, Cian Bradley for Hynds (both 40 mins), James Gillivan for Niall Mackey (46 mins). Referee: Declan Nugent (Maryland).