Longwood lost out in Round 2 of this year’s Intermediate Football Championship; neighbours Trim ultimately coming out on the right side of the result to the tune of eight points.

The game took place in Boardsmill’s well presented grounds at 12.00 on Sunday afternoon.

A local derby that simmered throughout, and threatened to boil over at times, saw both sides throw themselves into the physical exchanges with no quarter asked or given.

Longwood’s team showed two changes from their opening round defeat to Clann Na nGael, with Fearghail O’Hare and Vinny Byrne coming into the starting line-up.

The opening quarter gave little hint of the high scoring contest that would follow. Trim were first to score, Aaron Lynch scoring his first point from play after little more than sixty seconds. The next 15 minutes were fiercely contested in true championship fashion as players sized each other up. The combative nature of the early stages ensured that scoring was at a premium and by the first water break, Trim held a narrow 0-3 to 0-1 lead. Longwood’s opening score coming from Ryan Moore who would proceed to trouble the Trim defence at every opportunity.

Longwood’s industry seemed to frustrate Trim in the opening quarter. Unfortunately, the second quarter saw Trim dominate proceedings, their dominance well and truly reflected on the scoreboard. They scored 1-9 against Longwood’s 0-3 in the same period; two further points from Ryan Moore followed by a customary long-distance score from the boot of Sean Coloe. Longwood struggled to deal with the pace and movement of Trim; despite the efforts of Sean Coloe and Niall Mulvey in the middle third, Longwood couldn’t secure enough breaking ball that would have given them opportunity to build attacking phases of play. They were to show later in the game that when they did gain possession, they had the ability to fashion scoring opportunities and worry the Trim rear guard.

Half-time: Longwood 0-4 Trim 1-12

The action resumed with Longwood intent on reducing the gap and they did so courtesy of a pair of Ryan Moore frees. The game would be delayed for almost 10 minutes as a result of an unfortunate collision between a Trim forward and an umpire. The referee wisely called an early water break to allow the umpire receive the required medical treatment.

From the restart, Trim pushed forward and some quick interplay saw Aaron Lynch round the advancing keeper before finishing to the net. It seemed that this would surely extinguish any faint hopes of a Longwood comeback. Despite the uphill struggle that lay ahead, Longwood attacked with relish. Two further points from play from Ryan Moore were followed by a goal from the same player. The penalty came as a result of the Trim goalkeeper dragging Anthony Healy to the ground and earning a black card for his troubles.

Niall Mulvey was next to register a score, his left-footed point coming at the end of one of Longwood’s best moves. Two further points from Moore reduced the deficit to six points. Could they manufacture a goal to really put the cat amongst the pigeons?

Sadly not, and Trim completed the scoring with two late points.

So, another spirited display by Longwood but sadly nothing tangible to show for it. The victors showed just why they are hot favourites to take championship honours having lost out in the last two finals.

Ryan Moore gave an absolute masterclass, scoring 1-9, including 5 points from play, over the hour. Many of Longwood’s best moves worked their way down to Moore who always seemed to be out in front of his direct opponent making himself available for a pass. Billy Hogan produced another assured display in goals while Bob Maguire, Sean Coloe and Niall Mulvey toiled manfully throughout the contest.

Longwood: Billy Hogan, Ross Kerrigan, Damien Healy, Bob Maguire, Fearghail O’Hare, Mickey Burke, Adam O’Brien, Sean Coloe (0-1), Niall Mulvey (0-1), Vinny Byrne, Aaron Ennis, Tomas Coloe, Ryan Moore (1-9), Anthony Healy, Tadhg Connolly. Subs: Eoin Lynch for Tadhg Connolly

The next round will see Longwood face Moylagh in what is certain to be a ferocious battle to avoid finishing bottom of Group B.