KEVIN CASSIDY: Scotstown-Newbridge Take Two

AS I made my way to Omagh last Sunday, little did I know what lay ahead. It was like most other days this time of year with some heavy showers and wind.

When playing the game in my head and going over my pre-game analysis, I did once or twice wonder what kind of state the pitch would be in.

Now, I never for one second thought that the game was in danger of being called off. Instead my thoughts were centered on which team these conditions would suit best.

When I arrived at the ground for our pre-match meeting with the TG4 team, I went out and watched the intermediate semi-final. Although conditions were poor, that game looked to be flowing okay so I didn’t pay much attention to the pitch itself as Omagh always plays heavy at this time of year anyway.

As we made our way down to pitchside to begin our broadcast, I’ll be honest, I didn’t think the pitch was that bad.

The weather was atrocious and the driving rain never stopped but as I watched both teams warm up, they seemed to be happy enough with underfoot conditions.

The first half, in my opinion, played off without any dangerous incidents or accidental clashes due to underfoot conditions.

The game itself probably wasn’t the best, but you get that at this time of year with the conditions et cetera, so that was nothing new.

I felt that Scotstown got to grip with the conditions early on, but as the game wore on Newbridge began to find their feet.

Scotstown went in at the break with a four-point lead and, being honest, they probably deserved that.

As we made our way pitch side again to do our half-time analysis you got the feeling that something wasn’t right.

Word filtered through our ear pieces that referee Joe McQuillan wanted to come out to inspect the pitch. Even at this point, I never for one second thought that the game was in danger of being pulled.

After his initial inspection he called for both managers. It was at this point you got the feeling that this could signal the end of proceedings.

After a short discussion, the decision was taken to call the game off and to say that we were all stunned wouldn’t be an understatement.

We got the opportunity to talk to Scotstown manager David McCague who understandably was a little upset with the decision.

From where I was standing, the stage was set for Scotstown to power home in the second half.

They looked the better team for most of the game; they had a four-point lead and they had the elements in the second half so you can see what they would have wanted the game to continue.

All of that is irrelevant now as the game has been refixed for this weekend in Armagh’s Athletic Grounds, so both teams must dust themselves down and go again.

I’m sure the whole ordeal was frustrating for everyone involved along with the supporters who made their way to Omagh last Sunday. Let’s hope that we get a cracking game of football this weekend in better conditions.