Nemo far too strong for Douglas they head to the Division 1 league final

Trabeg side have been in top form this season so far, despite bringing in a host of new players across the campaign

Nemo Rangers 1-18 Douglas 0-6

A STROLL in the park for Nemo Rangers as they easily disposed of an understrength Douglas side in the McCarthy Insurance Division 1 Football League at Trabeg on Sunday.

In a workmanlike performance though Paul Kerrigan continues to excel for the champions and his eight-point contribution shows he has lost little of his class despite being in the twilight of his career.

Nemo already booked their place in the league decider but played with plenty of hunger as some of their passing and shooting was off the charts.

Douglas for their part were keeping a keen eye on the Carrigaline and Carbery Rangers game and despite the West Cork side snatching a draw at the death they were still relegated, with the city side escaping the dreaded drop due to head-to-head results. However, Éire Óg got a walkover from Castlehaven, to push them clear of relegation, where if they lost scoring difference would have come into play.

The opening exchanges saw both teams go for the jugular with Douglas putting up stiff resistance in defence despite playing with a depleted side.

Shane Ahern did give Douglas a good start when kicking an impressive point in the third minute but the evergreen Paul Kerrigan tied the teams two minutes later.

On the next Nemo possession, Alan O’Donovan was left with a one-on-one with the Douglas keeper but his shot went wide of the target. Suddenly Nemo got into gear and with Kerrigan their conductor, they kicked four consecutive points without reply.

Over the years Nemo have unearthed some quality players and in Ross Corkery, son of the former Cork star Colm, they look to have a serious talent.

Luke Horgan had a good chance to raise the opening green flag ten minutes from the interval but he failed to find the target with a goal at his mercy.

Douglas to their credit kept battling but a late Alan O’Donovan point ensured Nemo went in at the break with a six-point lead, 0-8 to 0-2.

The home side opened up the second half with a stunning Barry Cripps point as Nemo were a side on a mission. Kerrigan followed with a monstrous white flag on their next possession as Douglas were in serious decline in many departments.

The one plus for Douglas was the introduction of Conor Russell who scored three points from play in the second half with his team only chipping in with one more courtesy of Alan O’Hare.

Nemo won the majority of dirty ball but it was their only goal of the game that had class written all over it.

The hard-working Stephen Cronin kicked a majestic pass into the path Luke Horgan who had little difficulty guiding it to the back of the net.

In truth Douglas offered little resistance and despite being down a number of key players that have some serious improving to do in order to be serious championship contenders.

Nemo will get ready for a league final and then it’s on to their opening championship game against Newcestown.

Scorers for Nemo Rangers: P Kerrigan 0-8 (0-3 f), L Horgan 1-1, R Corkery 0-2, G Sayers 0-2, K O’Donovan (f), B Cripps, C Kiely, M Hill, A Horgan 0-1 each.

Douglas: C Russell 0-3, A O’Hare 0-2 (0-1 f), S Ahern 0-1.

NEMO: D O’Leary, E Nation, C Molloy, A Cronin; K O’Donovan, K Fulgunati, S Cronin; A O’Donovan, B Cripps; R Corkery, L Horgan, O White; G Sayers, P Kerrigan, J Coogan.

Subs: C Kiely for J Coogan (inj 10), M Hill for K O’Donovan (h-t), R Horgan for B Cripps (45), A McGeever for K Fulagnati (51), S Dwyer for O White (52), K Malone for O White (52).

DOUGLAS: A Cotter; J O’Callaghan-Maher, J Burke; C O’Keeffe, L Fogarty, N Walsh; G O’Sullivan, A Cantwell; S Ahern, R Hanley, D Kelly; A O’Hare, P Lucey, S O’Sullivan.

Subs: C Russell for G O’Sullivan (h-t), S St Leger for S O’Sullivan (50).

Referee: Pa O’Driscoll (Bride Rovers).