Rathcline booked their place in the knock-out stage of the Longford SFC after four first-half setup a three-in-a-row victory.
Four first-half goals helped Rathcline to a 10-point victory over Fr. Manning Gaels making it three wins from three in this year’s championship.
Rathcline laid down a marker right from the off with half-back Iarla Sullivan running the length of the pitch and finding the net with the first Rathcline attack of the evening.
Rathcline added two points before grabbing their second goal of the evening when talisman Oran Kenny struck.
Fr. Manning Gales got their first two-pointer of the contest when Mark Hughes raised the orange flag.
Just 15 minutes were on the clock when Rathcline struck for their third goal. Iarla Sullivan ventured forward, getting his second goal of the evening. Rathcline now lead 3-4 to four-points.
Fr. Manning Gaels got their second two pointer of the evening when Darren Farley found the target from outside the arc. Rathcline responded with three consecutive points, maintaining their firm grip on first half proceedings.
Rathcline finished with 13-players
There was more drama in the Fr. Manning Gales goal area when Rathcline were awarded a penalty after full-forward Shane Kenny was fouled. David Rooney stepped up, giving Rathcline their fourth goal of the half.
Moments later, Rathcline had the ball in the net again. However, it was ruled out for a three-player breach when they were adjudged to have only had two players inside their own-half.
Paddy Collum kicked a two pointer for Fr. Manning Gaels bang on the as the half-time whistle. Rathcline leading at the break 4-08 to 0-09.
Fr. Manning Gaels started the second-half the stronger. Indeed, they registering three early points through Cian Cassidy and Jamie Nertney.
Shane and Oran Kenny responded with a point each as Rathcline led 4-12 to 0-12 on 39 minutes.
Another two pointer from Paddy Collum, followed by points from Cain Cassidy and Mark Hughes made life difficult for Rathcline. Moments later Rathcline were reduced to 13 players.
First David Rooney received a black card before Blaine Fallon was shown the line for a second bookable offence.
However, The ever-present Oran Kenny stepped up when needed for Rathcline with an outstanding two-point effort.
Rathcline regained control for the closing stages as standout Oran Kenny register a single point followed by a two-pointer either side of a Mark Hughes point for Fr Manning Gales.
Rathcline sealed victory 4-17 to 0-19. Last night, Killoe scored a big win over Dromard and Mullinalaghta edged out Longford Slashers.
