In a tense first half only two points were scored in the first 20 minutes. St Brigid’s were dominating play but tenacious defending by St Gall’s kept the visitors at bay. St Brigid’s were to later rue those misses as two late goals in the last 10 minutes by the blue and whites effectively sealed the match for the home team. Both goals were identical in that defensive slip ups by St Brigid’s allowed an unmarked St Gall’s man in behind to leave David Quigg totally exposed. The second half saw a similar St Gall’s tactic produce another goal which ensured no comeback for St Brigid’s. The final score line does not reflect the match in that the visitors gave 100% effort but their undoing was failure in their final pass or move in the forwards. In another game all the moves could have come off but tonight there just seemed to be a St Gall’s man in the right place at the right time. Some change in tactics ,especially in the second half ,failed to turn matters around .St Gall’s realised the importance of the game and edged the midfield battle through their star player Shannon. A game played in a very sporting manner with St Brigid’s having major possession in the first half but failing to translate that possession into scores. The second half was a similar tale [extra Sunday practice with the maestro Joe Brolly is required!!] The lads were disappointed but are determined to turn things around as the results to date do not reflect the talent and skills in the squad. [The suggestion by the squad player, who wishes to remain anonymous, that the squad should have daily training sessions and be supplied with glasses is being considered !!!The suggestion by the squad player, [ who’d like to remain anonymous] that he’d take over coaching duties is also being dumped, sorry considered]
Luke McGread in defence continues to give performances that are committed, solid and skilful Always accepting responsibility he was ably assisted by Mathew Edgar. In the half back line Thomas McKeogh was tireless and St Gall’s twice subbed the players he was marking such was his performance. In midfield Chris Mooney tried all types of balls into the forwards but it just was not one of those nights .A second half injury to captain Timothy McCrudden saw Michael Malone move from centre full forward to midfield. This year Michael has played in every position except goals [though we hear that he plays in that position for the minors] Stephen O’Brien gave another sterling performance with superb backup from Chris Donnelly, solo runs by both players failed narrowly to get results for St Brigid’s. Stevie McAleer was unlucky with three or four close efforts. Stephen Murton coming on as sub was committed on all 50:50 tackles and David Brennan never gave up trying.
Team: D Quigg, R Kervick (R Ward 45mins), M Edgar, P Nolan ( C Mackle 20mins, P Bogue 55 mins), L McGread, T McKeogh, C Donnelly, T McCrudden ( G Doran 50mins), C Mooney, S McAleer, D Brennan ( S Murton 50mins), S O’Brien, R Mackle ( C Fitzpatrick 45mins), M Malone, C Connolly (M Kelly 30mins, D McKeever 50mins)
Subs not used: N Murray, C Keenan, T O’Neill, R O’Reilly, B Sinnott.
Scorers: M Malone 0-3, S McAleer 0-1
