In an enthralling encounter at Cherryvale St Brigids U10s recorded a well-deserved first-ever victory over their close city and Co. Down rivals Bredagh by four points.
While both squads were somewhat depleted due to the fixture clash with the May week-end St Gall’s P5 tournament, the eleven-a-side teams showed ample skill and determination for their parents and mentors to be proud of. The game, which consisted of three periods, was played in accordance with Go Game Rules (two-touch football) that meant for a fast-flowing action throughout.
St Brigids set about their task with gusto from the off. The midfield, driven forward by the industrious Kevin McGovern, created numerous chances for the forward line, but a combination of bad luck and a succession of superb goal-line clearances by the Bredagh defence and goalkeeper kept the away side at bay. It was with some astonishment (at least to this correspondent) that St Brigid’s found themselves a point adrift at the end of the first period.
The second period saw a different Bredagh team who were now more clearly up for the physical challenge presented by St Brigids, and the game became more engrossing by the minute. But again St Brigids paid the price for squandered opportunities and possession when the home team scored a goal against the run of play to move into a four-point lead going into the final period.
Nonetheless there was still an assuredness and calm about the St Brigid’s team, and, following a rousing team-talk, they took the field for the final third like men possessed. Squad changes saw Joe Cunnane switch from full forward position to goalkeeper, releasing Patrick O’Boyle into the forward line.
The final twenty-minute period proved to be the team’s “finest hour” with commanding play all over the pitch. In defence Jack O’Kane and Phillip O’Sullivan were completely dominant in their respective wing back positions, while the Moran brothers, Connal and Shane, gelled superbly in central defence, snuffing out Bredagh play through excellent interceptions and setting up well-worked counter-attacks. Kevin McGovern continued to work tirelessly in midfield, feeding the forward line with good possession. The pressure eventually paid off when Hugh O’Connor, who was showing a welcome appetite and aggression, found the net superbly to give the away support plenty of cheer. Game on. Now St Brigid’s were really up for it and Connal Moran stormed through the Bredagh defence from midfield to score a fantastic individual goal. This advantage was quickly capitalized upon when Kevin McGovern goaled from a sideline free to give St Brigid’s breathing space. Then Patrick O’Boyle followed up with a well-taken long-range point.
In fairness Bredagh were not done yet and they battled back gamely with a late goal to set up a nail-biting finish. Twice Joe Cunnane had to come smartly off his goal line to thwart what would have been certain goals, with meaty clearances that belied his size. But St Brigid’s saw off the danger and finished strongly with Connal Moran, who was superb throughout, firing over a long-range point.
Final score: St Brigids 3:8 Bredagh 3:4
Many thanks to Bredagh for such a sporting and well-contested game, and to Peader Doyle who refereed the game expertly. St Brigids look forward to a re-match before the summer break.
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