Anything you can do………..
Certainly there was nobody better at Deramore during the double header last night than Keelan McCrudden. His personal tally of 2-8 and another goal when he was introduced as a late sub in the senior game meant he certainly top scored. However Mel MacSherry still managed to chip in a goal and a point from the unusual role of provider from the middle of the park.
The division 5 team entered their heaviest schedule ever of 4 games in 8 days with a 4-11 to 1-3 victory over Aghagallon seconds. Given the heavy schedule of matches coming up in the next week it would be great if holidays were banned and the Gaeltacht moved to BT9, but it was encouraging to see all Naomh Brid players get a game last night in front of an encouraging home crowd. More supporters welcome!
With big Paddy McDonald away for the long trip to Lough Derg, and apparently hoping to stay for a second run, Paul McCrudden and Brian Loughran took up the reigns in the middle.
Paul McCrudden is heading off to a holy shrine in France, Conor McHendry to the Vatican and Eddie Smyth is following moving statues through Kerry next week (although he is not sure if it will be longer!). So watch out for vocations!
So if you forgot to turn up last night or are unsure if you should go to Brewster Park on Sunday, we will need you for the game in Toome on Friday and Antrim on Sunday!!
The first half was played with reasonable tempo and Mel Mac Sherry’s goal really helped separate the teams.
Half Time Naomh Brid 1-5 Aghagallon 0-2
The second half saw a number of changes in personnel and straight from the throw in Aghagallon scored a goal. Game on! A couple of nervy mistakes saw the gap reduce to two. Game really on!
However Conor McHendry held the back line and made impressive interceptions (if less impressive gallops up the field!) and Mel MacSherry played with maturity in the middle as he fed Keelan McCrudden who went on a scoring spree to challenge Mel as top scorer. Now maybe that’s why Mel wanted back into the corner!! It was now the Mel and Keelan show and I’m not sure if Richard was getting jealous!
The referee made great attempts to keep up with play but as Thomas Kane rounded three defenders, soloed, dummied, changed foot and let fly from 16 metres and as the ball crashed off the under side of the bar it was obvious (to Thomas!) that the ball crossed the line before Keelan banged in his second major.
This was reminiscent of 4G, Gormley, Greg, Glenavy, Goal. So we will credit them half a goal each! Quinn, McHugh and Burns are coming to the next game with a camera crew to record accurately Thomas’s scores. Better book in a few games to be sure!
Eoin Murphy scored a goal and a point he says! And Chris Quinn was welcome back from holiday.
Stephen O’Neill (not Clan na Gael, Tyrone, Ulster, Ireland, All-Star and player of the year) made his first appearance of the year for the reserves and apparently Greencastle scouts were out in force to see Fintan McAleer (what age am I now?)
Ahh yes John Gerard, he had a quiet game. Unusual for him!
Final Score Naomh Brid 4-11 Aghagallon 1 -3
N Brid E McMahon, J McKeever, F O’Neill, R Walsh, P Finnegan, C McHendry, B Loughran, E Smyth, C Quinn, E Murphy, K McCrudden, B Gormley M MacSherry.
Subs Used T Kane, JG Doran, S O’Neill, F MacAleer
S Keown cut his hand with a nut cracker!!
Next Games Friday at 8 in Toome, Sunday at 3 in Antrim
