St Brigid’s U10s shook off the cobwebs from a lengthy summer absence when they defeated close neighbours Bredagh in excellent playing conditions at Cherryvale on Sunday. Nonetheless, in spite of the win, there was ample evidence from the staccato second half display, of the need to practise basic skills, and to maintain discipline and shape when under pressure.
With both clubs boasting large squads, there were sufficient players for two 13-a-side matches, which, mercifully for the coaches, meant that everyone got a game. This correspondent was enjoying Match A from the safety of the sideline until half time, when he foolishly agreed to referee the second half, which was when things began to go awry.
Playing with a slight wind advantage in the first half, St Brigid’s settled into their stride well and quickly established their superiority throughout the pitch. The outstanding Dominic Mooney was giving an exhibition of high fielding at centre half back and, ably assisted by Alex Lavery, Philip O’Sullivan and Finn McKernan, was linking well with his half forward line to launch numerous dangerous attacks. An opening point by Odhran Kerr was quickly followed by goals from Hugh O’Connor, Joe Cunanne and Dominic Mooney before Bredagh opened their account with a point. However, there was no let-up by the visitors, who were brimful of confidence, and their territorial domination led to further goals from James Guinness (2), Mooney and Cunanne to put St Brigid’s seemingly out of sight by half time, in spite of a late Bredagh goal and point reply.
Half time: St Brigid’s 7-4 Bredagh 1-2
The second half saw a remarkable turnaround. Whether it was the elements, complacency within the away ranks, a rousing home half-time team talk, or a combination of all three, Bredagh were now a very different proposition. Indeed, the cliché “a game of two halves” could have been scripted for this game, as St Brigid’s solid structure disintegrated and a rejuvenated Bredagh began to eat into the substantial deficit. The poise and confidence that had been the hallmark of the visitors in the first half was replaced by a jittery and disjointed display that led to basic defensive errors, which were punished by some tremendous Bredagh scores. Tempers were frayed as the game became increasingly niggly, with play having to be stopped on more than one occasion to restore calm. However, St Brigid’s regained their composure and a late goal from Kevin McGovern gave the Malone side breathing space as they ran out winners by seven points. Plenty to work on for the coaches!
Full time St Brigid’s 9-5 Bredagh 6-7
Squad A: D McMenamin, F McKernan, T Evans, N Mallon, P O’Sullivan, A Lavery, D Mooney, C Devlin, O Kerr, K McGovern, J Guinness, J Cunanne, H O’Connor, A Carleton, H McAllister.
In Match B St Brigid’s were worthy winners, having racked up a 5-6 to 0-0 half- time lead. With a number of substitutions at the break, St Brigid’s eased up in the second half but were still too strong for a gallant Bredagh team who battled well to the finish. Those catching the eye for the visitors were Conal and Shane Moran, Niall Lundy, Patrick Lavery and Peter Morgan.
Full time: St Brigid’s 5-6 Bredagh 2-1
Squad B: P O’Boyle, C Moran, S Moran, N Lundy, P Morgan, E Woods, C McAllister, R Smith, E Maguire, V Harkin, P Lavery, P Herity, M McGovern, A Muldoon, K Linton, C McGarvey, C Conlon.
Upcoming matches: See club website for latest news on fixtures, stbrigidsgacbelfast.com
Intermediate Championship Final: St Brigid’s seniors are playing Moneyglass in the Intermediate Football Final at Casement Park on Saturday, 14 October. See club website for throw-in time. This is a momentous occasion in the club’s history and the team and management deserve the support of the entire parish. Parents are asked to bring their children in their club colours and make it a day to remember for everyone.
