The under 21 team travelled to Ahoghill to take on a very strong south west outfit in the first round proper of the Championship on Friday 20 April at 7 pm.
The Malone Road boys came away with a narrow victory in a close and very competitive encounter on a scoreline of 2:9 to 1:7.
The first ten minutes saw the hosts out of the blocks first with early dominance in the midfield sector and the visiting defence all at sea. A goal and two points was
scored by the red and blacks before R O’Neill knotched two vital points to keep the blues hanging in by their finger tips. James Loughrey began to get to grips with the midfield sector and slowly the visitors tightened things up at the back. The well travelled Paul Finegan was introduced and Niall MacDonald moved to centre half forward and further strengthened the midfield diamond. A brace of points each from Mark Sweeney and Rory O’Neill brought the half time score to Naomh Brid 0:6 Aghoghill 1:5
St. Brigid’s had the benefit of a slight breeze in the scond half and a long well worked ball found Ruari O’Neill who duly turned his man and thundered the roof of the net to give the advantage to the Belfast boy’s after a tense first ten minutes of the second half. However, Aghohill were not giving up the match without a struggle and levelled proceedings once more. Cometh the hour cometh the man and Ruari O’Neill slotted a great goal into the corner of the net to put three points between the teams.
Further points from Mel MacSherry (2) and Chris Quinn helped to put clear blue water between the sides. Aghohill were not finished yet and got the final point of the game and hit the bottom of the upright in the last minute to rapidly age the MacSherry/Conway management pair further who were dreading extra time.
James Loughrey, Mark Sweeney and Man of the Match Ruari O’Neill all displayed
their senior experience to see a hard earned championship win. Mark Kelly was another man that deserved praise for a storming display. St. Brigid’s will meet Rasharkin next Friday night in the second round proper at a yet to be anounced Belfast venue at 7 pm.
This was a good performance from a team that had to come from behind to win
their second successive championship match in two weeks.
