Seniors discard point at Hightown
An injury time equalizer by Dara Edwards preserved Naomh Brid’s unbeaten start to the season at a windy St Enda’s last Sunday. However, had the Malone boys left empty-handed they would surely have had only themselves to blame, having scorned numerous opportunities to put the game beyond their hosts.
Playing into a stiffish breeze in the first half, Naomh Brid showed early promise with McCann and Brolly picking off quick scores. However, the home side then settled and responded with three good points before Dara Edwards slotted over an easy free to level affairs. Brolly was then bustled out of a goal opportunity with the home side again moving back in front with a fine point. Mackle then came to rescue with a point-blank reaction save to keep the deficit to a minimum. There remained just time for Loughrey, who had taken the game to St Enda’s throughout the half, to level again following a smart one-two. With a wind advantage to follow, the outlook seemed reasonable despite an insipid first-half display.
Half time: St Enda’s 0-4 St Brigid’s 0-4
On the restart a loose pass out of defence gifted St Enda’s the lead again before Naomh Brid extended their generosity at the other end with three wides, including an excellent goal opportunity. However, by now Naomh Brid were controlling midfield and attacking in waves. Three points in quick succession from Brolly and Chris Donnelly eased them in front before St Enda’s pegged the lead back to the minimum. Back came Naomh Brid with scores from Sweeney and Mickey Donnelly, who sprang from defence to show the forwards how it’s done. But the Blues could not extend their lead beyond a score. While Brolly responded to two further home points, there remained a nagging suspicion that something might go wrong as time ran out. With St Enda’s throwing caution to the wind, they rocked their guests with a late hammer blow to the net. There was just time for that last-gasp Edwards score to leave honours even at the finish.
Full time: St Enda’s 1-8 St Brigid’s 0-11
Man of the Match: J Loughrey
Team: J Mackle, P Finegan, R Smyth, M Donnelly, D MacAuley, B McMahon, D O’Hagan, J Loughrey, C Mullan (J McGuckin), M Sweeney, D Edwards, B O’Reilly, R O’Neill (C Donnelly), J Brolly, C McCann (G Macklin). Subs: M MacSherry, A Brennan.
