U21s clinch semi-final place
Mel MacSherry was in inspired form as his man-of-the-match display and a personal tally of 1-4 was the reason that Naomh Brid overcame Rasharkin in this quarter-final game at the St Mary’s venue.
Despite a shaky start it was the Belfast men who settled first after wides from both teams. It was that man MacSherry who brought some shape to the Naomh Brid attack. He opened the score from a pointed free and despite being starved of possession won every ball that came to him with an exhibition of fielding.
Mark Sweeney made a fantastic catch at the back and carried the ball forward to set up MacSherry for a point from play. The home team missed three kickable frees before Mel MacSherry put the visitors three up from another free.
Ryan Brolly added another point from play before Rasharkin opened their account.
James Loughrey, who playing despite a head injury, got forward to ease Naomh Brid one more ahead before Rasharkin had the last say of the first half with a pointed free.
Half time Rasharkin 0-2 Naomh Brid 0-5
Manager Conway reiterated his demand for workrate at half time, as the Belfast men faced the incline of the pitch for the second half.
Ruairi O’Neill opened the second half account with a minor from play despite playing with an ankle injury. The experience of O’Hagan, Sweeney and Loughrey was called upon as Rasharkin gained more possession in the middle through their tall midfielders. Rasharkin added two more from play before MacSherry again stretched the lead to three from a pointed free from a difficult angle after excellent work from the determined O’Neill.
Rasharkin continued to scorn scorable chances but brought themselves back into contention with a point from play.
But then the game was finally decided. Brolly did excellent work to win possession and carry the ball forward before releasing MacSherry. When a point looked an easy option he cut through the Rasharkin defence to score a fantastic goal. With time running out Rasharkin scored a point to cancel out Sweeney’s effort. An injury time goal from Rasharkin left two points in it at the end.
Michael Malone was superb in goals. Joe McKeever and Paul Finnegan were stout in defence. Up front MacSherry claimed every ball in what must be his finest performance in the blue and gold.
Full time Rasharkin 1-6 Naomh Brid 1-8
Next up St Gall’s in the semi-final. Another day’s work.
Panel,
M Malone, R Walsh, J Kennedy, C Mackle, J McKeever, P Finnegan, JG Doran, A Brennan, A Owens, C Mooney, M Kelly, D O’ Hagan, J Loughrey, M Sweeney, C Donnelly, R Mackle, B Sinnott, N Corrigan, R Brolly,M McLaughlin, L Bogue, R O’Neill, M MacSherry, C Quinn, C Donnelly, T McCrudden, R Taylor
