In at times dreadful conditions on Sunday Naomh Brid bagged two hard-fought points against a plucky Sarsfields whose performance belied their lowly league status. Make no mistake: this game was in the balance right up until the end and it was a relieved away management and support at the final whistle.
Things had seemed so different at the start when Joe Brolly, Dara Edwards and James Loughrey registered fine points from play to leave the vistors three up after just five minutes. There seemed little concern at two subsequent wides but in fact Naomh Brid were to fail to add to their tally for the next 40 minutes.
As the weather worsened, so the visitors’ play deteriorated and the easy rhythm of the first period was quickly replaced with a disjointed performance. Sarsfield’s were coming onto a game, sensing an opportunity. Indeed, but for a brave low save by Mackle from secondary play following a 45 the home side would have drawn level in the 11th minute. But by now Sarsfields were turning the screw and coping much better with the conditions. Four unanswered points in the last eight minutes of the half sent the boys in green into the warmth of the dressing room in great heart – leaving Naomh Brid with plenty to think about as they wrung themselves out.
Half time: Sarsfield’s 0-4 Naomh Brid 0-3
Sarsfeld’s picked up where they had left off in the first half and, after the sides had exchanged wides, pointed an easy free to move two clear. Mercifully, they then hit three costly wides before Joe Brolly skillfully pointed from an acute angle to reduce the margin to the minimum again. But Naomh Brid were doing themselves no favours and a defensive lapse gifted Sarsfield’s a simple score. This prompted a defiant response from Loughrey who came deep to collect the ball before surging forward to release Edwards for a fine score. Back to minimum with 12 minutes left.
The next phase of play was the turning point in the game. What would have been a certain Sarsfield’s point was saved by the excellent Mackle reaching high over the bar. Naomh Brid then sped to the other end of the field courtesy of Loughrey who fed Edwards who in turn cooly placed a perfect shot far into the corner of the net. Chris McCann, who was causing problems since coming on as a sub, immediately added a point as the visitors were visibly lifted. Although Sarsfield’s had the last say, the Malone boys held on grimly to secure two vital points. At the final whistle, there was more good news from the adjoining pitch with the unconfirmed report that league leaders Rossa had dropped two points to All Saints.
Final score: Sarsfield’s 0-7 Naomh Brid 1-6
Team: J Mackle, P Finegan, R Smith, J McKeever, D MacAuley, B McMahon, D O’Hagan, J McGucikin, M Donnelly, B Reilly, D Edwards, M Sweeney, R Brolly, J Brolly, J Loughrey
Subs: C McCann, A Owens, C Mullan, C Donnelly
Man of the Match: J Mackle
