MINOR LEAGUE MATCH
Tuesday 15 May 2007
St Teresa’s 0-10 St Brigid’s 1-5
SUB PAR PERFORMANCE FROM ST BRIGID’S RESULTS IN NARROW DEFEAT
St Brigid’s travelled to meet the unbeaten league leaders, St Teresa’s, and despite enjoying a large percentage of the play, they failed to translate said possession into scores.
In a very tight first half, St Teresa’s scored four points, two of which were from frees. But for some lethargic finishing they should have scored at least another six points.
St Brigid’s fielding and passing was not up to the standard we had come to expect from them in recent matches. As a result they were always chasing the game. Chris Mooney in midfield was putting in some sterling efforts to try and galvanize the team. An excellent solo efforts was rewarded with the first point for the Malone Road Gaels. Two further points from Cormac McGrady and Chris Donnolly left St Brigid’s, despite themselves, being only one point behind the West Belfast outfit.
Surprisingly St Brigid’s could have taken the lead but for a sensational save from the home keeper who managed to divert a Chris Donnelly fisted ball just over the bar.
Substitutions of Luke McGread, Niall George, Ronan Ward and Richard Kervick were made and noticeable performances from Ronan and Richard contributed to a more spirited 2nd half performance.
St Brigid’s tried to shake themselves and sought to raise their game. However, many passages of good play were simply spoiled by poor and erratic finishing. Many of the resultant St Teresa’s attacks started with poor passes from the Malone Road Gaels. On several occasions their numbers 11 and 17 had some excellent solo runs which were translated in to four further points. In contrast Cormac McGrady was the only point scorer for St Brigid’s in those initial 10 minutes of play in the second half.
Then came a period of better dominance from the Blue and Yellows. Michael Malone had taken control over the field at that stage and half backs Stephen O’Brien and Cormac McGrady made some noteworthy forays causing panic in the St Teresa’s defence.
One particular pleasing move from St Brigid’s translated into a goal from Niall George but there were several other scoring chances that went begging. A further point from Chris Donnelly got St Brigid’s to within a point of the west Belfast leaders. On the assessment of play at this stage, particularly with the sterling work of Matthew Edgar and Ben Sinnott, the game was clearly in the balance. However, some questionable frees against the Blue and Yellows seemed to take the momentum from them and St Teresa’s repelled all of the attacks. The home side ended the match with an excellent long-range effort of their own.
St Brigid’s can have no complaints regarding the result as the sub par performance did not deserve a win. Hopefully this is now out of their system and the players can learn and move on from same.
Notable performances from P Nolan in goals who continues to dominate. Defence players Ciaran Mackle and Steven O’Brien gave excellent performances. Michael Malone in midfield started to win more breaking balls in the first half and orchestrated many of St Brigid’s attacks. As ever Chris Donnelly, David Brennan and Cormac McGrady did not disappoint with their efforts.
Man of the Match was Chris Mooney who gave his total commitment in trying to win ball and move St Brigid’s forward.
Score
C Mooney 0-1
C McGrady 0-2
N George 1-0
C Donnelly 0-2
Team
P Nolan C Mackle M Edgar
C Connolly (Sub Luke McGread 30 mins)
M Kelly (sub R Kervick 30
