Naomh Brid took full advantage of their game in hand on Wednesday evening to move within two points of league leaders Rasharkin after a comprehensive home win over bottom club McDermott’s.
In truth the 13-point victory in no way flattered the home side, such was the obvious difference in class. Indeed but for some fine saves and profligate finishing, the margin could easily have been doubled.
Any advance hopes McDermott’s had harboured of breaking their season’s duck took a nose dive within seconds of the throw-in, when they gift-wrapped Chris McCann a simple goal. Then MacSherry made up for spurning a second goal chance when he breezed over a fine 45. However, MacDermott’s midfield was battling hard to get a healthy share of break ball in midfield and they fought back with decent two points. But that was as good as it got for the Lower Falls side. Almost immediately, a grateful James Loughrey received an errant clearance and fed Brolly, who made no mistake from close range.
Not to be outdone in the generosity stakes, Naomh Brid maintained what is fast becoming a penalty concession per game, forcing the evergreen and alert Mackle to spare the blushes, saving low to his left. What was to be McDermott’s final score split two Edwards points before further goal chances went a-begging for the home side, the crossbar denying McCann, who followed up with a point.
Half time: Naomh Brid 2-4 McDermott’s 0-3
The second half saw the home side in complete control with their superior fitness and impressive tackling accentuating the gulf in class. The Malone boys could afford another couple of goal misses as Brolly (3), Loughrey and Sweeney pointed to pile on the agony for McDermott’s. The home management took the opportunity to give a number of substitutes a run out as Naomh Brid skated home in cruise control. It was all academic as MacSherry, Ryan Brolly, Donnelly and McMahon each chipped in to spread the scores.
Full time: Naomh Brid 2-13 McDermott’s 0-3
Naomh Brid will now head into a crunch game at Harlequins against third place Glenravel next Wednesday in good heart. There was plenty to please in this performance, not least the quality of the tackling and overall work rate. The same level of commitment will be needed next week, when a much stiffer challenge can be expected from the Glensmen, in a match which should attract a healthy home support.
Team: J Mackle, P Finegan, D O’Heagan, M Donnelly, B McMahon, G McGonigle, G Macklin ( ), D Edwards, J McGuckian (R Smyth), B Reilly (R Brolly), M Sweeney, J Loughrey, J Brolly (T McCrudden), C McCann, M MacSherry
Man of the match: D Edwards
Next match: Wednesday 27 June vs Glenravel at Harlequins. Throw-in 8.15pm.
