The cold statistics will show two more points for Naomh Brid in their quest for Div 1 status following this victory over All Saints in their penultimate home fixture. But while the Malone boys preserved their narrow advantage over second-placed Rasharkin, who continue to lurk with intent, they gave their supporters an anxious second half as the Ballymena side stormed back in a game that had seemed done and dusted by the interval.
Although Joe Brolly’s lightning opener from play was cancelled out by a soft free, the flow of play towards the away end was quickly established. A dominant midfield and half back line were ensuring a steady supply to the forward line in which McCann was looking particularly lively. Despite a number of early wides, Naomh Brid had opened up a four point gap through well taken scores from Brolly (3) and McCann before All Saints replied with a rare attack on 15 minutes. The home response was immediate with an Edwards score following excellent fielding from McMahon. Both keepers were then called into action with Morrissey saving well before Brolly was denied at the opposite end following a devastating run and pass by Loughrey. But any relief by All Saints was short-lived as the home side’s sustained pressure paid off with Edwards applying the coup de grậce, low into the corner of the net. The final 10 minutes of the half, though, were more evenly contested as All Saints began to come out of their shell. They countered scores from McCann (2), McGuckian and Joe Brolly with three of their own to limit further damage by the interval.
Half time: Naomh Brid 1-10 All Saints 0-05
Initially the visitors came close on the resumption following a loose defensive pass, but when Joe Brolly took another fine point from play the only remaining concern seemed to be the margin of victory for the aggregate score tally. But the Ballymena side, who were gearing up for a championship semi-final the following week, had other ideas. When Morrissey saved a goal at the expense of a point there was little concern. However, the game was to turn quite dramatically and in a power-packed spell All Saints served notice of intent with four excellent points from play. With life breathed back into the game the home side responded with a Brolly score following good work by McCann. But All Saints now had the bit between their teeth and were relishing the fight, completely lording affairs at midfield. In between two converted frees they carved open the home defence to score a well deserved goal. A quick tally by the score counter confirmed level pegging with 15 minutes left, while managers MacSherry and Conway made frantic personnel and positional changes as the unthinkable was becoming a distinct possibility.
An excellent touchline free by Edwards nudged the home side ahead again only for Ballymena to hit straight back following a defensive lapse. With seven minutes remaining Joe Brolly kept his cool to restore the lead with a converted free. As play ebbed back and forward Edwards made a decisive interception and linked with McCann who sensibly fisted over the bar. Into injury time Ballymena refused to give up and reduced the gap to the minimum again before Edwards had the last say with a fine score after good approach work by Loughrey. There was palpable relief among the home support as the final whistle blew on an enthralling contest.
Full time: Naomh Brid 1-16 All Saints 1-14
Team: S Morrisey, J McKeever, M Donnelly, J Marley, B McMahon, C Mullan, D McAuley, J McGuckian, R Smith (C McCann II), J Loughrey, D Edwards, B Reilly, R Brolly,
