With just four league games remaining Naomh Brid extended their lead in Div 2 to five points with a facile win over bottom-of-the-table McDermott’s at Cherryvale on Saturday. And while nearest challengers Rasharkin enjoyed a free weekend, they can expect no favours in their re-fix from Glenravel who will host them in a local derby.
Back to Naomh Brid, and Saturday’s match quickly took on the appearance of a top versus bottom clash, as first Sweeney, then Edwards, Reilly and Joe Brolly ensured an early spread of scores from a lively forward line. Eventually, though, McDermott’s picked up the pace and, after missing two kickable frees, they seized on a rare opportunity as the ball spun from Mackle and their full forward crashed home from close range. The Malone boys’ response was swift, Donnelly pointing before McMahon burst from defence to combine with McGuckian to set up Joe Brolly, who slotted over. Then Ryan Brolly, who was having a fine game, set up Edwards for another score before Mark Sweeney put a gloss on the scoreboard, winning a breaking ball from a lob into the danger zone and finishing with style.
Half time: McDermott’s 1-0 Naomh Brid 1-7
McDermott’s seemed to have been dealt a fatal blow early in the second period when a disputed free led to a Joe Brolly goal from a smart knockdown from his namesake. But a strange lethargy then descended on the Malone boys, as McDermott’s rolled up their sleeves and were rewarded with five points on the bounce in a 10-minute spell of domination.
Naomh Brid were stung, and eventually responded with points from Edwards, McGuckian and Reilly before Sweeney goaled to put result beyond doubt with five minutes remaining. Manager MacSherry introduced two minors, Mooney and McGrady, who both made instant impressions. Indeed, young McGrady lit up the dying moments of the game with a superb burst from defence, exchanging passes along the way before taking a fine point on the run.
Full time: McDermott’s 1-6 Naomh Brid 3-11
Team: J Mackle, J McKeever, D O’Hagan, P Finegan (C McGrady), C Mullan (C Mooney), G McGonigle, B McMahon, R Smith, J McGuckian, M Sweeney, D Edwards, M Donnelly, R Brolly, J Brolly, B Reilly
Man of the match: D O’Hagan
Next weekend’s fixtures could be significant as Naomh Brid travel to Glenravel for an early morning throw in on Sunday, while Rasharkin face an equally tricky match at Hightown against St Enda’s.
