St Brigid’s minors had a panel of 22 for this opening minor game in the qualifying section, doubling the attendance of the initial training sessions. However the Malone Road boys, short of a couple of their more experienced players, found their feet early on and thanks to Paddy Nolan and Cormac McGrady raced into a 4 points to 1 advantage. Despite this early lead, it was keeper Turlough Convery who was called into action to keep several long range efforts at bay and he was very safe under the posts.
The St John’s team came back into the game thanks to some fine free taking and went in at half time 5 points all.
The second half was an even tussle but St John’s were edging ahead in the first quarter and had a one point lead until the final ten minutes when St Brigid’s were caught on the counter attack and a penalty ensued, neatly tucked into the corner of the net past Convery. However, the boys in blue refused to give up and Ramsay and McGranaghan were to the fore in the fightback. A little momentum was lost by the use of the bench and in the end St John’s who got the upper hand in the
midfield just about deserved their victory.
Best on the day were: Thomas McGeough, Matthew Kelly, Ciaran Mackle, Cormac McGrady, Paddy Nolan and Turlough Convery.
Next up is St Paul’s at Shaw’s Road on Sunday.
Minors take note: the preliminary round of the championship is Tuesday May 20.
TRAINING CONTINUES AT THE YMCA AT 6:3O ON THURSDAY NIGHT.
