Monday, 25 May, 2009
St Brigid’s U12 V Lamh Dhearg Friday 22nd May 2009 Match Report
For their second away match of the current campaign St. Brigids Under 12’s travelled uphill to Hannahstown and the home of Lamh Dhearg GAC.
The early Friday evening air was still with the only cloud visible crowning the distant Mournes and with underfoot conditions very good considering the recent weather, the stage was set indeed the setting and the facilities are made for football of a high order, something the young footballers of each team set out to prove.
St. Brigids were determined to repeat their most recent outing when they defeated strong Co. Armagh opposition Clann Eireann of Lurgan in a challenge match and though not quite reaching those heights here still played well to come away with a win against a very good Lamh Dhearg team.
Initial exchanges were even but once settled, St.Bridgids began to set the tempo with quick composed play. Joseph Finnegan at centre half back epitomized this, taking the game to Lamh Dhearg from start to finish with an accomplished display of skill and passion.
St Brigids were first to score good combination play between Enda Kelly McCann and Daire McGarvey set up Neil O’Reilly, who was fouled on his way goalwards. He duly converted the resulting free. Shane Moran, already heavily involved, took a telling pass from Enda and he slotted over a good point on the run. Enda himself followed with a fine point, kicking over from an angle after some very good work in the corner by Peter Lavery. The pairing of James Smith and Conor King were working extremely hard in midfield and with the excellent Michael Cummings and Daire McGarvey probing from the wings St Brigids continued to take the game to Lamh Dhearg. This early pressure was rewarded still further when Daire took a very fine score on the turn.
It wasn’t all one way traffic as Lamh Dhearg were full of good movement but found themselves up against a very determined and resilient St Brigid’s defence. Well directed by the impressive Gavin Campbell at full back, Paul Storrs was at his consistent best in the right corner, while debutant defender John Duffy was giving a good account of himself, filling in at left full back. In goals Dermot McMenamin was solid and positive throughout making some telling interceptions and clearances. The half back line of the pacey Patrick Finnegan, brother Joseph and the battling Frank McCormack were giving nothing away and pressing forward at every opportunity. At the other end, the busy Shane Moran kicked his second point after more good work from the talented Neil O’Reilly. This was quickly cancelled however when Lamh Dhearg completed a fine passage of play to score a terrific point – the best score of the half.
At this stage St Brigid’s had to make a forced substitution, due to injury, at right half back with Callum Power coming on for the ever present Patrick Finnegan. Indeed St Brigid’s were moving the ball forward at pace with the entire half back line of Frank McCormack, Joseph Finnegan and Callum Power, who had quickly slotted in, on top of their game. James Smith roaming forward from midfield, got on the end of another quick move to record a very fine point. A series of misses followed which didn’t do justice to the team’s work rate and support play. Lamh Dearg themselves had a great opportunity when a goal bound shot narrowly missed its target. One score did bring first half proceedings to an end when a Shane Moran free found the excellent Conor King who kicked a classy point.
The second half got under way with just one change to the starting St Brigid’s line up – Owen Winters having impressed during training and previous league match replacing the hard working John Duffy at left full back. Picking up where they had left off, St Brigid’s got quickly into their stride when Shane Moran demonstrated good vision to pick out the mobile Enda Kelly McCann who evaded his marker to turn and kick over his second point of the game. Not to be outdone, James Smith doubled his points total with a well taken free kick. Both wing backs Callum Power and Frank McCormack, were matching the strong example set by Joseph Finnegan with strong defensive work and clever distribution. They had to be focused for Lamh Dhearg were proving dangerous on the counterattack and their overall strong performance was not reflected on the scoreboard. This was quickly rectified when they were rewarded with another fine score after a very impressive move. This could have been increased had not Dermot McMenamin pulled off a terrific double save.
Not wanting to be out shone by such talented goalkeeping the entire defence lifted their game and were impressing greatly closing down the opposition and playing quality first time football. One such sweeping move, from defence to attack, allowed the elusive James Smith to extend his tally with a great point. This was soon followed by the first major score of the game when Daire McGarvey capping a strong performance, cleverly flicked the ball to the net. Finbar Devlin was introduced for the talented Peter Lavery and quickly picked up from where Peter had left off, with some fine running and deft touches. Indeed the entire St Brigid’s team were still full of running Conor King at the heart of the action throughout, found the roaming Enda Kelly-McCann on the wing who in turn with a quick pass, found Finbar Devlin. With good vision he then transferred a delightful ball to the advancing Michael Cummings, who kicked high and between the posts – an inspirational score and nothing more than his overall play deserved.
More changes followed, with Paul McCullagh and Ollie Cairns replacing the excellent Paul Storrs and Gavin Campbell in defence, while upfront Ciaran Diamond and Rory McAllister replaced the hard working Daire McGarvay and Neil O’Reilly respectively. Indeed no sooner was he on than Rory McAllister, for the second match running, scored a fine individual goal, palming a loose ball to the net. This proved to be the conclusive score of the match however as a mark of their character Lamh Dhearg were still attacking when the final whistle blew. Time had run out for the introduction of Ruari Lavery and Ryan Mulligan two valuable members of the team, but their commitment and patience will be rewarded in coming games.
Although St Brigids came away with the win on the scoreline of 2 – 12 to 0 – 2, the lasting impression is one of unity with the young footballers of both sides demonstrating an abundance of skill and ability, played throughout in a very sporting manner – a testament to both clubs.
