U16s bounce back in League

It was a fine sunny evening when St. John’s hosted St. Brigids at Corrigan Park. St. John’s were on a winning run, while St. Brigids coming of the back of the championship loss had something to prove.
The first half started with St. John’s flying out of the blocks. They scored 1-2 without reply, and this certainly woke St. Brigids up. Peter Mooney was getting some ‘friendly advise’ from his man off the ball but he continued to bravely win the ball and drive forward. Donal Prenter was playing well around the middle of the park and under 14 star Niall Quinn was superb in defence. Ronan McGrady held his nerve to slot home a goal, and Ronan Mackle coolly finished another, and soon St. Brigid’s were within a couple of scores. Around the twenty minute mark an injury to Jack Cassidy forced changes on the team. Conal Cahill came on for Cassidy and Conor Mackie back from a long injury lay off was moved into the half back line. Almost as soon as Mackie moved back he sustained an injury and had to be blood subbed by Paddy Short who performed ably until half time when Mackie rejoined the fray. Points from Ben Leonard and a bizarre but well-aimed header from Garrett Cullen brought the away team close. However, the St. John’s captain leading from the front drove through to blast home a goal. Further points from the dangerous half forward line and full forward left five between the sides at half-time, in favour of the Johnnies.
The second half was very tight. St. Brigids were digging deep and beginning to show true character. Mark Gribbon and captain Ben Leonard were at the forefront as Brigids started to drive forward with increasing determination. Daniel Lavery who started the second half for the injured Bailie was finding space and pulling his defender out of position. Gribbon won plenty of ball and his pace and power was causing problems for the hosts’ defence. He twice drove through and scored two goals. One a sublime move started by Salters in the Brigids goal when after an excellent save his quick wit spotted an free St Brigids defender he fist passing it out and so started a sweeping move up field which ended with Gribbon blasting the ball into the Johnnies net without them even laying a hand on the ball. Winters who was everywhere in defence holding the line was increasingly dominant starting many of the “steaming” moves into attack and managed to score a beautiful point. St. John’s didn’t simply lie down, however. They chipped away at their points and even when Leonard brilliantly placed the ball for another three pointer, they kept going. Their captain one of the best players on the pitch got them back in it with yet another goal. In the last five minutes the St. Brigids defence had to work hard, employing the swarmed defence they pushed the Johnnies attack up the field and wide, Mickey Harte would have been proud of them. Cahill stuck to his man like glue and broke down a couple of attacks in the corner. Ronan McGrady dropped back to operate as a sweeper and at one time was playing as full back. Conceding only a point St Brigids held out for a memorable 2 point win.
Credit must to both sets of players, who put on a hugely entertaining game of football full of drama and excitement with St Brigids at last getting the result their endeavours deserved. Credit also to the referee who contributed to an excellent game with his calm even handedness.
St Johns 3-12 St Brigids 5-8