The seniors’ second trip to south Down in as many weeks on Sunday proved much more productive than the first. While the academic three point win was welcome, most importantly the performance showed a positive attitude and a steely resolve.
Saval was a most impressive setting for this first timer, and they were welcoming and helpful hosts. The famous club on the outskirts of Newry were relegated from Div 1 last year but have high hopes of a swift return. On this showing they may well do, as they played some flowing, incisive football, dominating for large spells, but they will be aware of their profligacy in the crucial scoring department. I counted 13 wides and five into the keeper’s hand. Naomh Brid’s entire wide count was three in comparison.
There was a welcome return of the county men James Loughrey and Declan O’Hagan, and Dara Edwards from injury. Their presence certainly bolstered the team even if Loughrey only played a half after his county exploits the previous night. But he made an instant impact on four minutes to finish to the net in a rare appearance at corner forward.
Saval made the early running and were full value for their restored lead with three points before substitute Ryan Brolly finished with a second goal to put a somewhat unfair reflection on the scoreboard. The Down side, playing with the breeze, were asking the questions and three additional points in the half was scarce reward for their endeavours. But the Naomh Brid defence can take much credit for ensuring that scoring opportunities were invariably pressurised. At other end, Joe Brolly, with two frees, and Dara Edwards made the most of limited chances.
Half time: Saval 0-6 Naomh Brid 2-3
With the elements in their favour in the second half, Naomh Brid were surprisingly on the back foot as Saval continued to make the running. They closed to within a point but the Brolly family countered with two well taken scores. On a day when goals would prove decisive, few would have backed corner back Joe McKeever to claim the glory. but he tapped home from close range after an excellent run and interchange, instigated by an excellent Reilly interception. With Saval continuing to register scores amidst a galaxy of wides and short efforts, Mickey Donnelly and Deaclan O’Hagan fired over good points to secure a welcome win.
Full time: Saval 0-13 Naomh Brid 3-7
Team: J Mackle (W McSorley), C Mackle (J McKeever), A Christie, B O’Donnell (A Owens), D O’Hagan, M Rooney, B Reilly, R Smyth, J McGuckian (M Donnelly), D McAuley, D Edwards, M Sweeney, R O’Neill(R Brolly), J Brolly, J Loughrey(c mc grady).
Man of the match: D O’Hagan
