Round 5, and Naomh Brid got their show back on the road again at Musgrave Park on Wednesday evening with a facile win over a young Rossa side that frankly look to have their work cut out at this level just yet. With other results going our way the two welcome points actually lifted the southsiders four league places, although with successive away matches coming up next against Cargin and St Galls the picture could change just as quickly.
Naomh Brid were missing the services of Sweeney and Daly but were bolstered by the return of Gallagher in defence and Edwards at midfield, which gave a better balance to side, allowing Loughrey to move onto the ’40, where he excelled on the night. There was also the welcome return to the squad of Richard Smyth who showed no signs of rustiness on his later introduction for Kevin Gallagher at full back.
The home side made an excellent start as they dominated the early exchanges. Points from McGrady, Loughrey and a Cunningham free were just the taster as Ward doubled the lead from the spot after Dowling was hauled down in the area after a good break from defence by the impressive McCrudden. With a near complete stranglehold on the match Naomh Brid should have been out of sight by the interval. Indeed had their lead of eight points been doubled the score line would not have been an exaggeration. However, some poor shooting by both sides and a smart low save by McSorley to head off a rare moment of goal danger kept the overall return relatively low.
HT: Naomh Pol 1-7 Rossa 0-2
The picture did not improve materially for Rossa in the second period as the home side continued to enjoy plenty of possession while still somewhat wasteful in attack. Although the visitors did pick off some fine individual long range points, a further three goals from Dowling (capping a good performance), Ronan McGrady and a second from Ward put the match well beyond the reach of Rossa who remain firmly anchored at the foot of the table. Greg Blaney’s side left the field satisfied with a job well done but in the certain knowledge that much harder tests lie ahead.
Full time: Naomh Brid 4-14 Rossa 0-10
Team: W McSorley, C Mackle, K Gallagher (R Smyth), T McCrudden, B McMahon, D O’Hagan, M Donnelly, D Edwards, J Dowling (1-2) (M Malone), C Mohan (0-1), J Loughrey (0-3), C McGrady (0-2), M Ward (2-0), N Cunningham (0-2), R McGrady (1-4)
Rd 6: Naomh Brid vs Cargin in Toome on Sunday, May 13. Throw in 4pm.
