Greg Blaney’s still decimated senior squad found in-form St Paul’s too hot to handle at Musgrave on Wednesday night, leaving the southsiders anchored on just five league points after nine matches. However, the seven point margin of defeat arguably reflected somewhat harshly on the home side who would rue a host of spurned opportunities in the opening period.
Unlike in their previous outing, Naomh Brid’s problems did not stem from midfield where Smyth and Dowling in particular grafted with considerable success. However, failing to take advantage of their early possession the home side quickly found themselves three points adrift as the economical hoops took each of their chances on the break. By the tenth minute a Cunningham free and a Ward point was scant return from an array of efforts from decent positions, a couple dropping frustratingly short into the keeper’s hands. Meanwhile at the other end Burns at full forward was proving more than a handful as he led a lively St Pauls line well, picking off scores with aplomb. The fitter St Pauls outfit were more inventive and direct with limited ball and had tacked on a further six points by the 25th minute. By that stage a McGrady point was the solitary addition to the meagre home tally. Still, Naomh Brid were given hope just before the break when a smart move was finished by a low drill home from Ward from a clever flick by Loughrey.
HT: Naomh Brid 1-3 Naomh Pol 0-10
Naomh Brid failed to get the settling score they needed on the restart and were duly punished by the visitors who stretched their lead to seven with three unanswered points. Points from Ward and substitute Rory Flanagan, who showed well on his senior debut, were just as quickly cancelled out by two from Burns as the match drew to its inevitable conclusion. Naomh Brid did keep going to the end as McGrady added to his personal tally.
FT: Naomh Brid 1-8 Naomh Pol 1-15
Team: W McSorley, C Mackle, K Gallagher, R Mackle (R Flanangan (0-1)), C Mohan, R Daly, M Donnelly, R Smyth, J Dowling, D O’Hagan, J Loughrey, B McMahon, M Ward (1-2), R McGrady (0-4), N Cunningham (0-1)
