Declan Morgan, senior coach and teacher in Red High Downpatrick, before the last 4 games advised the players that if they got 6 league points out of the possible 8 they would be back on track. As ever eager to please the teacher the lads tried harder and with a win on Wednesday against St Joseph’s Glenavy delivered 7 league points.
Playing with the assistance of a very strong wind Cormac Mc Grady had 3 points in the first 5 minutes. Daire King added his contribution of a point before Glanavy got on the score sheet with one of their own. It was all going St Brigid’s way with wave after wave of determined half back pressure released the forward to take control. Points rained down with Cormac getting another 2, Jack Dowling and Ronan Mackle 1 a piece . In a flurry of activity Glenavy responded and scored a point, followed by a great turn and point from Ciaran Malone. Once more Glenavy struck however the last play of the half was a point from Cormac.
Half-time St Brigid’s 0-10 St Joseph’s 0-3
There was a feeling of deja vu at half-time as on three occasions St Brigid’s had a commanding lead which was not maintained. Playing into a strengthening wind Declan and Andy decide different tactics would be required. The first 15 minutes of the second half was a bit of a dogged affair with both team making up two points. St Brigid’s coming from play by Peter Lundy and a free by Cormac Mc Gardy. Then Glenavy hit the back of the net, followed up with a point and the deficit was down to three. They continued to pressurise but shot two opportunities wide. St Brigid’s were finding it hard to get onto the ball.
However with 26 minutes gone a long range clearance saw the ball bounce kindly for Andy Duffy, who pushed forward into open space from mid-field. A quick bounce and toe-tap was followed by a fiercely hit volley from nearly 30 yards which flew past the keeper into the top left corner of the net. It was simply one of those magic pieces of skill and execution, most players would dream about. It indeed was a true execution as it took all the fight out of St Joseph’s. It was also the last score in the match.
Full time St Brigid’s 1-12 St Joseph’s 1-6
Declan Morgan – indulged in a brief smile !!
