This game against St Malachys at Cherryvale looked as good as over after 10 minutes by which time Jimmy King had found space behind the defence to slide a ball past the keeper and also chipped him from 25 yards. Jimmy says he meant it! This made it 2-2 to 0 -0 with Joe Brolly having already registered two scores.
There followed 10 minutes of exhibition football with James Loughrey, Keelan McCrudden, Brolly and even marathon man Eunan Conway (!) making the score sheet. The home side eventually managed to put together a few passages of play and scored a good goal to add to their 3-point tally. Brolly wrapped up the half with 2 late frees.
Half Time: St Malachys 1 – 3
St Brigids 2 – 8
Whatever was said at half time St Malachys came out ‘fighting’. After the inevitable free for all (i.e. Richard Smyth v 6 St Malachys players until reinforcements arrived led by the captain) the referee took the option of sending one player off from each team. And so the Gentle Giant’s 100% disciplinary record came to an end.
Not to worry, Conor Mullan made a welcome return and seemed to have a calming influence on the game.
Full Time: St Malahys 2 – 4
St Brigids 2 – 12
Two more points secured on a night with not much else pleasant to report other than the midfield performance of Fearghal Toner playing his first game at this level.
Team:
John Mackle, Frank O’Neill, Richard Smyth, Malachy O’Kane, Joseph McKeever, Frankie Devlin, Paul Finnegan, James Loughrey, Fearghal Toner, Ruari O’Neill, Paul McCrudden, Keelan McCrudden, Jimmy King, Joe Brolly, Eunan Conway.
Substitutes used:
Conor Mullan, John Doran, Kevin Finnegan
