St Brigid’s B squad battled gamely to snatch a last-gasp draw against neighbours St Malachy’s at a balmy YMCA last Friday evening. Despite the perennial school holiday exodus, a bare complement of stalwarts turned out to stake their claim for future starts.
This was a disjointed performance from the home team, who clearly had not benefited from the Easter fixture break, which led to many costly unforced errors. In truth this was a game that could, and should, have been won but for profligate finishing and overall slack distribution and handling.
The visitors, with the benefit of a rigorous warm-up, were quickly into their stride and tacked on a goal and point, before St Brigid’s stirred from their slumber with a neat response from Peter Morgan. It took another away score to really shake the Blue and Yellows, who by now realized that they had a game on their hands. Morgan again led the charge with a well-taken point, followed by scores from Kevin McGovern (2) and Patrick O’Boyle, to level affairs at the interval.
Half time: St Brigid’s 0-5 St Malachy’s 1-2
The second half was again error-strewn, with basic handling and passing skills lacking, and both defences on top. It was no surprise therefore that a meagre four scores were registered in this entire period. There was short-lived joy when O’Boyle fed Vincent Harkin, who found the bottom corner of the net, to give St Brigid’s the lead for the first time. However, St Malachy’s fought back bravely and benefited from two defensive lapses to lead going into the final few minutes. Indeed but for some desperate goal-line clearances the full points would have been heading for the Ormeau Road before the final whistle.
With nerves frayed, the small home support urged their side to the last. With relief, in the final minute Eoin Maguire found Dominic Mooney, who smashed home an equalizer from close range. An honourable draw and fair dues to the St Malachy’s boys and girls who played the match in great spirit.
Full time: St Brigid’s 2-5 St Malachy’s 3-2
Squad: T Evans, E Woods, F McKernan, R McKernan, C Devlin, N Lundy, A Lavery, K McGovern, D Mooney, K McAllister, P Morgan, N O’Reilly, E Maguire, P O’Boyle, V Harkin, C Conway, J O’ Kane
Note: Full turnouts required at training every Sunday at 10.30am at YMCA. Next match versus Eire Og on Friday, 20 April at Woodlands, Finaghy Road North. Meet at Woodlands pitch at 6.00pm.
