Saint Brigid’s II 1.05 Glenavy II’s 0.10

St Brigid’s seconds failed to capitalise on home advantage and numerous scoring opportunities against a youthful and spirited Glenavy side who have beaten the Naomh Brid side in their past three meetings after the Naomh Brid men had posted high scoring victories in the previous two meetings.

A Rory Taylor point from an outrageous position was all the Malone men had to show for a first half riddled by mistakes and possession gifted to the visitors. Uncontested balls, misdirected passes and a lack of competitiveness contributed to a seven-point half time deficit. John Finnegan could feel unlucky after fielding between the full and corner back to set up his brother Kevin for a point, which was then disallowed for an alleged foul by John.

Half time score Saint Brigid’s II 0.01 Glenavy II’s 0.8

A few positional changes in the second half and the resolve not to concede the chance of promotions left the Malone men with a do or die task in the final thirty minutes. Rory Taylor set the wheel in motion with a fine point and when he coolly slotted the ball low into the net from the penalty won by John Finnegan. Game on. Ryan Brolly added another from play as the Naomh Brid men edged closer and with two further minors brought the game level.
A point against the run of play after Smith was blown up broke the momentum. Five chances from 45’s, earned from the dominance of the St Brigid’s men, we spurned as the ball dropped into the goalkeeper’s and full back’s reach.

A breakaway score from Glenavy at the death left if a flattering two-point victory and definitely a match which should have been won, to keep league aspirations alive for the Blues.
Nothing funny to report. A painful defeat to a well-drilled and youthful Glenavy side. A good defensive second half display. We must take our chances.

Full time score Saint Brigid’s II 1.5 Glenavy II’s 0.10

Naomh Brid. S Morrissey, C Mackle, R Smith, , B Loughran, M Malone,C McHendry, P McCrudden, J Marley, P O’Hara, M MacSherry, R Taylor, D McAleenan, J Finnegan, K Finnegan, J King

Subs C Loughran, J McKeever, S O’Neill C Turbitt, A McVeigh, B Reilly, R Brolly,

Next game Wednesday 27 June home meet at 6.20 HQ

By Paul Gormley Sat 23rd Jun