Naomh Brid seconds went to Cargin for the second successive year to play in the Reserve Knock-out and again came away empty handed.
This game was in the melting pot right up to the final whistle but the experience of The Cargin team coupled by the home advantage saw them home with a single point to spare.
Rory O’Neill opened the score after a quick free from Duncan MacAuley but two easy frees allowed Cargin to get the momentum. The match upped in tempo as Paul McCrudden and Conor Mullan worked hard in the middle of the park assisted by Chris McCann and Michael Malone.
A converted penalty by Cargin left Naomh Brid trailing by four points, but the craft of Ryan Brolly showed as he hit three points from play to narrow the gap.
Kevin Finnegan worked hard to fire over from close range and a Chris McCann effort left it all square at the break
Half Time Cargin 1-4 Naomh Brid 0-7
The second half saw a very tight fifteen minutes where points were traded from each side. Rory Taylor converted a free and Michael Malone lofted a great effort but Cargin opened up a three point lead.
St Brigid’s missed a couple of scoreable chances and the ball dropped wastefully into the Cargin keeper’s hand.
Another penalty award to Cargin resulted in a point which sparked the Belfast men into action.
Ruairi O’Neill intercepted a back pass to the Cargin keeper but the pace of the ball beat him and another goal chance was spurned.
O’Neill made amends with goal from nothing and put the game back in the boiling pot.
Despite the best efforts of Marley, Mackle and Smith Cargin managed to score a winner with time almost up. Despite playing with a damaged shoulder everyone in Dungiven should know Conor Mullan was great!
Championship action over for another year but lessons learned after a strong performance against a good Cargin team playing at home on an excellent playing surface.
Final Score Cargin 1-11 Naomh Brid 1-10
N Brid S Morrissey,C Mackle, J Marley, M Kelly, E Smith, M Malone, D MacAuley, P McCrudden, C Mullan, C McCann, R Taylor, J King, R O’Neill, R Brolly, K Finnegan
Subs P Finnegan, B Loughran, R Mackle, G Morris, M Kock, J McKeever, C McCrudden, D McAleenan
