A late Chris McCann goal was not enough to salvage the necessary point to guarantee Div I status next year for the Malone boys, as Rasharkin kept their own title ambitions alive. It now looks increasingly likely that score aggregate over the league campaign will be needed to determine the destiny of the title. If that proves to be the case, Naomh Brid may have reason to be grateful for their scoring prowess to date — they hold a healthy 28 point advantage — albeit that Rasharkin have a game in hand.
Given the stakes in this table-topper, only an optimist would have hoped for a free-flowing encounter. No surprise then that Rasharkin served early notice of their physical intent, with Mark Sweeney coming in for particular attention.
Morrisey, a late call-up in goals, showed no signs of nerves, clearing well in the opening seconds. Both sides sparred as the tackles fairly flew in, some of a dubious nature. Duncan McAuley settled the away nerves with the opener on six minutes and an Edwards free doubled the advantage before McAuley’s enthusiasm for the tackle earned him a yellow card. Rasharkin eventually got off the mark with a free on 13 minutes, while seconds later they were unfortunate not to take the lead when they had to settle for a point after a shot rebounded off the post with Morrisey stranded. Naomh Brid’s response was swift, as Finegan launched an attack that saw McGonigle and Edwards combine to set up Ryan Brolly for a fine score. Edwards then doubled the advantage, as Naomh Brid stood strong in some intense exchanges. But with St Mary’s powerful midfield exerting their influence, two points in as many minutes reeled the city boys back in again.
As half time beckoned, a superb long-range pass from McAuley found Edwards in space, who nudged Naomh Brid back in front. But the see-saw continued with a soft free bringing Rasharkin level, before a defensive mix-up went unpunished as the home side struck the crossbar with the goal at their mercy.
Half time: St Mary’s Rasharkin 0-5 Naomh Brid 0-5
What had been at times an ill-tempered first half graduated into a full-scale schemozzle as the referee prepared to resume proceedings. When the dust had settled, manager MacSherry held his head in despair as county star James Loughrey, a half time replacement, was dismissed before he could strike a ball in anger. But the setback seemed to galvanize Naomh Brid, whose gander was well and truly up, and a brace of points from the Brollys was no more than they deserved. Then Joe Brolly was penalised for his over eagerness to take a 13 metre free, and Rasharkin sped to the other end to score from the resultant hop ball.
While Ryan Brolly quickly responded, Rasharkin’s numerical advantage was starting to take its toll. They piled on the pressure and a string of six unanswered points in a 12-minute spell seemed to spell the end. But there was time for one last twist as the clock ticked over the 30 mark — Sweeney worked an intricate move with McCann, who blasted home to give Rasharkin a nervous final few seconds.
Full time: St Mary’s Rasharkin 0-12 Naomh Brid 1-8
Team: S Morrisey, P Finegan, D O’Hagan, J McKeever, C Mullan, G McGonigle, B McMahon, M Donnelly, R Smith, D McAuley, D Edwards, M Sweeney, R Brolly, J Brolly, B Reilly (C McCann)
Man of the match: C Mullan
The Naomh Brid road show concludes this Saturday with a visit to O’Donovan Rossa, who will not lack motivation as they fight to stave off relegation. Throw in at Shaw’s Road is 2.00pm. This is now a must-win game and a big support would be appreciated.
