A superb last gasp save by veteran keeper John Mackle ensured an historic first senior victory for Naomh Brid over Cargin by a single point at Harlequins on Sunday. This was a rip-roaring contest that had everything, including a late schemozzle that saw injury time extended to an agonizing seven minutes for the enthralled home support.
Despite the balmy conditions, there was a strong breeze favouring Cargin in the first half, and they took advantage within seconds to open with fine point from play. However, they followed up with two wides as Naomh Brid adjusted well to the conditions. The home side then got an early fillip as the Cargin keeper spilled an innocent looking ball and the lurking Cunningham was on hand to stab home. Cargin hit back with two good scores but O’Neill responded as Naomh Brid continued to play with confidence. The match was flowing from end to end as the sides swapped three points apiece, but there was visible frustration within the Cargin camp as they were being matched all over the park by a very determined and disciplined home side full of running. Debutant Mick Malone was proving a handful in the corner. A Cunningham free on 26 minutes left a two point gap and the home support were then left baffled as the referee waved play on when Cole seemed to be pole-axed as he closed in on goal. Cargin’s county star Scullion then responded with a burst from defence and excellent point from play. As half time approached the menace that Cargin always threatened resulted in a goal despite the best efforts of Mackle.
Half time: Naomh Brid 1-5 Cargin 1-7
The second half started as expected with Naomh Brid applying the early pressure with the wind at their backs. After wasting several chances, they reduced the gap to a point thanks to a good score from the impressive O’Neill. However, the score of the match came on 40 minutes as an intricate handpassing move saw Cargin prise open the mean home defence for an excellent goal. That was to be their penultimate score as Naomh Brid kept their composure and continued to blitz the away end. The short distance of the Cargin kick-outs underlined the value of Mackle’s relieving deliveries in the first half. The comeback was on when Brolly and Sweeney combined to set up Edward for a fine score. Cole, Sweeney and Edwards followed up in quick succession to level affairs as the excitement rose. A super overturn by Reilly in defence launched a swift counter-attack resulting in Cole restoring the home side’s lead. While Cargin levelled on 54 minutes, Naomh Brid’s defence again led the way, this time Loughrey turning provider for Cole to clinch the vital score. Cargin threw everything into attack but could not find a way through a resolute defence, although there was one last heart-stopping moment as Mackle parried away a pile-driver from point blank range. Cargin’s frustration was complete and manager MacSherry ran down the clock with a series of substitutions as Naomh Brid claimed a famous victory.
Full time: Naomh Brid 1-12 Cargin 2-8
Team: J Mackle, J McKeever, A Christie, B Reilly, J Loughrey, D O’Hagan, D MacAuley, R Smith, D Edwards, R Brolly, A Cole, R O’Neill, M Sweeney, N Cunningham, M Malone
Man of the match: J Mackle
With just one other match played in Div 1 over the weekend, Naomh Brid now share second spot with St Gall’s, Creggan and Cargin on six points. Portglenone lead the table with maximum point from four games. After five games the early signs are that the Malone boys are more than capable of holding their own in the top flight. Next Sunday sees the visit to Harlequins of the All Ireland club finalists of 2006, St Gall’s.
