An under strength Naomh Brid can have no complaints as they slumped to a disappointing four point defeat to Whitecross (Div 2 Armagh) in the Ulster Senior League at the YMCA on Saturday. However, while it would be naïve to read too much into the result given the absence of so many experienced personnel, the pithless second half performance will be of some concern to Eunan Conway just three weeks away from the start of the new season.
The fast emerging talent of Ben Synott was undoubtedly the highlight of the first half as he led by example in attack. In scoreboard terms he first provided a pinpoint pass to O’Neill who took his goal well on 15 minutes. And just before the interval he deservedly added a goal of his own when Cunningham provided the link.
Naomh Brid adjusted well against the elements in the first half and their decent work rate gave them an even share of possession, which they generally used well. Two early points from Cunningham and O’Neill stole an early march but the Armagh men struck a rich vein through the centre with three quick points before O’Neill’s goal. With a narrow two point lead at the interval, having faced the breeze, the home side seemed in a decent position.
Half time: Naomh Brid 2-3 Whitecross 0-7
The introduction of Mark Sweeney in the second half, who had hot-footed it from county training, was welcome, albeit in a peripheral role, as he quickly made his mark with a point. Then O’Neill interchanged with MacAuley to stretch the lead. But Whitecross were resilient and stuck to their task. Increasingly they were bossing the midfield, ultimately to the point of monopoly. Whitecross’ domination through the centre was rewarded with five unanswered points before substitute McGrady finished off a good move involving Donnelly and Sweeney for the equalizer. Reilly again restored parity on 49 minutes but the writing was on the wall as the home side’s token resistance crumbled. With an absolute stranglehold at midfield Whitecross cruised to victory with five emphatic points, Sherry’s token reply just that.
Full time: Naomh Brid 2-8 Whitecross (Armagh) 0-18
Team: P McCrudden, C Moane, J McKeever, P Finegan (K Mackle), E Smith, B McMahon, C Mooney (R Mackle), F Sherry, M Donnelly, A Owens (M Sweeney) D MacAuley
B Synott, B Reilly, N Cunningham, R O’Neill
