Naomh Brid shipped two league points to a late St John’s strike deep into injury time as darkness fell at Musgrave Park on Wednesday evening. But while the goal had more than a hint of luck, Naomh Brid were largely the authors of their own misfortune with a below par first half display that left them four points adrift at the interval. A vastly improved second half from the Malone boys seemed to have turned the match on its head, but, critically, a failure once more to see out time proved costly.
Despite no let-up in the rain that had fallen throughout the day the pitch was in near perfect condition. However, both sides struggled to make an early impression reducing their scoring threats. After an error-strewn first 20 minutes, St John’s had cancelled Naomh Brid’s early advantage, courtesy of Taylor and Cunningham, responding with two frees and a converted 45. St John’s height advantage at midfield was paying dividends as their hosts struggled to gain possession. Richard Smith, introduced for the injured Sherry, made an instant impact, though, bursting through for an inspirational point. Then Loughrey sprang to life with another fine score to answer a further St John’s score. But just as it seemed a very jaded Naomh Brid would escape to the dressing room with the minimum deficit, their defence was caught napping as St John’s aerial presence on the square garnered a soft goal on the whistle.
Half time: Naomh Brid 0-4 Naomh Eoin 1-5
Whatever quiet word of encouragement Conway had at the break seemed to have transformational qualities, as a chastened Naomh Brid quickly rolled into action. The second half was barely under way before Loughrey’s penetrative midfield run and pass found O’Neill who set up Chris Donnelly for an excellent goal, his second in as many games. With their tails up the Malone boys overhauled the Johnnies’ lead as two Cunningham frees punished fouls on Chris Donnelly and O’Neill. The home lead was restored again following a St John’s reply, as Mickey Donnelly hoisted an ambitious long-range point on the run. Naomh Brid were enjoying the lion’s share of play with Loughrey foraging well and linking the play. St John’s sole ploy now was to launch a series of high balls into their full forward line, where they held a distinct height advantage. Christie, Rooney and McKeever were managing to contain the threat well, though, and while St John’s briefly drew level again, two points from Cunningham and an excellent Loughrey score on 57 minutes were just reward for the home side’s superior play and ambition.
But a three point lead is notoriously dangerous to hold and when Sweeney could only find the keeper’s hands in injury time, St John’s were presented with perfect launching pad for a final counter attack. And on 63 minutes, as the twilight descended, their persistence with the high ball paid off as they scrambled an equalizer past Mackle amidst a ruck of players. A disbelieving Naomh Brid’s misery was complete when the referee found still more time to award St John’s a simple tap-over free to claim both points in quite unlikely circumstances.
Full time: Naomh Brid 1-10 Naomh Eoin 2-8
