Naomh Brid and Portglenone must meet again to stake a place in the Antrim Senior Football Final after playing out a thrilling draw at a sun-drenched Creggan on Saturday evening. The sides could not be separated after 62 pulsating minutes that held the healthy attendance in thrall throughout. No danger of a single soul leaving this match before the final whistle.
Few pundits gave Naomh Brid much hope as the form book pointed firmly towards the Bannsiders who carried the experience of championship final appearances in 2005 and 2007, and were going into the game on the back of an eye-catching win over league leaders Cargin and a 26 point thumping of Creggan. This was in marked contrast to the Malone boys’ recent loss of form resulting in three successive league defeats. But Eunan Conway and Darren Swail had their squad, numbering 34 no less, primed for the club’s historic first ever senior football semi-final and right from the throw in it was clear that Naomh Brid had torn up the script.
It was Portglenone who dominated the early exchanges, an initial Loughrey narrow wide apart, but the Naomh Brid defence worked overtime to close space and squeeze possession. MacAuley, Christie and Rooney turned over ball in turn, the latter leading to Edwards’ fine opener from play on seven minutes. Naomh Brid were showing no signs of nerves on the big occasion and their confidence got a massive boost a minute later when the excellent Loughrey overlapped with O’Neill to burst through with an unstoppable finish to the net. Portglenone were rattled as their opener from Graham on 12 minutes was immediately cancelled by a point from the plucky Donnelly, whose overall movement and direct play was wreaking havoc.
The Ports struck back with a point as the match unfolded at a ferocious championship pace. Sweeney fielded well in the centre and released Ronney who had sprung from defence and sprinted down the wing, thumping over an impressive point on the run. Then McMahon got in on the act as he sallied forth from defence to extend the lead to four on 17 minutes. Portglenone kept their account ticking over with a point in reply, but overall Naomh Brid were coping admirably, their defence battling like badgers to blunt the Ports’ much vaunted forward line. Their own pressure was eventually rewarded with a Cunningham point on 23 minutes after a missed free and two costly efforts into the keeper’s hands. Indeed, Naomh Brid had two stand-out chances to harden the advantage but Edwards’ effort fell short and then Taylor had a shot parried away when a point seemed the minimum return.
Half time: Naomh Brid 1-5 Portglenone 0-4
On the resumption Portglenone pressed forward as the Aussie Rules-bound Niall McKeever sprang to life at midfield. His high fielding ensured they monopolized early possession and although they strung a series of wides under pressure from a hard-working defence, Naomh Brid were now on the back foot. MacAleese converted a free on 37 minutes as the Ports edged within a goal and the tension began to mount. The imperious McKeever continued to dictate affairs and the constant pressure led to a dubious tap-over free when Mackle was harshly penalized in possession as he was surrounded by a forest of yellow jerseys.
Naomh Brid were desperate for a score and got a timely boost from a rare attack as an Edwards score stretched the lead to three. With 12 minutes left and Madden now in the fray, Portglenone were going for broke. The hard-pressed O’Hagan and McGuckian were penalized in turn for fouls close in, which were easily converted, and the signs were now ominous for the boys in blue. When the inevitable equalizer came on 55 minutes, it seemed the game was up, but Loughrey, who was a threat throughout, took up the fight again, angling over an inspirational point to reclaim the lead after clever work by O’Hagan. However, Portglenone would not be denied
