Naomh Brid’s league campaign got off to a flyer at Musgrave Park on Wednesday evening with a well deserved win over last year’s championship nemesis, Portglenone. A four goal salvo, two in each half, was ultimately the diifference between the sides although the 11 point winning margin disguises what had been a jittery affair for a time for the Malone boys.
No sooner had the visitors opened the scoring on four minutes than their own keeper was picking the ball out of the net after Loughrey had laid off to Brolly following a good turnover by Christie. Loughrey and Brolly then picked off points apiece as McMahon and the inspirational O’Hagan in particular supported the midfield and launched effective attacks from the half back line. Loughrey’s pace and class was proving more than a handful as he roved from his corner slot, and he inflicted further damage on 12 minutes, this time teeing up Cunningham who slammed home from close range.
Without the towering McKeever, Portglenone’s effective tactic was to bypass midfield and their successful short kick-outs and passes from defence bought them handy possession especially as they continued to meet with precious little resistance from Naomh Brid’s full forward line. Three quick attacks brought as many points points as the gap closed to four and suddenly it was game on again. Despite their overall dominance Naomh Brid were often over elaborate in attack and guilty of wasteful wides from acute angles. Two good scores from the prominent countymen Loughrey and O’Hagan were countered in kind as Portglenone finished the half strongly.
Half time: Naomh Brid 2-4 Portglenone 0-6
Although Edwards promptly swung over a long range point on the resumption, alarmingly, Portglenone struck back in determined fashion and with four unanswered points in a five minute spell they had reduced the margin to a single point as Naomh Brid continued to toil. In the circumstances, the benefits of a strong panel would soon become apparent as the management team furiously scribbled a flurry of sub slips. Within 10 minutes the full replacement allocation had been used, providing fresh legs and badly needed impetus to a flagging project.
The reinvigorated side showed good character under pressure, and Mark Sweeney bought breathing space with a fine point before Edwards swept home a low drive to the corner of the net on 41 minutes to ease tensions all round. Then it was the turn of the subs with first O’Donnell firing over to forego, on 48 minutes, McCann’s excellent catch on the edge of the square as he swivelled and sidefooted calmly past the keeper. The game was effectively up as Portglenone visibly wilted allowing the blues to monopolize possession to the finish. Brolly (2), Taylor and a Cunningham free completed the home scoreboard with a token away reply to make it a satisfying start to the new season.
Full time: Naomh Brid 4-11 Portglenone 0-12
Team: J Mackle, J McKeever (R O’Neill), A Christie, B Reilly, M Rooney (B O’Donnell (0-1)), D O’Hagan (0-1), B McMahon, J McGuickian (C Taylor (0-1)), R Smyth (F Sherry), D McAuley (C McCann (1)), D Edwards (1-1), M Sweeney (0-1), J Brolly (1-3), N Cunningham (1-1), J Loughrey (0-2)
Man of the match: D O’Hagan
Next up at Musgrave on Sunday, 18 April sees the visit of St John’s who will not be lacking in confidence after their impressive if unexpected win over St Gall’s in the opening round. Throw in is at 3pm and a big home support would be welcome.
