There was to be no fairytale start for Greg Blaney’s managerial stint as he took charge for Naomh Brid’s first league outing of 2012 at a sunny Deramore Park on Sunday afternoon. Lamh Dhearg’s impressive showing over the hour gave more than a hint that they will be a force to be reckoned with this season.
The southsiders were left shell-shocked after a disastrous opening six minutes when they were ripped apart with two goals in as many minutes from McGarry and then McCrudden. The visitors cemented their lead with three points to lead nine to nil with their midfield duo of Herron and Murray virtually monopolising possession in the vital centre field.
An unfortunate injury to Lamh Dhearg’s McIlvenny gave the home side a much needed time-out as they re-grouped to try to stem the tide. On the resumption Naomh Brid eventually got off the mark on 19 minutes with a point from Mark Sweeney before his untimely loss to injury which could see him out of action for a few weeks. Two converted frees by Cunningham and a good score from Cormac McGrady reduced the margin to five by the interval as Lamh Dhearg’s wasteful attack denied them a more significant advantage from their wealth of possession.
HT: Naomh Brid 0-4 Lamh Dhearg 2-3
Naomh Brid battled bravely in the second half with the new partnershjp of Edwards and Dowling starting to make some impression at midfield. Peter Lundy showed the forwards how it’s done firing over two sweet left foot points, though the Red Hands kept their scoreboard ticking over with points from the dangerous Cunningham to maintain a comfortable six point lead. Only a goal would help the home cause and that never looked likely as Lamh Dhearg held firm going into the final period. Loughrey and O’Hagan pointed apiece but the visitors who were much the more direct and penetrating throughout had all the answers as Murray and Cunningham replied with interest to rubberstamp a well deserved win for the Hannahstown men.
Team: W McSorley, C Mackle, K Gallagher, T McCrudden, M Malone, D O’Hagan (0-1), P Lundy (0-2), B Kelly (R Mackle), M Sweeney (0-1 (D Edwards)), J Loughrey (0-1), J Dowling, C Mohan, R McGrady, N Cunninham (0-2), C McGrady (0-1)
Next up it’s St Paul’s away on Wednesday evening with a 7pm throw in.
