Sunday, 28 April, 2013
St Brigids U12 Div 2 squad travelled to Ardoyne tonight and emerged from the closest game of the season to date with a hard earned draw. The performance under severe pressure was a credit to the club,
The physically taller Ardoyne side enjoyed more possession in the first half but they ran into a stern defensive unit led in full back by Ryan Austin, Patrick Graham and Matt Smyth all of whom fought very hard for possession and made sure every Ardoyne player was tackled, blocked and closed down. They were joined by the half back line Lorcan McGurk, Thomas McDevitt and Conan McNicholl. At times the pressure was immense and Chris Lundy in goals also did a great job in keeping opposition scores at a minimum.
The hosts did register 3 -1 by half time. The St Brigids response was led with astute kick outs by Lundy and some accurate passing throughout the team. The midfield of Thomas McCarney and Toirealeach Brolly fed Jack McGurk, Hugo Leeson and Lochlain Quinn in the half forward line. Still, our chances were scarce and we finished the half with one goal, a terrific effort from Jack McGurk. Lorcan Burns was coming deep to pick up possession while Garret Hanna and Ciaran Shearer tried hard to engineer scoring chances. At half time we were down by 7 points.
The second half was a different story. St Brigids increased the work rate massively and with Reuben Carleton, Joe McCarney, Conor Mulgrew, Cain Hewitt, Aaron Carson and Paddy McAllister all on the field more chances came our way. Jack McGurk registered another 1-1 before Mulgrew sent over a free from distance after he was fouled.
When Brolly scored long range free from play we were right back in it and due some first class saves from Thomas McCarney and terrific defending from the whole defence, Ardoyne scored only one second half point. Two more points from McGurk left only one in it and in the dying seconds Mulgrew tapped over from play to draw the sides level.
The game finished Ardoyne 3.2, Naomh Brid 2.5. Everyone played their part and it is clear that this team has a determination and spirit as well as an appetite for hard work, aligned with some excellent passages of play. Their efforts tonight saw them get the draw they deserved.
Thanks to Ardoyne for hosting what was in fairness a fiery encounter, well handled by referee Martin McCarney.
Christopher Lundy
Patrick Graham
Ryan Austin
Matthew Smyth
Reuben Carleton
Thomas McDevitt
Lorcan McGurk
Conan McNicholl
Toirealach Brolly
Thomas McCarney
Hugo Leeson
Jack McGurk
Lochlain Quinn
Paddy McAllister
Garret Hanna
Ciaran Shearer
Lorcan Burns
Conor Mulgrew
Cain Hewitt
Aaron Carson
Joseph McCarney
