St Mary’s travelled to Fullerton Park, Dunmurry on Saturday in a game that was going to be a major test against current league leaders Aquinas FC.
Aquinas, who had dropped only a miserly two points so far in their league campaign got off the mark on six minutes when their striker picked up on a poor kick out from Niall NcGinnity between the sticks for St Mary’s.
And with St Mary’s not settling well, Aquinas took full advantage and ploughed further ahead with another strike on ten minutes.
The ball broke to Jack Parke on the edge of the box on fifteen minutes but this solitary effort for St Mary’s failed to trouble the Aquinas goalie.
Patrick Ross was one of the few bright spots for St Mary’s throughout the first period as he hassled and harried Aquinas for every ball but even he could do little to prevent Aquinas extending their lead on the stroke of half time with a near post header from a precise corner kick.
The half time break was a chance for some straight talking from the St Mary’s management with their charges a shadow of themselves. The supporters were apprehensive also as St Mary’s could either come out the second half and roll over and have their belly tickled by Aquinas and be on the receiving end of a drubbing or put up a bit a fight and show some pride. Thankfully it was the later!
As the second period resumed, St Mary’s were now getting their tackles in and closing down the space afforded to their opponents in the midfield area and their play improved dramatically.
Cathal McGarrity, who made a bright start to the second period teed up Jack Parke but the Aquinas goalie made a smart save. Eoin O’Reilly then struck a shot goalwards from eight yards but the ball crashed of the crossbar before being hacked clear.
Aquinas remained dangerous on the counter attack however and a quickly taken free kick had Cormac Morgan caught out and St Mary’s four goals down. Right back Oisin Donaghy ventured forward on forty minutes and had a rasping effort from 25 yards saved down low as St Mary’s sought the consolation goal their play deserved.
Aquinas should have stretched their lead again, although having rounded McGinnity, the striker somehow managed to poke the ball wide of the gaping goal but the same player made amends moments later getting the final touch on an in-swinging cross from the left hand side.
But with the minutes ticking down, an Aquinas handball on the edge of the area presented St Mary’s with an opportunity to get on the score sheet and Ross grabbed it with both hands, curling the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.
And just on the final whistle, a Ross corner landed at the feet of O’Reilly yards out but last season’s top goal scorer was to be out of luck today as the ball nestled in the gloves of the lanky Aquinas custodian.
Although disappointed with the final result, manager McNulty was full of praise for her team’s second half performance. Patrick Ross was nominated as Man of the Match for St Mary’s just pipping Parke and Donaghy to the award.
