St Mary’s U13’s dream start to the season continued with a hard fought 3-1 win over a battling Ballywalter at Hydebank on Saturday to record their 8th successive victory. Ballywalter proved to be a tough nut to crack, and on another day might have got a point of the runaway league leaders, and will certainly pose big problems for opposition teams this season.
St Mary’s were missing McNaughton who was unavailable for the day and started off brightly against a well organised Ballywalter team. The battle for midfield supremacy was as usual being headed by Ross, ably assisted by Bannon, McGarrity and McCormick. The first chance of the game wwas created down the left flank by Lynch and OReilly, with the latter bringing out a good save from the keeper. Ballywalter had a midfield dynamo as well, and the number 7 created a chance for his forward, but Morgan in the St Mary’s goal dived bravely at his feet to claim the ball. Minutes later Ballywalter were unlucky not to take the lead when a 30 yard free kick crashed against the crossbar, and was cleared to safety. This let off inspired St Mary’s and a driving run by Ross was finished with some aplomb with a 25 yard cracker which gave the keeper no chance for a 1-0 lead.
As so often happens with St Mary’s they took their foot off the pedal and instantly allowed Ballywalter to equalise when a fine run was cooly finished off by their striker.
The game was end to end, and minutes later O Reilly went on one of his mazy runs and finished brilliantly from a narrow angle to give St Mary’s the lead again, although he injured himself in the process. His replacement nearly extended the lead when the keeper was caught off his line and Quinn tried his luck with a dipping effort which went just wide. Half time 2-1 St Mary’s.
The second half was a very close affair and in the early stages ‘The Cat’ Morgan made a great fingertip save to maintain the Saints lead. At the other end, with Donaghy and Lynch foraging brilliantly up the flanks, chances were created but not taken, until after great link play with Park, Lynch made it 3-1 with a deflected effort which was no more than he deserved. Ballywalter created good chances of their own, and with more composure in front of goal, might have narrowed the scoreline. Many of their runs were cut out by sweeper Breen and Begley at the back, and anything which got through was well handled by an ever improving Morgan in goal.
St Mary’s held on for a hard earned 3 points to maintain maximum points from 8 games, and this week face Belvoir up at Hydebank again in an early 9:00 am kick off. Training is at St Patricks school as usual at 7:30 pm on Thursday night, and October’s player of the month award will be handed out prior to the game.
Star men were Lynch and Donaghy at fullback, and Morgan in nets.
