NIBFA Cup 5th January 2013 : St Mary’s 0 – 1 Carryduff (aet)
St Mary’s U13’s suffered total heartbreak in the first game of 2013, in a late late extra time defeat to Premier Divison rivals Carryduff on Saturday in the NI Cup. Despite missing striker O Reilly through suspension, and Mc Cormick who was unavailable for selection, they matched their opponents in every department, and can be proud of their valiant effort on the day.
The game started off at breakneck speed, with Carryduff looking to take the initiative early in search of the breakthrough goal. Their pressing early on led to an effort which was saved by Quin in nets, and another which was blocked brilliantly by the super Breen. At the other end, St Mary’s pressed for an opener, and came close following a surging run from Ross, whose pass to McNaughton was cut out in the nick of time by the Carryduff defender.
The defence of Quinn, Donaghy, Begley ,Breen and Lynch were working overtime to repel the Carryduff boys, and refused to give an inch in every tackle they made, and won. From a succession of corner kicks for Carryduff, Quinn and his defence stood tall and cleared everything that was thrown at them. Half-time 0-0.
The second half was to prove to be mostly one way traffic with Carryfuff pressing forward and in the first ten minutes Quinn pulled of three great saves. He also dived bravely at the forwards feet to block an effort and got the standard studmarks on his chest for his efforts, a foul which went unpunished by the refereeMidway through the half the Carryduff forward turned and shot from 12 yards, only to see his effort brilliantly tipped past the post to maintain his clean sheet. Playing on the break St Mary’s were able to create their own chances due to great play from Ross, McNaughton, Bannon and the tireless Park, but there was still no breakthrough. Fiull-time 0-0.
The first period of extra time flew through and it was perhaps a relief for the Carryduff team that the score was still 0-0. Into the second half of the extra-time and McGarrity was still foraging up front and running his socks off trying to hold up the ball and set up attacks. With just 5 minutes left of extra-time, the defence was finally breached when a lob beat the keeper, but amazingly McNaughton had got back to clear off the line with an exceptional backward header. After that it looked certain that it would go to penalties, until the referee intervened and gave a corner that never was. From this, Carryduff fired home after the forward controlled the ball with his hand and fired home for the late late winner.
It was very hard on St Mary’s who had put in such a gritty display against premier league opposition, but does bode well for them in the higher division next year. They got a well earned standing ovation from the coaches and parents at the final whistle, and revert back to league action this week with a game away to Lough Moss with an 11:30am kick-off. Training also returns to Barney at 7:30pm on Thursday nite.
Man of the match in a team full of star performances was Aidan Quinn in nets for a string of brilliant saves and brave blocks. The match was played in a very good spirit, and we wish Carryduff the best of luck in the next rounds.
Team : A Quinn, O Donaghy, C Lynch, O Breen, A Begley, P Ross, O McNaughton, C Bannon, J Park, C Morgan, C McGarritty, C O Malley, P Morgan, C Breen.
