St Mary’s U13’s produced a poor performance by their very high standards this season, but still came away from Carryduff with a hard earned 2-1 win against Lough Moss. Just how important this win was in the race for the title still remains to be seen, but with Abbey Villa drawing against bottom club Belvoir, and Larne defeating rivals Holywood, this weekend could prove pivotal in the battle for the title.
St Mary’s were still missing the suspended O Reilly, and started the game, on a very muddy pitch, very nervously. In the first attack of the game, St Mary’s failed twice to intercept the Lough Moss midfielder, and his pass went to a free forward who fired home from 12 yards. Not the start they were expecting !
To be fair they did get stuck in after that, in search of an equaliser. Breen at the back was outstanding and was marauding forward with the ball at his feet trying to set up goalscoring chances for teammates. With ten minutes gone, Ross created a great chance, but his shot went wide. Mc Garritty also had an effort which went close. With 5 minutes to go to the break, St Mary’s won another corner. Ross floated over one of his trademark corners and McGarritty nodded home the equaliser. Half-time 1-1
The second half was to be one way traffic with St Mary’s trying to play their trademark football on the ground, which was hard given the conditions. Quinn in nets was in danger of getting hypothermia, as he did not touch the ball during the whole second half. Begley in defence was in fine from cutting out any Lough Moss danger and setting up chances for his teammates. Minutes into the half and Ross went on a run into the box but pulled his shot wide of the goal. Breen scorched down the flank and set up a chance for Park which was blocked. Another chance was set up for Lynch, but he scuffed his shot when in a great position.
The pressure was beginning to tell, and Lough Moss defending was becoming more frantic with each St Mary’s attack. With 10 minutes to go St Mary’s scored the decisive goal when Breen nodded home from another super Ross corner kick. Park, McGarritty and McCormick all went close to increasing the lead, but the game finished 2-1 to St Mary’s.
They will no doubt play better than this in the remainder of the season, but it seems the team has developed the important knack of winning ugly, as this game last season might not have ended up as a St Mary’s victory. Star men on the day were Breen and Begley at the back, and Ross in the middle of the park.
This week the team return to their favourite venue, Mallusk, for a game against Red Star, which will no doubt be another tough encounter for the boys, who finally welcome young striker O Reilly back to the fold.
Team : A Quinn, O Donaghy, C Lynch, A Begley, O Breen, C Bannon, J Park, O McNaughton, P Ross, C Morgan, C McGarritty, T McCormick, P Morgan, C O Malley, C Breen.
