U21's Defeated

Post date: Apr 14, 2014 11:41:13 AM

The JV Byrne Sponsored U21 Footballers were defeated in the County Final on Saturday last in OCP.

St. Vincent’s 3-12

St. Patrick’s 3-06

This is a game that the Reds will look back at with regret as despite St. Vincent’s being good value for their win they gave St. Patrick’s every opportunity to win this game. Following a Minor Final defeat and U21 defeat last year the Reds were expected to know what was required in order to get over the line on Saturday however it was St. Vincent’s that showed all the hunger.

Playing with the aid of a stiff breeze in the First half St. Vincent’s started very brightly and had the Reds under pressure from the get go. The Reds absorbed the pressure well and when eventually they broke up the field they struck for a goal by Aaron McDonnell, this was quickly followed by another goal by Sean Doyle and at the halfway point in the first half the Reds led 2-01 to 0-02. However St. Patricks let this massive advantage slip and allowed St. Vincent’s to cut through the centre of the defence twice and get in for two goals. Only for some great shot stopping by Can Brereton St. Vincent’s could have had a sack full of goals. The St. Vincent’s lads were also guilty of some wayward shooting but as the half drew to a close they managed to kick a few points to lead 2-07 to 2-02. Just before the break County Star Coin Carroll was send to the line for striking so St. Patricks were confident they could do it at half time, only 5 adrift and the advantage of an extra man and the wind after the break.

The second half did not go as expected and St. Vincent’s showed their hunger and clear desire to win. The Reds were expectant and were waiting for things to happen whilst on the otherhand St. Vincent’s grabbed the game by the scruff of neck and drove for the line. They kicked 5 points into the wind in the second half whilst the Reds disappointingly only added 4. The extra man wasn’t noticeable and at times it seemed Vincents had the extra player. On a bad day Cian Brereton, Sean Doyle and Aaron McDonnell were best for the Reds.

Well done to the team and management for reaching the final and hopefully it won’t be long before we are back there again.

TEAM: C. Brereton, A. Forde, D. Maloney, M. Abbott, S. Moriarty, D. Nolan, G. Blong, C. Lawton, O. Lawton, L. Nolan, C. Farrell, J. Dolan, S. Doyle, A. McDonnell, A. Kenny.

SUBS: A. Mahon for A. Forde, M. Clear for L. Nolan, L. Hyland for J. Dolan, P. O’Neill for D.Nolan