This was the first run out of 2009 for the minors and the team played a challenge match against an amalgamation of Eire Og and O’Donnell’s. The game was played at the St Agnes’ splendid pitch in Woodlands.
The lads enjoyed the run out and it is a welcome dose of reality for this hard working Minor team.
As soon as the whistle went the game burst into fast end to end football. With the 1st points on the game sweetly taken by Peter Casey, St Pats took the lead.
It was swiftly answered with a rocket of a goal from Eire Og- O’Donnell’s and St Patrick’s were in for a tough game. Eire Og – O’Donnell’s pushed on and got another 2 very well taken points into the strong wind. Peter Casey stood up again and hit another blinder of a point. The pace of the game was set and both teams battled hard in the wintry conditions.
Some pin point passing of the ball and determination between Josh Mc Mullen and Paul Anderson led to Darren Mc Crory hitting the back of the net it was game on! St Pats held possession and were denied several goal opportunities Johnny French hitting the post and also excellent goal keeping. The merger scored again and 2 points separated the teams at half time.
In the second half the St Pats lads found it tough operating in to the strong crosswind. The merger hammered home two splendid goals and the game was all but sealed. The St Pats minors fought back well and there was some excellent displays of defence and attack skill. That lad Casey showed his talent again and took another well worked point, created from cool defending at the back with Conor Beaton, Thomas Burns and Ben McMullen showing their ability and creating chances.
St Pats were missing some key players through injuries and we wish the lads well in recovery. The opponents scored again and sealed the game. The final score 1.03 – 3.05. The St Pats lads took it on the chin and will back to training Wednesday night at 6.20pm at Kirkwood’s Rd and good luck to them on their first match of the League with a home game against Aldergrove Tuesday 7th April throw-in at 7.00pm all parents and supporters very welcome.
