ACMF League
Aldergrove 2-14 Aldergrove 1-14
Photographs: Bert Trowlen
Sunday’s minor league game in Crumlin was set up to be a close encounter with the home side unbeaten this year and the Ballymena side having only tasted one defeat.
All Saints went into the game missing a few regulars due to a fixture clash so the game started with both teams lining out with only 14 players.
The visitors task became even more difficult early in the first half when their captain Matthew Corr was black carded which was unfortunate for the game as it had been nip and tuck in the early stages with both teams exchanging early scores.
The black card gave Aldergrove the upper hand at this point and aided with the breeze and playing down the hill they were able to gain control of the first half and went into the break with a comfortable lead.
After the break the home side continued to add to their lead and stretched it to 9 points midway through the second half. At this point All Saints started a mini fight back with Conor Stuart dominant at mid-field they scored three without reply to narrow the gap to 6 points. Further points were exchanged to keep six between the sides and when Conor O’Rawe netted for Saints an unlikely come back looked on but the away side ran out of time and Aldergrove held on for a deserved three point victory.
Emmet Irvine and David Aitken were pick of the Aldergrove backs while kian jones was prominent at midfield and their attack was lively.
For All Saints Conor Brennan was a safe pair of hands while in defence Conal Killough and John Brady were the pick. Conor Stuart worked hard at midfield while Ciaran O Boyle was the pick of the forwards.
These two play again in the championship later in the year which promises to be another close encounter.
