ACFL Division 2B
St.Joseph’s 0.10 v 2.08 St.Teresa’s
The old saying “goals win matches” was proven to be true when St.Teresas’ scored two goals against the run of play which saw them heading home with two very valuable points to retain their place in division 2. This defeat leaves the home side in a playoff against division three runners up St.Comgall’s in order to retain division 2 status for next season.
A draw would have ensured division two football for Glenavy but it didn’t happen as the visitors took full advantage of two mistakes by the home defence. Both sides had a number of changes in their teams due to a variety of reasons.
The game started with the Chapel Hill side on the attack and they were rewarded with two points in the first three minutes. From the throw in young Fiontáin O’Boyle got the ball through to full-forward Charles Gallagher who cooly slotted the ball over the bar. Fergal Henry then showed all his class when he sent a free between the sticks but he home side could have been in trouble only for an excellent save from
St.Teresa’s then struck for their first goal when a mix up in the home defence allowed Joseph Ramsey the opportunity and he made no mistake from close range.
To their credit Glenavy won the resulting kick-out which was played through to Charles Gallagher who raised the white flag once again to level the contest. Back came the Belfast side with an excellent point from Niall McCann to put his side back in front and there was little between the sides at this stage.
Both sides were having difficulty with the strong cross field breeze which made passing difficult but Patrick Gallagher got in on the scoring act when he made a run forward to level the scores.
The visitors have shown improvement in recent weeks and took control of the game with with four unanswered points to put themselves in a lead they never lost. Conor O’Rawe broke forward to take a pass and put his side ahead and John Mallon pointed two frees and an excellent point from Eoghan Hamill left the halftime score Glenavy 0.04 St.Teresa’s1’05
Whatever Glenavy team manager Martin Clenaghan said to his players in the dressing room had the desired effect as they started the second half brightly with Fiontáin O’Boyle, Fergal Green and Fergal Henry adding three points in the first six minutes to narrow the gap to one.
Eoghan Hamill stopped the rot when he split the posts from an acute angle but once again Fergal Henry closed the gap raising another white flag. The home side mounted another attack but were turned over and St Teresa’s broke forward and quickly got the ball to Joseph Ramsey who gave the keeper no chance as the ball nestled in the corner of the net.
Once again young Fergal Henry replied for the home side and split the posts but Paul McGoldrick steadied the ship for the blue and gold side with a well-executed point. The momentum was now with the Glen Road side and Niall McCann made sure his side was staying in division two with two excellent points before Malachi Doherty replied with a consolation score for Glenavy.
