Antrim Football League Division 2

Sarsfields 1-5 St Paul’s 0-7

A goal from a penalty by Sarsfields Brian Healy twelve minutes from time was the decisive score in the West Belfast derby game at the Bear Pit on Friday night as the Paddies got the better of their near neighbours St Paul’s. The goal gave the home team a two point cushion and thought Lorcan Phillips cut it back to the minimum on 55 minutes the home team still managed to hold on for victory in this low scoring game.

St Paul’s took and early lead but Gary Lennon brought Sarsfields level in the tenth minute. St Paul’s retook the lead less than a minute later and it was 19 minutes before the Paddies drew level with a point from a 45 and they went ahead for the first time a minute later when Lennon sent over another point. The same player increased the Sarsfields lead to two with half time fast approaching and Brian Healy hit a real beauty to give Sarsfields a 0-5 to 0-2 lead at half time.

St Paul’s hit back early in the second half and three on the bounce from Miceal Duffy brought them level after just six minutes, and they went back in from two minutes later when Lorcan Phillips hit the target.

The next ten minutes saw a dour struggle with chances missed at both ends, but when Sarsfields were awarded a penalty Brian Healy took full advantage as he fired home the decisive goal. The last ten minutes saw lots of endeavour but not a lot of scoring. Lorchan Phillips brought St Paul’s back to within a point when he sent over a point five minutes from time, but Sarsfields held out to take the win.