Naomh Gall and Naomh Bríd share the spoils to maintain their Division 1 status

O’Neill Sportswear Division 1 Football

Naomh Gall 1-07 Naomh Bríd 0-10

On Wednesday evening, Naomh Gall welcomed Naomh Bríd to Milltown with Division 1 Football being make or break. Niall Burns kicked the home side into an early 2-0 lead through placed balls after 10 mins. However, the Musgrave Park side quickly responded through James Smith whose outside of the boot effort sailed through the uprights. A free kick from Smith and further scores from Burns made it 4-2 in favour of the Milltown men on the 20 minute mark. Enda Downey and Niall Burns traded scores as the first period came to a close.

Half Time – Naomh Gall 0-05 Naomh Bríd 0-03

As the second half got underway, it was the visitors who got off the mark early as brothers Enda and Oran Downey combined for a score to put 1 point between the sides. However, St Galls talisman Burns kept them ahead as St Brigids kept knocking on the door through points from James Smith and Paul Bradley. On the 40 minute mark, Enda Downey curled a shot over the black spot to level up proceedings. With 10 minutes of normal time to play, Naomh Gall goalkeeper Louis McCormick’s kickout went over the top of the St Brigids midfield and found Cece Walsh who bagged a goal. Giving St Galls a comfortable 3 point lead. However, the Musgrave Park side didn’t lie down. Oran Downey played a tidy ball into Paul Bradley who caught a mark and converted. A minute later, Oran Downey again, only this time he kicked over a point from the left flank making it a 1 point game. With less than 2 minutes of time to play Joe Finnegan beat two men and kicked over the equaliser. Referee Karol Doherty blew the full time whistle and ensured Division 1 Football for both sides next year.