ACFL Division 1
St. John’s 0-15 St. Mary’s 0-18
St. Mary’s Ahoghill finally got some points on board when they travelled to Corrigan Park on Wednesday evening and recorded a three point win over a St. John’s side who remain pointless after 5 rounds of fixtures.
Conchur Adams pointed the Johnnies ahead in the opening minute and Ronan Donnelly’s 2 pointer moved the Whiterock Road side further in front before a second from Adams had the home side four to the good as they came flying out of the traps.
A Ronan Graham pointed free and a couple of two pointers from James O’Connell in response to another point from the excellent Adams had it all square by the 11th minute as both sides battled to get their first points of the season on board.
Another long range point from Conor Hand and points from Adams and an Aaron Bradley double seemed to have given the Johnnies back control but Ronan Graham replied from three pointed frees and Patrick Graham added a late minor from play to leave just one it at half time.
Conchur Adams extended the Corrigan side’s lead with a point on the restart with Jimmy O’Connell replying from a free to close the gap to the minimum once more with 5 minutes of the new half gone.
St. John’s then took control of the contest for a period and Odhran McAuley, Ronan Quinn and Conchur Adams moved them four ahead by the 10th minute as they laid siege on the visitor’s goals.
It was looking good for the home side at this stage but amazingly they would add only one further point as St. Mary’s wrestled back control and slowly clawed back the St. John’s lead.
A couple of points from Ronan Graham and another from Noel Crossey had it back to one by the 24th minute before Conchur Johnston struck the home side’s final point of the evening to move his side two ahead.
Back came the Ahoghill men and a Dan O’Neill 2 pointer tied the game once more with four minutes remaining and the Ahoghill side finished strongly with Ronan Graham, James O’Connell and Dan O’Neill adding unanswered points to secure victory.
A good win for St. Mary’s who showed a lot of character to come back from four down after 10 minutes of the second half and this win could kick start their season.
St. John’s must be wondering just what they have to do to get a win. They have battled well in most of their games and enjoyed periods of dominance but haven’t been able to sustain it over the 60 minutes.
However, I’ve no doubt that a first win is just around the corner and when they get all hands back on board they will again be a serious force.