Antrim Football League Division 1

St Paul’s 0-16 Cargin 2-19

Despite the game ending in injury time turmoil Cargin and St Paul’s served up a great contest at Shaws Road on Saturday evening, with substitue Conhuir Johnston saving the day with a camoe role in the final quarter.. A goal and three points from the substitute gave Erin’s Own Cargin a dramatic victory over St Paul’s Belfast in a thrilling Antrim Division 1 league clash at Shaw’s Road on Saturday evening. The late scoring burst from the Toome men denied a gallant comeback from the home side, who had staged a remarkable second-half revival after looking dead and buried at the interval.

Cargin started the game in commanding fashion, dictating the early exchanges and building a formidable lead. Odhrán Molloy struck an early goal to put the visitors in the driving seat, while James Laverty pushed their advantage further with a spectacular two-pointer from outside the D. The St Paul’s goalkeeper, Jack McAufield produced a solid save to deny another goal chance, but Callum Gribbin made no mistake from the resulting free to keep the scoreboard ticking over for Cargin. Despite a late first-half point from the corner by Patrick Crawford for St Paul’s, Cargin went into the break firmly in control with a six-point cushion, leading 1-12 to 0-09.

The narrative of the game completely flipped after the restart. St Paul’s emerged with huge intensity, incredibly holding the visitors scoreless for the opening 18 minutes of the second half. They methodically chipped away at the deficit, with Liam McKenna and their half forwards hitting crucial scores to pull them back into contention. The home side’s relentless pressure paid off when they drew level with seven minutes of normal time remaining, and they even managed to edge ahead during a tense run-in, looking well-positioned to pull off a massive upset.

However, Cargin showed their mettle in the dying moments. Substitute Conhuir Johnston proved to be the ultimate difference-maker, stepping up when his team needed him most. Following excellent approach play by Ciaran Bradley, Johnston palmed the ball to the net for a pivotal goal and tagged on three vital points. Callum Gribbin also remained composed, landing decisive late scores—including one on the final kick of the game—to help the visitors regain the advantage. In a frantic finish filled with back-and-forth action, Cargin just got the upper hand to secure a hard-fought six point victory.

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