Johnnies win a tough battle with the Paddies

thesaffrongael

8 hours ago

Antrim Football League – Division One – Venue: Corrigan Park

St John’s 2-16 | Patrick Sarsfields 2-11

Pics by Philip of @pmc.jpeg

Wednesday evening saw a highly competitive and spirited encounter as Sarsfields made their first trip to Corrigan Park for a league game in over twenty years in Antrim’s top flight

The Paddies opened the scoring through a close-range free from Daniel Smyth following some intense early exchanges in the midfield area, but St John’s quickly responded, with Paddy McBride showing excellent awareness to punch the ball over the bar for an early equalizer.

The first goal of the game arrived when the Johnnies Conchuir Adams took aim for a two-point free. His shortened effort found Ryan McNulty lurking in the danger area, and the big forward confidently fisted the ball into the net to give his team an early boost. Paddy McBride then fired a tremendous effort over his shoulder in a crowded area, firmly putting the hosts in control. When the McBride struck once again, daylight began to appear between the sides and further points from Aaron Oliver and Christopher O’Neill further extended the Johnnies’ lead and put them in control.

However, Sarsfields responded emphatically when Gary Lennon pounced on a loose ball inside the box and lashed it beyond the St John’s goalkeeper. The Stewartstown side found their rhythm, and Jay Maguire added to their tally with a series of scores, including a two-point free that floated perfectly between the uprights despite the miserable, wet conditions.

Just before the break, referee Paddy Tumelty was forced to reduce both sides to 14 men after a player from each side became entangled in a disagreement before the half concluded with St John’s holding a narrow two-point advantage.

Second Half Drama

The competitive nature of the game carried into the second half. Despite both teams being a man down, the open space encouraged hard work and desire from both sides, though the opening four minutes remained scoreless.

Sarsfields broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion. A terrific pass from Conor Glenholmes found the oncoming Gary Lennon, who evaded his markers by brilliantly bouncing the ball over their heads to gain an extra step before lashing it into the roof of the net, drawing a massive cheer from the away contingent.

St John’s responded instantly. In a move mirroring their first-half success, Conchuir Adams passed to Ryan McNulty, who punched his second goal into the net.

The sides traded points, with Tomas Skillen curling a terrific effort over the black spot for Sarsfields, which was quickly answered by a well taken score from James Wilson. Sarsfields’ task grew harder when they lost another man, leaving them to fight an uphill battle with 13 men for the final 20 minutes.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Sarsfields battled admirably. Scores from Skillen and Smyth kept St John’s under pressure in the closing stages. However, the hosts eventually kicked on. Points from McBride, paired with a well-struck free from shot-stopper Brian ‘Bam’Neeson, breathed much-needed life into the home crowd.

Glenholmes added a point for the Paddies with help from McPolin, offering a glimmer of hope for a late comeback, but as the minutes waned, St John’s took control. James Wilson added a great point to stretch the lead, and goalkeeper Brian Neeson expertly wrapped up the game with two final points. His first came from a quickly taken free where he jinked past his defender, and his second was a precise strike off his right peg that kissed the upright, sealing a five-point victory.

For St John’s, it marks another strong victory over West Belfast rivals following their recent win over Rossa. They now head to Milltown, where St Galls await for another highly anticipated derby clash this weekend.