Northern Switchgear SFC Group Two
St John’s 2-17
Ballymena All Saints 2-14
At Corrigan Park
A spirited performance from All Saints Ballymena fell just short on Sunday evening as they pushed St John’s all the way in a thrilling, feisty Antrim Senior Football Championship clash at Corrigan Park. Despite playing a chunk of the first half with 14 men and facing heavy pressure, the Ballymena men showed immense character, firing home two spectacular goals and staging a late comeback that left the hosts hanging on at the final whistle.
The game ignited within seconds of the throw-in. All Saints laid down an immediate marker when Conor Stewart launched a spectacular 2 pointer between the posts to open the scoring. St John’s responded via Paddy McBride, but the Ballymena forward line continued to cause problems for the hosts’ defence, proving they were ready for a battle on the Whiterock Road.
A major turning point arrived in the 13th minute when All Saints were temporarily reduced to 14 men following a black card issued to Kavan Keenan. St John’s looked to capitalise on the numerical advantage, hitting a point through Sean Wilson and adding a fisted goal from mid-fielder, Simon McDonagh as they threatened to take control.
However, the response from All Saints after being restored to full capacity was nothing short of explosive. Instantly making their presence felt and Connell Lemon unleashed a ferocious, unstoppable drive into the top corner of the St John’s net. Moments later, the clinical Brendan McDonnell struck a massive point to draw the side’s level and completely erase the hosts’ advantage. While St John’s managed to edge a single point ahead through Conor Hand just before the break, a late free from McDonnell ensured All Saints went into the changing rooms firmly in the hunt.
The frantic pace sustained into the second half and Brendan McDonnell wasted no time in firing over a brilliant equaliser immediately after the restart. St John’s hit back with a sweet finish from Conor Hand and a quick flurry of points to build a five-point cushion as they continued to control the mid-field sector with Simon McDonagh prominent, but the Ballymena men refused to lie down.
Showing their fighting spirit, All Saints forced their way right back into the tie. A superb attacking move saw Connell Lemon upended in the square, resulting in a penalty. James McDonnell stepped up with ice in his veins, firing past Pearse Donnelly to smash the ball home. Conor Stewart followed up immediately with another fine score, reducing the deficit to the minimum and putting the hosts on the back foot.
Back came St. John’s, inspired by McDonagh and Paddy McBride and used their experience to tag on a few late scores through McBride and Ryan McNulty, opening up another five-point gap with five minutes remaining. Yet, it was All Saints who finished the stronger side. Pouring forward in a frantic late flurry, BrendanMcDonnell stepped up to convert two frees and leave just a goal between her sides.
Ultimately, time simply ran out for the Ballymena men. While St John’s secured the points to seal a knockout spot, All Saints leave Corrigan Park with their heads held high after a performance packed with heart, tactical discipline, and top-tier firepower that bodes well for the remainder of their Championship campaign.
A great result in the end for the ‘Johnnies’ and following their opening day win over Creggan they have now booked a place in the quarter-final while the second place will go the way of Creggan or All Saints who meet at a neutral venue in two weeks-time in the final group game.
This victory was built on St. John’s dominance of the mid-field sector where the towering Simon McDonagh dominated and team captain, Paddy McBride dictated matters from the ‘40’ while Conor Hand top scored with 1-4
Paddy McAleer was excellent for the Ballymena men who suffered a severe setback when they lost their own captain, Patrick Ferris to injury early in the game while they conceded 1-2 during Kavan Keenan’s time in the sin-bin.
St. John’s now face St. Paul’s at a neutral venue in two weeks-time while the other qualifying place will go to the winners of Creggan and All Saints on the same weekend.
St John’s XV: Pearce Donnelly; Oisin Jackson, Enda McGurk, Conor McEvoy; Sean Wilson 0-1, Chris O’Neill, Conal McGlade 0-1; Simon McDonagh 1-0, Ryan McNulty 0-3 (1xTP); Conor Hand 1-4 (1xTPf), Patrick McBride 0-7 (1xTP, 4F), James Wilson; Conall Bohill, Conall Quinn, Conor Adams 0-1
All Saints Ballymena: Ryan Stewart; Joe Rafferty, Cal O’Brien, Sean McDermott; Patrick Ferris, Shaun O’Callaghan, Kavan Keenan; Paddy McAleer 0-3 (1xTP), Emmet Killough; Connell Lemon 1-2, Conor Stewart 0-3, James McDonnell 1-0, Peter McReynolds, Brendan McDonnell 0-5 (2F), Ciaran Campbell 0-1
Referee: Brendan Toland (Lamh Dhearg)
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