Cruel end to St Mary's in NIBFA Cup Under 17 Quarter Final
Result: St Mary's FC 1 Glentoran 2
After Extra Time
Visit website www.st-marysfc.co.uk
A large crowd gathered at the Junior Stadium to watch this NIBFA Cup clash under floodlights and witnessed a tight match that was only settled in the very last minute of extra time. St Mary's could not have been more motivated for this game. Not only was this the quarter final but they also faced a Glentoran squad which included Ryan Byrne and Gerard Southam who both previously played for St Mary's.
The match started and continued at a high pace with 100% commitment from both teams very evident leaving little space for any flowing football. Hugh Campbell and Chris Boy were everywhere in midfield closing down their opponents with the back four of Michael Fearon, Declan Hackett, Conor Saunders and Daniel Lunney snuffing out any threats. Anything that did get through was capably dealt with by Warren Patterson. Up front Michael O'Reilly and Daniel McCreesh battled away with support from Kevin Meighan and Ryan McAuley.
On 25 minutes though Glentoran finally found some space in the area and Gracey fired home to take the lead. However, St Mary's responded immediately at the other end and an O'Reilly equaliser raised the roof off the stand on 27 minutes. Glentoran did have the ball in the net just before half time but the referee quickly cancelled it out for an infringement.
Thereafter the match continued with no quarter given. St Mary's introduced Michael Kane and Antoin Rooney to bolster tired limbs and went close on a couple of occasions from set pieces but as full time ended level pegging it looked odds on that this game would end up in penalties. However, disaster struck St Mary's in the very last minute of extra time when a harshly awarded free kick wasn't cleared and Southam nipped in to clinch the match.
There was only time for St Mary's to kick off again before the referee blew the final whistle. A cruel end but every St Mary's player was a credit to the Club and can be proud of their brave performances.
Team:
Warren Patterson, Michael Fearon, Daniel Lunney, Chris Boy (Captain ), Declan Hackett, Conor Saunders, Hugh Campbell, Ryan McAuley, Kevin Meighan, Daniel McCreesh, Michael O'Reilly. Subs Antoin Rooney, Michael Kane, John Meighan, Chris Walsh, James Cachart, Michael Donaghy, Tony McVeigh, Chris Barr.