Match Report Saturday 20th October 2007 Under 17’s v Oldpark Swifts at Ballysillan
Result: St Mary's FC 3 Oldpark Swifts 2
This wasn't a great performance but the result was ground out and helped bring St Mary's to the top of the league as Aquinas unexpectedly lost to Shorts.
On a small pitch there was little room or time on the ball and Oldpark Swifts were keyed up from the outset and quickly went about upsetting St Mary's attempts to settle into the game. Oldpark defended strongly and their front men caused continual problems for the St Mary's defence. After another long ball Conor Saunders found himself just the wrong side of the Oldpark forward and as they raced towards the St Mary's goals the referee judged that the forward was fouled as he made his way into the area. The penalty was confidently struck past Michael Fearon on 25 minutes and St Mary's realised this was going to be a real battle.
The 2nd half began more promisingly with St Mary's pressing Oldpark back but it took a stroke of luck on 45 minutes when the ball ricocheted about in the penalty area until being forced home by Michael O'Reilly. This gave St Mary's the lift they needed to dominate the game and on 55 minutes a loose ball fell to Chris Boy on the edge of the area who acrobatically scissor kicked to stretch the Oldpark goalkeeper low to his left hand post. However, despite getting hands to the ball it rolled agonisingly for him just over the line.
Again St Mary's piled forward and on 60 minutes Michael O'Reilly cut in from the right and laid the ball inside for Daniel McCreesh to score.
However, Oldpark weren't yet finished and on 75 minutes a terrific free kick from way out found the top corner leaving a nervous last 5 minutes with a number of corners seeing the Oldpark goalkeeper joining the crowded penalty area.
So the final whistle was greeted with relief. A much improved second half performance secured the result and certainly proved a test of character for St Mary's which they came through 3 - 2.
Team:
Michael Fearon, Michael Fearon ( sub Michael Kane ), Daniel Lunney, Conor Saunders, Declan Hackett, Chris Boy ( Captain ), Hugh Campbell, Ryan McAuley (sub Chris Barr ), Michael O'Reilly, Daniel McCreesh, Kevin Meighan ( sub James Cachart ). Subs unused Chris Walsh, John Meighan.