Match Report Saturday 22nd September 2007 - Under 17’s v Aquinas at Ormeau
Result: St Mary's FC 1 Aquinas 2
Having been unbeaten in any league games since 4th November 2006 the St Mary's team travelled to the Ormeau Park complex with reasonable optimism although with some concerns as neither goalkeepers in the squad were available. As a result Declan Hackett, who had been outstanding in his normal centre half role in the previous week, had to “volunteer" to stand between the posts.
The morning started off badly with first no changing facilities being available ( we look forward to hearing Belfast City Council's explanation? ) and then St Mary's subsequently having to turn shirts inside out due to a colour clash. We should have known then the omens were not going to be with us!
Notwithstanding the difficulties encountered prior to the game St Mary's started brightly and soon gained the upper hand with Ryan McAuley and Michael O'Reilly causing the Aquinas defence numerous problems. However, the Aquinas goalkeeper was inspired form and then after 25 minutes the St Mary's defence lost concentration when clearing after a corner and allowed the opposition midfielder to run through a failed offside trap to leave Declan Hackett with no chance.
The half time deficit of 1 - Nil was very much an injustice but Aquinas inspired by their goalkeeper had proven a well organised defence which unfortunately could not be broken down.
Second half though St Mary's carried on again as the dominant side and after 40 minutes Ryan McAuley unlocked the Aquinas rearguard with a superb cross field pass leaving Antoin Rooney in the clear to volley strongly into the top corner. Buoyed by this St Mary's pressed for the winner but just could not gain the vital last breakthrough. Even worse was to come as Aquinas gained a late corner and when the ball was crossed an uncertain defence allowed their right winger to slam in at the far post with only seconds remaining on the clock.
So heartbreak for the St Mary's team to lose a long running unbeaten run so late on the day. However, Aquinas were a well organised unit and despite dominating the match for long periods St Mary's just did not appear able to make that final pass and take the chances needed to secure a result. This coupled with some uncertainty on occasions in defence did reflect probably the team's worst performance for some time.
The team were very disappointed on leaving the field but remain very determined to prove this result to be a one-off defeat and to get back into winning ways against Shorts next week.
Team: Declan Hackett, Michael Kane ( sub Jim Boyle ), Daniel Lunney, Chris Boy ( Captain ), Conor Saunders, Antoin Rooney, Hugh Campbell, John Meighan ( sub Kevin Meighan ), Ryan McAuley, Daniel McCreesh ( sub James Cachart ), Michael O'Reilly ( sub Chris Walsh ).