SENIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2006

SFL Div1

St Brendans......4-6

Moindearg.....2-11

St Brendans took the points by the narrowest of margins in this division 1 clash at Ruislip on Saturday in what was one of the most entertaining matches of the year so far.

The Brendans got off to the best possible start when within the first ten minutes they found the back of the net twice and added two more points against the wind and rain.  At this point, the match looked like a foregone conclusion.  However, Moindearg started to establish a foothold in the game and began to adapt to the slippery conditions. 

The Brendans were getting pegged back and Moindearg started to chip away at the lead with a few well-taken points from Paul Mannion and Pat Quirke.  Then the Brendans realised they were in for a game when Moindearg found the back of the net with a well-taken goal. 

Moindearg kept up the pressure and a few points before half time left the scores at 2-3 to 1-5. With the advantage of the wind behind them, the Brendans quickly took control again and with a goal from Adrian Brit they built up a six-point lead.  At this point it was hard to see a way back for Moindearg but again they fought back. 

A goal was vital in this passage of play and they found it from the boot of Toto who stuck it in the corner despite the despairing dive of the Brendans keeper.  It was all Moindearg at this stage and Brendans began to give away some sloppy frees which were duly despatched by Pat Quirke. 

With about five minutes to go Moindearg tipped over the equalising point to leave the scores at 3-6 to 2-9.  Roused by this the Brendans launched a few attacks of their own and scored a further goal to put them three points clear.  Back came Moindearg however and replied with a point. 

A decisive moment came a minute later when Liam Gillespie for Moindearg was set clear with only the keeper to beat for what would surely have been the winning goal.  There was an infringement on the Moindearg full forward and the referee blew for the free and unfortunately had not allowed the advantage.  Moindearg took their point however and had one last chance to equalise in the last minute, which went agonisingly wide off the boot of Pat Quirke.

A draw would certainly have been the fairer result and both teams deserve great credit for a very entertaining game in greasy conditions.