St John’s 3-13 v 2-06 Loughinisland Tue
8th July
St John’s under-16s produced a tremendous
display of great teamwork and co-operation to
see off a Loughinisland side that had beaten
them in their previous league encounter. The
home team’s slick passing and effective
support play meant that there was only one team
in it in the first half and this was clearly
reflected in the half-time scoreline of 2-6
v 0-3.
But, as Kerry learned to their cost last weekend,
a big lead can be deceptive and Loughinisland
upped their performance in the second half.
The second half made for better viewing for
the neutral as both sides were playing well
but it was the Johnnies, buoyed by their first
half advantage that came out as deserving winners.
Both sides were positive in the opening exchanges
but it was St John’s who were first on
the scoreboard, that score clearly demonstrating
the benefits of moving the ball quickly. Goal
keeper Harry McMullan won the ball and cleared
it to centre-half back Darren Burns. He looked
up and weighted his options before passing long
to full-forward Anthony Doran. He, in turn,
played the ball onto Rory Doyle who drove the
ball into the net. An ultra-effective team goal.
The following score could not have been more
different as midfielder Darren Savage soloed
forward before pointing – all his own
work. The visitors retaliated soon after when
a free from Rory King bounced on the bar before
going over. The next two scores went to St John’s
who were now establishing their superiority.
Neil Magorrian and Joe Milligan were instrumental
in ensuring that Loughinisland got no change
when they did push forward. Chris McKay pointed
after the blues’ defence squandered several
chances to clear the danger and Ryan Gordon
fisted over. Loughinisland pulled another point
back but they were clearly under the cosh now.
Chris McKay goaled after receiving Darren Savage’s
pass and Ryan Gordon fisted another point. Chris
McKay pointed a free before Darren Savage hit
the goal post. Jamie Artt pointed after receiving
a clever pass from Rory Doyle. Conor O’Reilly,
with a pointed free for the visitors, got the
last score of the half to leave the margin at
2-6 to 0-3.
Loughinisland came out with a lot more resolve
for the second period and did most of the attacking
in the first ten minutes or so. However they
found the scores hard to come by as they hit
a series of wides as well as seeing a free come
back off the crossbar. It would have tested
Loughinisland’s mettle to see St John’s
add to their total despite their valiant efforts.
The first score of the second half went to Conor
Morgan who pointed a free from at least 35m
out. Darren pointed to further increase St John’s
advantage before Loughinisland could make an
impact ion the score-board. Harry McMullan pulled
off a good save from Rory King before Damhan
O’Toole pointed for the visitors. They
followed this with a pointed free from Conor
O’Reilly and pushed for more scores. Rory
King scored a great goal from 13m with his shot
curving beyond Harry McMullan’s reach.
The pressure from Loughinisland was beginning
to mount but the Johnnies did not wilt. They
relieved the pressure temporarily by moving
the ball well. Conor Morgan passed to Rory Doyle,
he passed inside to Jamie Artt but his soccer
style shot was deflected wide of the goals.
Conor Morgan pointed the resultant 45 to leave
the score at 2-9 to 1-5 with fifteen minutes
remaining.
Conor O’Reilly pointed a free to reduce
the margin but St John’s could easily
have got another goal when Conor Morgan’s
free dropped by the edge of the square. Hugh
Flanagan palmed the ball goal-wards only to
be denied by the goalkeeper. After a scramble
the ball was cleared to safety.
St John’s got the next five scores with
points from Chris McKay, Conor Morgan, after
the ball had been worked from right to left,
and Daniel McKay all getting in on the act.
Conor O’Reilly hit the post when clear
with only the goalie to beat but that was the
end of the Loughinisland challenge. A goal from
Anthony Doran, after Chris McKay run and a point
from Rory Doyle after Darren Savage’s
good work rounded off the scoring for St John’s.
The last score went to Darren Brennan who netted
to bring the excellent game to a conclusion.
St John’s: Harry McMullan; Neil Magorrian,
Conor Morgan (0-3, 1f, 1 45), Joe Milligan;
Ryan Gordon (0-2), Darren Burns (0-1), Caolan
Carville; Darren Savage (0-1), Daniel McKay
(0-1); Hugh Flanagan, Chris McKay (1-3, 1f),
Rory Doyle(0-1); Jamie Artt (1-1), Anthony Doran
(1-0), John Girvan.
