Fixtures & Results 2013 - Breslin Cup

St.Mary’s and All Saints must do it all again

St.Mary’s Rasharkin welcomed All Saints Ballymena for the second time in two days to Dreen on Thursday past in Under 16 SW Breslin Cup Round 1. In an end to end game full of drama, these sides could not be separated even after extra time. The game was a classic tussle between two well drilled teams who played hard for each other, neither willing to yield and who both displayed great fighting spirit particularly in the closing stages of the second half in regulation time and added time, alas, the outcome was probably "spot on” as neither team deserved to lose.

The All Saints outfit started with intent and lead proceedings early on, however, two first half goals from Fearghal Kennedy and Andrew Hasson saw St.Mary’s go in a half time with their tails up two points in front 2-3 to 0-7. The Slemish Park side took control in the early throws of the second half to open up a handsome lead, however, the St.Mary’s lads display in the fourth quarter was tremendous, they showed great conviction and determination to come from behind and force extra time with the help of a tidy goal from Cathair Henderson.

Match referee Ryan O’Reilly indicated ten minutes added time each way as daylight started to fade slightly. There was only one white flag raised in the first half of additional time after a rasper with the outside of the boot from Andrew Hasson which gave Rasharkin momentum at the midway stage. However, All Saints had other ideas, they split the posts twice to take the lead with hope, time and daylight running out for the homeside. The pressure was on as both teams desperately seeked possession in the closing stages and it was relief for St.Mary’s when Fearghal Kennedy’s obliged in the dying seconds with a left footed effort to force another day out.

Well done to young Dren men in blue and amber hoops who all played their part in this result against a strong well fancied All Saints side. Replay will be refixed for Slemish Park, time to be confirmed.   

St.Mary’s Rasharkin: Emmett Smyth, Joel McLaughlin, Aodhan Hardy, Cathair Mooney, Tiernan McGarrell, Andrew Hasson, Pearse Kelly, Jonathan McKeown and Tiernan Doherty, Killian McMullan, Alastair Telfer, Killian O’Boyle, Cathair Henderson, Fearghal Kennedy and Brian Og O’Neill

Subs: Donagh McMullan and Matthew McNally

Referee: Ryan O’Reilly (Con Magees Glenravel)