Green Briar O30's 1:2 United International
Renewing the rivalry with our familiar foes was always going to be difficult, especially with the remaining games having the feel of 6 pointers. The humidity on the day would also be a key factor with player fitness being called into question.
Starting the game in our multi coloured away strip may have also played a psychological factor in conceding the lead in the 1st half and reminiscent of Manchester United's grey day back in 1996, the Green Briar would also change back into their familiar green kits at half time in the hope of sparking a revival. Contact Conor Hannick for a full run down of the strategy.
Green Briar enjoyed a wealth of chances in the first half but lacked the finishing touch in what has been a familiar story in recent weeks. Michael Graham worked the goal keeper on 3 occasions and volleyed wide from a half chance at the edge of the area.
Leo O'Connor saw his shot blocked from an indirect kick inside the penalty area after United were guilty of a back pass. The Briar were also wasteful of two corners that were delivered into the danger area with no one taking it upon themselves to attack the ball.
As alluded to earlier, the lead was conceded against the run of play, on the break. The United attacker won the race to a ball over the top and with Paul Fallon committed to charging the ball, a first time shot under the keepers body was all that was needed to take the lead.
The Briar spent most of the second half knocking on the door for the equalizer. Leo O'Connor was again involved in much that was good from the Briar with Petey McNamee, John Hickey and Gavin Hall battling the heavy air to create from the middle.
With 15 minutes remaining it would be Gavin Hall who would restore parity. Tom McElwain found himself in an advanced position and his cross eluded the near post challenges and arrived at the feet of Hall at the back post. As we've seen earlier in the season, Hall doesn't need a second invitation to find the net when called upon as he cooly slotted home his finish.
With eyes on a winner and committing men forward, the Briar were vulnerable to the counter. United hit the post on one occasion and on another would succeed in reclaiming the lead with 7 minutes remaining.
John Flannery was being put under pressure at the right back position and a United attacker gained the bi-line and cut back sharply to allow him the space to shoot high to the top right corner of the net from a tight angle.
In the remaining minutes the Briar almost found an equalizer. John Hickey whipped in a dangerous free kick and the botched clearance was met my Conor Hannick at the edge of the 6 yard box. His downward header was heading for the corner of the net when the United keeper showed great agility to turn the ball away.
Another crushing defeat for the Greens but the performance and spirit shown on the day will hold the team in good stead for the remainder of the campaign. Other results have been falling correctly for the Briar as the struggle to regain form and it is still possible to get out of the division with 6 games remaining.
Line Up: Fallon, Glynn, Concagh, Meehan, McElwain(c), Flannery, Hall, McNamee, Hickey, Graham, O'Connor, Bagnell, Shursky, Kilber-Stearns, Nassar, O'Donnell, Hannick, Tiffany
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