Green Briar end season with a win

Green Briar FC 4:2 Lowell United

Lowell United were the visitors for the final game of the season and with their team having one eye on the MSSL Cup Final the Briar players were confident of getting a good result to take into the off season.

Playing against the wind and into the sun in the first half proved very difficult for the Greens. Although playing an under strengthed Lowell side the Briar still managed to find themselves 2 goals down at the half. And it could have been 3 if not for a great foot save by DelPieri as the half came to a close.

Despite conceding in the first half the Briar had chances of their own. Davey Coen spurning the best chance and he contrived to shoot wide from 6 yards.

Knowing that the conditions would be in their favour in the second half the Briar had a quiet confidence at the half time break. Fifteen minutes into the second half and the Greens were level, proving their confidence was not misplaced.

Firstly Tom Caldwell drove forward with the ball from midfield. His pass found Davey Coen unmarked in the box and with a cool left footed finish the Briar were on their way back.

Next Mickey Sexton was the provider as he played a squaring pass in the box for the on rushing Brian McGuinness. Brian found the net with his 6th of the campaign.

A five minute spell around the half hour mark of the second half saw a flurry of action. Mickey Sexton made his own luck from a booming kick out from DelPieri. Mickey got behind the defense and slotted home his fourth goal in four games.

Two minutes later Keith McLoughlin received a straight red card for a dangerous lunging challenge. Even Keith would agree he left the referee no option but a straight red.

Lowell would try and capitalise on the chaos in the following minutes and almost did. A shot from the egde of the box hit the cross bar and rebounded into play 6 yards from goal. With DelPieri sprawling after his attempted save, Gary Clarke came in with a timely challenge on a Lowell striker that was ready to finish. Clarke managed to disrupt the effort enough so that the goal ward header went high, clipping the cross bar and out for a goal kick.

A slice of luck that the Briar have been waiting for all season. The icing on the cake and the rubber stamp of a terrific performance by Tom Caldwell saw him deliver a freekick into the box that was met on the volley by Braima Samati. The young man making no mistake as the ball flashed past the keeper for the Briar's fourth of the half.

Finishing the season on three good performances against the likes of Lowell Utd and Olympiakos and picking up 6 points as well, is no more that the players deserve for their hard work in Green Briar's inaugural season. We'll be looking to keep the current squad together this winter in an indoor competition run by the MSSL as we look forward to building on the foundations that were laid this year. Thanks to all involved in the club who help both on the pitch and behind the scenes.

Line Up: DelPieri, Claus, Doonan, Hannick, Clarke, McCarney(YC 35'), Caldwell, McGuinness, McLoughlin(RC), Coen(c)(60'), Sexton, Samati(55'), Hennessy(30')