The Briar rounded off the 1st half of the fall season with a second draw on the trot when they renewed acquaintances with old D5 foe United International.
Victory Field was yet again the venue for the Greens, a lovely venue that boasts fresh turf and full sized field dimensions. The weather was something of a travesty however with a consistent heavy rain teaming down throughout the match.
The opening half was a tight affair. The Briar went close on a couple of occasions. Firstly Joe Nolan sent a great strike whistling wide of the post from 25 yards after he latched onto a clearance from a corner. Later on, Java was unable to get on the end of a dangerous delivery into the box as the centre half flicked a header away to safety.
United International were also creating dangerous openings, the closest they got was a strike that deflected onto the right hand post and was eventually cleared to safety.
The second half saw the Briar grow into the game and earn more of the play and possession in the midfield area. United were always dangerous on the break and from set pieces (Jason Sullo making a couple outstanding saves), but the Briar were also applying pressure and creating chances.
Terrence O'Leahy was unlucky when he sent a flush strike on the half volley wide of the mark, and later in the half DKS sent in a nice cross, only for Balekian to miss the header at the back post.
As time expired the pace of play became frantic. Carlos Neto looked dangerous in possession at the edge of the box, but there was still time for United to mount a counter attack. A cross to the back post looked like it was about to fall onto the head of an attacker but a tremendous last ditch flicked header from Tom McElwain averted the danger when it looked like a sure goal.
Half way home and the Briar are still within striking distance of the top of the table. Five games left to make a run at the title and the card points still in reasonable check should be pleasing for the Greens.
Line Up: Sullo, Nolan, Hannick, Goin, Higgins, McElwain, Hall, O'Connor, McGuinness, Java, O'Brien, Balekian, Concagh, Graham, O'Leahy, DKS, Hickey, Neto
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