Away loss for O30's in New Bedford

Fernandes FC 2:1 Green Briar O30

The Briar's opening game of the 2011 fall season was a match-up against Fernandes FC down in New Bedford. The team was successful in taking the 3 points in a memorable 3-2 victory in the rain. Since that match however, the Briar have failed to record a victory against Fernandes in five additional attempts. A 2-2 draw, 3-3 draw, 1-0 defeat, defeat in the play-off final on PK's and now today, suffering a 2-1 defeat in New Bedford yet again. In recent times, they've proved to have our number.

Today's effort was good from the Briar perspective, and perhaps deserved more. Leo O'Connor put in a stalwart performance, being involved in virtually everything good the Greens did on the day. Gavin Hall was also impressive in the middle of the park.

The Briar thought they had opened the scoring when O'Connor rode a heavy challenge before dispatching a terrific shot to the corner of the net. But for a hasty whistle from the referee to call the foul, the goal would have stood, but had to be ruled out on the technicality.

Kevin Higgins making his clearance while under pressure

Later, Leo also had a long distance shot deflected toward the top corner, but the Fernandes keeper was equal to it, tipping over to avert the danger.

Fernandes responded with a break down the left wing that resulted in a low cross into the mixer. A goal mouth scramble ensued with Kevin Higgins eventually called for a hand ball. The Fernandes keeper came up from the back and crushed the ball into the top corner for the lead.

Video Footage courtesy of Sky

In the second half the Briar equalized after some concerted pressure. A long free kick into the box was broken to the feet of a Fernandes defender. Dwelling too long on the ball, he was dispossessed by Graham. McGuinness picked up the loose ball and played O'Connor down the right hand side. His cross was turned in very well by Java.

Fernandes responded with some pressure of their own. Jason Sullo turned a long distance shot off the bar and away to safety. His replacement, Paul Fallon got into the action straight away with another terrific save.

The Gaffer leaves his technical area to relay some critical information

A sloppy piece of play lead to the winner for Fernandes. Following a clearance from a corner, the ball was inadvertently played backwards through a combination of Java and Graham, both of whom failed to clear their lines. A deflection fell into the path of two Fernandes attackers who were slow to get out of the box. Played on-side by the defensive touch, the ball was squared and sent to the roof of the net with authority.

Leo O'Connor nearly salvaged a point for the Briar when he crashed a free kick off of the bar, but it was not meant to be. Another tough result at the hands of Fernandes, which will make the return fixture that more important.

Line Up: Sullo, McElwain, Nolan, Hannick, Higgins, McGuinness, O'Connor, Hall, Hickey, Neto, Kearney, Balekian, Graham, Fallon