Patrick Pearses 1-10 Mitchels 0-6 It was a warm evening at Mallusk as Pearses, having already won the league, attempted to finish the league season unbeaten against a John Mitchels side that they will face in the Championship in four weeks time. The sunshine drew a sizeable home support and they saw their team begin as if they meant business as Piaras Donaghy linked up with Paddy Nolan who then used his lightening speed to lose his marker and calmly split the posts. Two minutes later it was Donaghy who was the executioner as he embarked on a solo run that took him past four defenders and, just as he seemed to lose control of the ball, he slammed it past the keeper and into the net. Nolan seemed to be finding space at will up his flank but if this was to be the platform to build on then no-one told the opposition as Mitchels scored two points to get a foothold in the game, Pearses were still constantly probing and looking for space with measured build up play but the gaps werent appearing easily. When Conor Davison cut inside his marker he was dragged to the ground giving Stephen Fitzsimons the opportunity to get himself off the mark and as the game began to open up he grabbed the next two points of the game to give his side a five-point lead. Mitchels were playing long ball into their full-forward line often testing the Pearses full-back line who rose to the task; Ciaran Wright and Frankie Davison in the corners repelled all attacks whilst Tomás ONeill was composed in the centre, one high ball nearly found his wanting only for him to pluck the ball from the heavens with an outrageous catch as the crowd held their breath. Still the home side were on top and nearly added another goal as a mazy run from Conor Davison saw his cut inside two men only to be dispossessed as he was about to pull the trigger. Fitzsimons added to his tally after being released by Donaghy and with the opportunities they were creating the game couldve been out of sight by the half but for poor shooting from the North Belfast Gaels. Conal Campbell showed his speed just before the half-time whistle as he gathered the ball and showed his marker inside then outside before jinking past him and rifling over. Conditions remained warm for the second half and it showed on the pitch as it remained scoreless for ten minutes, again wides were a factor for the home side and when the opposition attacked Pearses full-back remained intact with Davison, in particular, showing maturity that belies his years as he remained calm and won everything that was hit in his direction. A bit of tension seemed to be creeping into the game with Mitchels seemingly intent on illustrating their physicality with a succession of untidy fouls. Fitzsimons eventually gained the first point of the second half from a free and, when Conor Davison followed up with an angled point, Pearses looked to be heading out of sight. Patient build up was the order of the day with Ciaran Magee, Nolan and Donaghy often providing the platform for the launchpad but still they couldnt finish the game off; Mitchels doubled their own tally with two well-taken points but good work from Donaghy enabled Conor Davison to keep the scoreboard ticking over as the game entered the final few minutes. The away team continued to press and briefly threatened a comeback when forcing Largey to expertly tip the ball over the bar to maintain his clean sheet. With the clock running down the captain, Donaghy, grabbed his teams final score to settle any remaining nerves and ensure that his side would finish their league campaign undefeated. A perfect ten for the league season and there were jubilant scenes at the final whistle as emotions took over for some players and supporters. Joe Edwards, Co.Antrim vice-chairman, presenting the league trophy to victorious captain, Piaras Donaghy, remarked that it was too long since Pearses had lifted a Senior trophy and urged the club to push on next season in Division Three whilst also highlighting the youthful nature of the squad. So a month for manager, Eamonn Largey, to prepare for the Junior Championship after an excellent league campaign and he will be hoping they can replicate some of the form they have shown thus far. Man of the Match: Frankie Davison/Paddy Nolan - eye-catching performances from Wright and Donaghy but it was pretty much impossible to split the two, Nolan was as roving a wing-back as youll see and often complimented the midfield as an outlet for building attacks whilst driving forward himself; Davison was an absolute rock at the back, often placed under pressure he was coolness personified as time and time again he won his personal duel and delivered smart ball to get his side out of trouble. Pearses: N.Largey, C.Wright, T.ONeill, F.Davison, P.Nolan (0-1), M.Gallagher, C.McGhee, P.Donaghy (1-1), C.Magee, A.McCavana, S.Fitzsimons (0-5), C.Campbell (0-1), C.Davison (0-2), D.Kerr, P.Davison. Subs: L.Kelly (for C.McGhee), D.Magee (for D.Kerr), J.Gillespie (for A.McCavana), F.McCallan (for P.Davison), K.Montague (for C.Campbell)
Posted on: Thu, 10 Jul 2014 13:53:17 +0000