LEEDS FIND THE EDGE IN FEISTY LOCAL DERBY

Our Juniors played away to Leeds this morning in the Beamish Stout MSL Junior 1st Division but unfortunately the hosts took all three points after a tough day at the office our lads.

The Saints started the game well on top with chances from Colin O’Keefe and Tiernan Daly but both were just not able to find the net. We were forced to make an early change with Tiernan Daly pulling up but reader well and created more opportunities from Craig hourigan and Danny O’Shea. But again, failed to find the net.

Going against the run of play the Leeds men took their chance just before half time with a smooth strike from inside the box to beat the Niall O’Sullivan in the Mary’s goal. 1-0

Leeds’ second came soon in the second half when a counter attack was brilliantly finished by their striker who was left one on one with Niall O’Sullivan. 2-0

We pushed forward in search of a way back in the game and were deservedly awarded a penalty. Danny O’Shea calmly slotted it into the bottom of the corner, handing us a lifeline. 2-1

However, as the intensity started to grow, Craig Hourigan saw a questionable red card as did the Leeds midfielder leaving the teams to finish the game with ten men a piece.

As the pressure grew, Leeds were breaking more and more on the counter attack and eventually won a penalty for their troubles. Niall O’Sullivan stood tall and produced an excellent save on his Mary’s debut, giving us something to hold on to.

The time went on the chances were fading away for the Saints, eventually the full time whistle blew and our lads will feel hard done by having had so many chances to find the back of the net. Well done to our neighbours Leeds on the win, and a big performance by Goalkeeper Niall O’Sullivan on his debut for the club today.

Final score: Leeds 2-1 Saints