Scoreline masks effort required by St. Peter’s

Wolfe Tones (u 21) 2-04

The eleven points winning margin which St. Peter’s had over Wolfe Tones last Sunday in the second round of games in the All County under 21 series flattered the North Street side who had to battle all the way against derby rivals Wolfe Tones.

In this hard hitting affair it was the Whites who had the greater finishing power up front, the visitors had their fair share of possession but a series of wides and St. Peter’s capability to counter attack at speed proved to be the Derrymacash sides downfall. Considering the young age of the participants the football served up was a treat, both teams showed composure and maturity with Tones battling to the end. Although St. Peter’s were missing a few of their more experienced players they had no shortage of stars on the day. Drew Ginessi was outstanding, he looks to be a real prospect and was brilliantly supported by the Sean O’Neill, Conor Clarke turned defence into attack every time he touched the ball. Conor Lavery and Conal McAlinden for the Whites were constant threats throughout the game. Although the Tones were quite a bit in arrears at the finish they held their own particularly in midfield where Conor O’Hagan and Garvan McCormick were a handful for St. Peter’s pairing of Aaron Findin and Ryan McKelly who in fairness grew in stature as the game progressed. The Tones, who despite being on the back foot throughout, had top performers in Ruairi McCaughley, James Doyle, John McAlinden, Conor Lavery and a one of their youngest players Peter Mulholland who showed some great touches during the game.

Before the ten minute mark St. Peter’s had two goals on the board, Conor Lavery rose to connect with a superb cross after just two minutes and Conleth McAlinden hit the Whites second six minutes later. Wolfe Tones kept themselves in touch with a goal from James Doyle and points from Johnny McAlinden, The North Street men went in at the break nine points in front with the help of goals from Declan Kilroy and McAlinden. Drew Ginessi brought the half to a close with a well worked point in injury time for the winners as Lee and Niall Cush joined the action for the home side.

The Freecrow men hit two further goals in the second period, the first came from Aaron Findin, but the Whites had to wait until injury time to register their second which gave Conleth McAlinden his hat-trick. The Tones found the net from the boot of Tiernan McCaughley and although young Peter Mulholland shot over a nice point the home side finished strongest and points from Clarke, Conor Lavery, Niall Cush and Ginessi sealed a deserved win. Owen O’Hagan finished the scoring for the Cash men.