Finns make their mark as St Bernard’s shade the verdict

St Bernard’s       4

Corrib Rangers  3

Mike Rafferty

THE present and future of St Bernard’s were very much on display in Abbeyknockmoy on Sunday morning – for as supporters made their way to the higher ground to witness the home side’s excellent win over the Premier Division leaders, the lower pitch was populated by about 60 children in the club Academy.

On a horribly wet and miserable morning, their presence at the foot of the hill was refreshing and as the younger generation were at ease in the harsh elements, the attending parents took shelter wherever possible.

That scene was in total contrast to the real action at the summit where St Bernard’s ended the city side’s unbeaten run and, in the process, gave a clear indication of being genuine title conenders themselves.

In harsh conditions, two competitive sides battled it out in a contest in which some classic finishing was contrasted by some goalkeeping errors as the goals flowed in a contest dictated by the elements.

Rangers custodian Conor Sweeney will not have too many happy memories of the game as unforced errors presented the home side with two first half goals. The opener came on 13 minute when a Jason Finn shot from outside the box was allowed to squirm through his hands and then with his side enjoying a 2-1 advantage, he conceded a second.

On this occasion, he attempted to control a long range effort from Daryl Finn on his chest, but this too ended up in the net as the pace of the ball and the conditions played a part.

Despite facing the elements, the visitors were doing more than their fair share of pressing, while at the same time also finding the net. A smashing counter attacking run by Danial Burke set up Gerry Dolan for the equaliser on 25 minutes, before the city side took the lead shortly afterwards when a flicked header by Ger Bane was adjudged to have crossed the line.

In the final minute of the half, St Bernard’s struck for a crucial lead goal. A Jason Finn corner was picked up in the box by Shane King and after evading a few challenges, he made space for himself at the near post before firing low into the net for a terrific finish and a 3-2 lead.

On the resumption, the elements favoured the city team, but for some strange reason it took them a long time to assert their authority as the home side looked comfortable.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.