First half goals swing it for Gort

Date Published: 23-Dec-2009

GORT narrowly justified their favourites’ tag by withstanding a desperate late rally from St. Thomas’ to capture the Woodford Nurseries U21 A title – a long-awaited first victory at this level since the early eighties – on Sunday in Clarinbridge.

An intense tussle, one that warmed the spirits of the large crowd who braved the depths of winter to capture a glimpse of potential stars of the future, looked to have been decided in Gort’s favour by a rapid trio of points that opened up a seven-point gap with time ebbing away.

Richie Cummins had been the main thorn in St. Thomas’ side, with his accuracy from placed balls and goal-poaching ability, but at this critical juncture he found able accomplices in Keith Killilea, Sylvie Óg Linnane and Aidan Harte who opened a wound that would have killed off the spirit of most clubs.

This bunch of St. Thomas’ players, though, proved they have an indomitable streak which refuses to easily accede to defeat, and by the end of the first of three minutes of additional time they were somehow within two points thanks to David Burke’s scrambled goal.

Burke, again a forceful presence at centre-half back, was pushed further forward now in a last bid for redemption, and was given a final chance to force a draw after Cummins had pointed a timely free, but his dipping strike from 30 yards only grazed the top of the bar and fizzed over. The game was up; to Gort the spoils.

The roots of this much-savoured win were sown in the opening half, however, as Gort struck first, were never overtaken, and clinically fired in two goals when rare moments of defensive hesitancy from St. Thomas’ afforded them opportunities.

St. Thomas’ just came up short on the day but have with many of these players still eligible next year, a breakthrough win at this age group could yet be on the cards.

For a full report on this match see page 31 of this week’s Connacht Tribune.