St Michael’s under 21’s edge it

Date Published: 08-Jan-2008

AN innocuous looking high ball into Barna’s backline in extra-time resulting in a fortuitous goal, proved to be the decisive score that propelled St. Michael’s into the final West Board U-21 championship.

In many ways it was a cruel climax to a highly entertaining semi-final replay at Furbo where extra-time was again required to separate these two well-trained, focussed and committed sides.

Two random goals coming at pivotal junctures, two red cards, a few bad misses that could have proved decisive, some bizarre refereeing decisions, a number of skirmishes and mini-flare ups — as well as a sideline ‘schemozzle’ involving supporters from both sides — it had all the ingredients of a winner takes all battle with the advantage changing hands on countless occasions.

The atrocious weather conditions including a bitterly cold, strong cross-field wind and sporadic rain and hail showers may have impacted on the standard of football, but it didn’t detract from the excitement of a game that had more twists and turns than a country boreen.

The visitors started brighter with…..