22/04/04 Johnnies Under 16 Footballers win at MacCrory Park

South Antrim U-16 Football League Round 2

O'Donnells 1:09
St. Johns 1:10

St. Johns U-16 footballers enjoyed their first win of the season with an enjoyable, exciting win over close neighbours O'Donnells.

Going in at the interval 3 points down 0:05 to 1:05 the Johnnies had sustained some severe pressure in the first half but defended superbly.

The second half saw a nail biting affair with the lead changing hands several times, missed open goals and a superb 100m solo run goal from Brian Neeson. (Kevin Goughs 105m solo goal against Cavan in the Ulster senior football Championship in the late 70's or early 80's in Casement Park would come a close second. The funny thing about Kevin's goal is that he scored it from the left wing attacking the Owenvarragh end and subsequently came running over to the stand to receive his laurels from the crowd. At the same time the Cavan goal keeper took his kick out which bounced about 5 yards behind the very pleased Kevin who was totally oblivious to this. The ball was collected by the Cavan half forward line who scored. 'The stuff of legend.')

In getting back to our match we had outstanding performances from Declan McVeigh and Brian Neeson but the whole team would have to take credit for their display which secured the points.

St. Johns: 1.Brendan McGibbon 2.Aodh Hamilton 3.James Darragh 4.Tommy McDonald 5.Conor Kearney 6.Kevin Cunningham 7.Gary Stone 8.Eoghan Caldwell 9.Brian Neeson 10.Paul Downey 11.Declan McVeigh 12.Aodhan Mulholland 13.Pat Gregory 14.Brian Holmes 15. Michael Flannery
Substitutes: 16.Anthony Moore 29mins17.Peter McGarrity 33mins 18.David McGarrity 19.Ryan Maguire 20.S.McKee

St. Johns Scorers: Brian Neeson 1:06(0:04 frees), Declan McVeigh 0:01, Brian Holmes 0:01, Anthony Moore 0:01, Gary Stone 0:01