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Portmarnock AFC Vs Sacred Heart Firhouse
The Saturday team hosted the league leaders in a ‘must not lose’ game in Paddys Hill last Saturday in an exciting if not tense affair.
The opening half was really a war of attrition with neither side able to really get into much of a rhythm with Porto arguably edging the opening exchanges with some marauding runs from Noel McGinnity at centre half. However it was the away team who took the lead on the 20 minute mark after a ball went in behind Portos back four Sacred Hearts centre forward dually capitalized.
It didn’t take long for the black and amber to get back on terms after a free kick from deep from Adam Moran wasn’t dealt with in the visitors box and Kian McGregor got himself on the scoresheet for his 3rd straight game to level the scoring. The teams went in at half time level.
The opening exchanges of the 2nd half saw the home side struggle to get out of their own half owing to a change in tactics from the away side along with the windy conditions. And after 25 minutes of sustained pressure Sacred Heart took the lead for the second time. After a deep ball towards the backpost the ball was not cleared properly, and it fell to a Sacred Heart attacker who slotted the ball past Dylan Fitzpatrick.
At that point it looked like a long way back for the ports but this young team may have been down but it was certainly not out. Straight from the tip off Portmarnock began to take the ascendancy. With the clock against the seasiders urgency was key if the equalizer was to be found and with 5 mins to go it did come. After some great work down the right hand side between Danny Byrne and Jack Dune on the right hand side the sacred heart defence scrambled the ball away to out 25 yards out when Ian Bailey caught an absolute beauty on the volley to restore parity. There will not be a better goal scored on Paddy’s Hill all season and credit must go to Bailey who has lead by example all season playing in every position bar in goal this year so far.
Porto pushed for the winner in the final 5 mins however it finished 2-2.
Although it most certainly was not Portos best performance of the season it is always a sign of a special group when you don’t play well and still pick up results – especially against the league leaders.
The Saturday team now look to this Saturday and another home game against Seaford Rock who sit in 2nd with Porto in 4th. A win would really lay the young sides claim on a promotion spot. Game KOs at 2pm on Paddys Hill and all support is welcome.
Starting 11: Dylan Fitzpatrick, Darragh Brennan, James Hendricken, Noel McGinnity, Tom Sullivan, Adam Moran, Dean Whelan, Ciaran Lyons, Cian ‘mad dog’ McGregor, Ross Waters, Ian Bailey
