Saul let lead slip away in late defeat

Saul let lead slip away in late defeat

30 July 2025

SAUL’S hopes of survival took a hit when they conceded a late goal and a series of points to snatch defeat from the clutches of victory against Mayobridge on Friday night.

Playing in Division 1 for the first time in their history, the St Patrick’s Park club struggled for much of the season, recording nine defeats and two draws from the opening 11 games.

They managed to turn the tide and have been in inspired form of late, racking up four wins on the trot, and they looked on course for a fifth victory for much of this contest.

However, the game ran away from them in the closing stages, as Mayobridge produced a smash and grab with a 56th minute goal and three subsequent points, casting doubt on their status in the top flight.

The away side got off the mark early doors, hitting the hosts on the counter-attack and opening their account with a Connal Poland point.

Saul responded in timely fashion, launching a team move from the kick-out and levelling through Justin Magilton.

From there, the game settled into a back-and-forth rhythm.

Philip Doran rifled over from just inside the arc, while Mayobridge’s Caolan Gallagher converted the first free of the evening.

Both teams became bogged down in wides and short attempts and while Darragh Higgins looked certain to find the away net on the turn, Daire O’Keefe threw his body on  the line with an impressive block.

Jack Fitzsimons restored Saul’s lead via a deflected point, but their opponents snatched the advantage through quick-fire scores from Patrick Woods and Gallagher.

Another series of wides ensued, before Joe Hayes and Doran split the posts in quick succession, nudging the home side into a one-point advantage at the break.

Saul experienced a nightmarish start to the second half, as their opponents claimed possession from throw-in and Gallagher rippled the back of the net.

However, they quickly righted their wrongs, snatching the lead once more, with points from Fitzsimons and Down star Pierce Laverty.

Conleth O’Hare briefly equalised with a classy outside-of-the-boot shot, prior to two Ciaran Harney scores edging Saul back in front.

Gallagher responded with a sublime two-pointer, but his teammates were guilty of breaching the three-back rule and Doran made the most of the resulting free.

Mayobridge could only find a pair of wides in reply, as Saul afforded them little space, and they were punished by substitute Ronan Connor, who turned his man and pointed.

The hosts won possession from the kick-out and Doran was untouchable as he strolled through to fist over.

It was looking increasingly likely that Saul would claim a full share of the points come full-time, as despite the opposition pulling one back, Doran added a further two scores to his tally.

However, the ‘Bridge set up an interesting climax when they took a quick free and found Gallagher, who slotted home to restore parity, with four minutes remaining. 

Saul, knowing they were in danger of remaining in the relegation places, were seemingly rocked by the goal, which signalled the beginning of their late collapse.

They were let off the hook when Daniel Bannon wasted a gift of a goal chance and although Jack Hazard made a heroic save to deny Mayobridge on their next attack, it was clear to see which side had the momentum.

Gallagher, O’Hare and Jamie McKay all converted points in the space of two minutes, resigning the home team to defeat and leaving them with a sense of what could have been.

With Ballyholland beating Downpatrick, Saul and their RGU rivals find themselves in the bottom two, trailing the safety of eighth place by one point, with two games to go.

Saul: J Hazard, L Harney, C Kinsella, J Hayes, C Mahoney, P Laverty, D Higgins, J Johnston, G Murdock, J Magilton, P Doran, C Harney, C Powderly, J Mahoney, J Fitzsimons. Subs: C Laverty, R Connor, C Byrne, P Savage, M Connor, K Curran, S Curran, R Connolly.

Mayobridge: C Barr, D McMahon, J McKay, J McManus, D Bannon, S McNamee, L McManus, D O’Keefe, B Grant, C Poland, C O’Hare, C Gallagher, C Clerkin, P Woods, K McClore.