Extra time agony for Bryansford in bid for Ulster title

O’NEILL Park, Dungannon, was the setting for a thrilling Ulster League final which went to extra time before Bryansford’s brave bid was ended by Derry opponents Glenullin

Conditions were a little heavy due to the early rain and a breeze, fluctuating in intensity, didn’t help. But it was the Derry side who were first out of the traps and a point inside a minute seemed to settle their nerves.

Bryansford struggled to contain their free running opposition, who squandered two further opportunities inside the first five minutes. However the Newcastle lads did manage to prevent Glenullin claiming any further scores until the 18th minute.

During this period and despite their mediocre play, the ‘Ford were to amass five points through Ciaran Brannigan (2), Chris Brannigan, Chris Clarke and Jim Magorrian.

Unfortunately they were unable to press their advantage and failed to score during the following 20 minutes.

Glenullin’s Neil Mullan and Neil McNichol began to take control at midfield. Aided by their half forwards, they controlled most of the break ball which instigated a fightback over the second quarter of the half.

Four points accrued with full-forward Eoin Bradley proving to be a considerable thorn in Bryansford’s side. Aaron Somers did well to counter this threat, but Bradley was always dangerous, setting up scores for Mullan and Leigh Mullan, or taking them himself (2).

All square at five points apiece at the interval and an interesting second half beckoned.

Everyone expected the Ford to up their game, but Glenullin sought to spoil the party with three quick points from Bradley, Brian Mullan and James McNichol.

It would be 12 minutes before the ‘Ford would fire their first shot in anger, which sailed wide of the target. A free by Chris Brannigan did split the uprights just before Ciaran Brannigan pounced on a parried save by keeper Eoin McNichol to drive the ball high into the net.

With 15 minutes left the ‘Ford were back in the lead by the narrowest of margins.

The Derry lads appeared to be more astute in gaining frees which highlighted a naivety in this area of the ‘Ford’s play. Bradley used this advantage to send his side ahead with two points in less than two minutes.

In the 53rd minute David McKibbin received a black card to add to his earlier yellow and the Ford were down to 14 men and one point adrift.

This added impetus to the Bryansford attack and Chris Brannigan levelled at 0.10 to 1-7 with three minutes remaining on the clock.

Both sets of supporters were to witness a thrilling end to the match as both defences were tested to the full but held out to send the game to extra time.

The first period of additional time remained all square after a single point from each side courtesy of Bradley and Ciaran Brannigan; the only chances that arose in a half dominated by Glenullin.

When the second period of extra time commenced it was Bryansford who looked the more dangerous. Two points from Chris Clarke gave the Down lads the lead, but Bradley kept threatening and with three minutes remaining he reduced the deficit to one.

A minute later the tie was level again after a contentious free was awarded out near the side line and Neil McNichol pointed.

Bryansford were battling to forge forward but with seconds left they gave away possession.

Cleared downfield, the ball arrived with Bradley who launched the ball on a high trajectory from over thirty yards. Bryansford hearts were broken as the white flag was raised. Tyrone referee Francie Gallagher whistled to signal the end of the game.

In his post-match speech the Glenullin manager stated: “I watched Bryansford last week when you destroyed Slaughtneil and I can tell you I was worried. I’m obviously very proud of my lads but I’m proud of you (Bryansford) because it took a lot of hard work to beat a team of quality.”

Unfortunately, his words of praise, although appreciated, did little to salve the broken hearts of the ‘Ford faithful.

Bryansford: S. J. Brannigan, S. Kane, A. Somers, S. Toner, C. Keenan, D. McKibbin, N. Murray, C. Devlin, C. Gribben, A. Keenan, Chris Brannigan, C. Clarke, D. Savage, Ciaran Brannigan, J. Magorrian Subs: Mark Reid, James Maginn, Jack Maginn, L. Howard, R. Wells, L. Kelly, M. Harbinson, E. Mc Mullan, A. McDonald.

Bryansford 1-10

Glenullin 0-14

QUINNS ULSTER CLUB SFL FINAL

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