Bryansford V Cavan Gaels - Match Report

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Bryansford 1-9 Cavan Gaels 1-6

Bryansford held on for a three point victory over Cavan Gaels in the Ulster U21

Club Tournament at Creggan despite a strong second half display from the Cavan

men. Bryansford had the wind at their backs in the first half and, led by a superb

display by Danny Savage, operating as a third midfielder, used it to build up a 1-6

to 0-3 lead at the half.

However, things could be different if not for the contribution of Ryan Brannigan

in goals for the Down Champions. Brannigan saved from Gaels full forward

Paul O'Connor twice and another from Padraig Sexton during a period of Gaels

dominance during which they only registered one point. They will look back on

this spell and regret not punishing the Down men when they had their chance.

Bryansford didn’t make the same mistake, making the most of their period of

dominance late in the half with a stylish goal and five points from Savage adding

to another fine point from Neil Murray. Cavan Gaels scores came from the

impressive pair of Paul O'Connor and Vincent Coyle.

Bryansford just about did enough in a tight second half with Danny Savage

adding two to this tally to leave him with 1-7 on the day and man of the match

David McKibbin adding a late free to seal the deal. Gaels will rue their wasted

opportunities as another goal chance went begging at the start of the second half,

big midfielder Paul Graham rattling the crossbar under pressure from goalie

Brannigan. Both teams gave away plenty of possession at key moments in the

second half but it was Bryansford who coped the better and have a five-minute

first half spell where they managed to register 1-3 to thank for their victory.

Bryansford Scorers: Danny Savage (1-7, 0-4f); Neil Murray (0-1); David McKibbin

(0-1f)

Cavan Gaels Scorers: Paul O’Connor (1-4); Vincent Coyle (0-2)