slick whites shine

St. Peter’s were by far the better side in the All County Reserve final played at the Athletic Grounds on Wednesday night and although the whites only had five points to spare over Silverbridge, the margin of victory could have been much greater in a game they dominated from start to finish.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Aug 2014, 15:00 BST

The Freecrow men, despite missing a wealth of scoring opportunities, played some slick football and particularly impressive for the winners were Terry Flynn and Ryan Kelly at midfield, centre back Ciaran McCavigan, Kevin Haughey at full back and Shane Genesi who made many clever runs.

The best player on the was night wing back Conor Clarke who was highly impressive both in the tackle and going forward.

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Although Silverbridge cancelled early St. Peter’s points from Fergal Moore, Ciaran Robinson and Conor Lavery with a well taken goal struck by Cillian Quinn on 9 minutes, the Lurgan side were two points in front at the break following scores from Clarke, the illustrious David Wilson and Conor Lavery who got on the end of the best move of the game involving Genesi and Declan Gilroy.

The Bridge found it difficult to break down the St. Peter’s defence in the third quarter, in fact the South Armagh side went through a barren spell which lasted from the 18th to the 54th minute, in the interim period the Lurgan side made a title winning surge with points from Terry Flynn, Shane Genesi and full forward Conor Lavery to leave the scoreline 0-9 to 1-1 after 41 minutes.

Despite being second best in most departments Silverbridge battled to the end but any half chances they were given to penetrate the Whites defence were quickly repelled by goal keeper Paul Wilson.

The former Armagh keeper got down on two occasions to brilliantly thwart Silverbridge goal attempts, one of which, hit by Christopher Reel was destined for the bottom corner.

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Although the South Armagh side rallied to the end with points from Brendan and Ciaran Maguire St. Peter’s finished the game the stronger and late points from Ciaran Robinson and Shane Genesi secured a five point win. On receiving the cup, Captain David Wilson thanked the players and the management team of Christopher Toman and Keith Totten, the club committee and supporters.

St. Peter’s also had a good league campaign and finished in second place in the North Armagh section behind Clan na Gael who will contest the All County title in August.

St. Peter’s deserved to be further in front at the end of last week’s Intermediate Reserve final, they were pushed all the way by Silverbridge, but the North Street men always looked likely winners and can look back on telling victories over Eire Og and Clann na Gael in the earlier rounds as being crucial to their Championship success.