Under 14s v Newbridge

U16 Boys traveled to Newbridge last Thursday evening for their seventh league game of the season.. Played during driving rain and strong winds the Desertmartin lads gave a good account of themselves. At 13-a-side on the wide open spaces of O’Leary Park goals were inevitable and in this Newbridge came out on tops, scoring nine to Desertmartin’s three. The home side were blessed with some elegant forwards who made little of the difficult playing conditions and were always dangerous in front of goal. Desertmartin for their part matched the O’Leary men for effort, share of possession and points scored. Playing with the wind in the first period Desertmartin wasted scoring opportunities which came to haunt them in the second period. Despite having fourteen attempts on goal to Newbridge’s eight in the first 25 minutes, Desertmartin trailed 2-6 to 4-3 at the break. Playing against the wind in the second half it was always going to be difficult. Desertmartin started brightly exchanging two points apiece with the ‘Bridge following seven minutes of play. As Desertmartin pushed forward carrying the ball into the wind their passing occasionally broke down inside the ‘Bridge 45m line who in turn maximized the vast space in front of them as they broke downfield. In a ten minute period they put the outcome beyond doubt when they struck the Saffrons with 3-3 to no reply. Full credit to Desertmartin who showed great spirit in the closing stages answering with 1-2 before the final whistle. Full-time score: Newbridge 9-10; Desertmartin 3-10.Desertmartin scorers: Eunan McElhennon (0-3); Callum Ormsby (1-2); Ryan McElhennon (0-3, 2f); Lachlan Murray (1-1); Gerard Fullen (1-0) and Martin Mackle (0-1)