Nelson Cup
St Matthew’s progressed to the semi-final of the Nelson Cup for the first time in their history with a hard fought victory against a very good St Paul’s side.
What was predicted to be a great game for all involved was ruined by the weather with gale force winds disrupting the flow of the game.
With the wind at their backs St Matt’s started brilliantly with chances for Curran and the Prigent brothers, Liam and Paul, who terrorised the St Paul’s defence.
The St Paul’s goalkeeper made a few great saves before the breakthrough came when Curran beat his marker and slipped a delicate ball to Black who rounded the keeper and rolled the ball into the net.
Chances went begging for St Matt’s with them going in 1-0 in front at half time.
Early in the second half Curran twisted his knee and was replaced by McVeigh.
After the restart it was St Paul’s turn to come at St Matt’s but despite wave after wave of attacks the St Matt’s defence of Pollock, Smyth, Fitzsimons and McCrory put their bodies on the line.
St Paul’s got their break when they were awarded a penalty for an adjudged hand ball.
However, goalkeeper Martin saved his second penalty in two weeks to the delight of all of the St Matt’s followers. With time running out, and St Paul’s gaining the upper hand, manager Shields sent on Coleman for Boyle to sow the game up.
To the delight of the St Matt’s players they held on for the win.
Manager Shields was proud of his team for standing up when called upon when the game turned into more of a battle than a football match.
ST MATTHEW’S: J Martin, L Pollock, P Smyth, S Fitzsimons, L McCrory, P Turley, K Curran, L Prigent (c), P Prigent, S Black, C Boyle. Subs: M McVeigh, S Colman, S McVeigh.
