Saints late show derails DHSOB
NO HOLDING BACK: DHSOBs defender Tommy Miller feels the full force of St Marys Stephen Whitley during their Canada Life Premier League clash at Blackberry Lane on Saturday. The Saints won the contest 3-1
Two late goals from Marc and Steven Priestnal helped St Mary’s collect all three points from a hard and closely-fought contest at Blackberry Lane on Saturday.
The result keeps St Mary’s very much in the title race but derails Old Boys’ chances of qualifying for the BCS Railway Cup semi-finals.
The home side, though, made an impressive start and created three goalscoring opportunities early in the game. From one of these, Old Boys seized the lead when David Quirk took full advantage of a hesitant defence to fire the host team in front.
However, inspired by the influence of the Priestnal brothers in midfield, the visitors gradually began to work their way into the game.
Midway through the half the Saints netted a deserved equaliser as skipper Dominic McGreevy rose to head home Brian Crellin’s well-flighted free-kick at the far post.
The contest then remained even to the break but Saints goalkeeper Max Thomas was forced into a fine save to deny a well-taken Robbie Ward free-kick.
After the interval Brian Gartland’s side once again took the initiative and applied the early pressure on the visitors’ defence.
A mistake by the Saints back-four allowed Quirk a real opportunity to net his second but his weak finish failed to test keeper Thomas.
Prior to kick-off Old Boys’ midfielder Mike Hooper was presented with the September Canada Life Player of the Month award but, for once, the busy play-maker failed to make a real impact on the game.
As the half progressed a draw appeared to be the most likely outcome until Marc Priestnal seized his opportunity before out pacing the defence to fire the Saints in front.
Sam Kenny’s side could well have increased their advantage but substitute Dean Spencer fired Steven Priestnal’s pass over the crossbar.
At the other end a Liam Buckley header allowed Chris Clinton the chance to advance on goal, only to be denied by the anticipationof keeper Thomas. Then another well-placed free-kick from Ward brought out an equally impressive save from Thomas.
The visitors’ though, wrapped up the contest during injury time when Steven Priestnal raced onto a Spencer through ball before producing a glorious finish.
Team check
Old Boys: Sam Holliday, Tommy Miller (David Rees), Liam Buckley, Martin King, John Quirk, David Quirk, Robbie Ward, Michael Hooper, Philip Knox, Lee Gartland (Chris Clinton) Callum Stewart
St Mary’s: Max Thomas, Harry Wetherill (Tom Weir) Darren Smethurst, Dominic McGreevy, Karl Clark, Steven Whitley, (Dean Spencer) Marc Priestnal, Connor Gorman (James Murphy), Steven Priestnal, Martin Reilly, Brian Crellin.
Referee: John McCallum - not an easy game to handle, especially on his own but in the main his decisions were spot on.
Man of the Match: Marc Priestnal - worked really hard and was rewarded with St Mary’s vital second goal.
Match rating: HHHII
Attendance: 89
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Weather for Isle of Man
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 36 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 6 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: North west
