St Annes 0 0 Bridge United

This was to be the first goalless draw of the new season in what was a game dominated by defences. It was a tight game with very little clear cut goal chances. Bridge played with a wind in their backs and a slight incline in their favour in the first half. Bridge probably shaded the chances in the first half but each time they got behind the St Anne’s defence , the goalie was quick off his line or quickly down to smother the chance. The second half continued in much the same vein. Bridge forced a series of corners and centre back Mark Connick directed one header goal words, but the goal palmed it over the cross bar. Great defensive work from Dave Gorman and Mark Kelly at the back kept the visitors out. St Annes introduced Kieran Kelly into midfield, and this gave the opportunity for Gary Walsh to push upfront and a great ball from Joby Brophy put Gary through with a fantastic curling shot bounce back from the crossbar. Minutes later Cormac Farrell found room and saw his shot just wide. Bridge continued to press and nearly won the game in the dying minutes when Keith Glynn got on the end of a passing move in the six-yard box it looked as if he would score but a St Annes defender made a great tackle to knock the ball away. Ended 0-0 with the home side much happier with their first point of the season after 2 defeats. Best for St. Anne’s was Dave Gorman, Mark Kelly and Gary Walsh.

For bridge, Paul Foley in goal was assured in dealing with anything that came his way, Colin Madden was composed at sweeper, James Barcoe had a strong game at right back, got forward regularly and was probably the bridge man of the match on the night. Keith Glynn in the middle kept the ball moving for bridge and Mick Brennan when introduced looked like he had the pace to trouble St Annes but a hamstring twinge put paid to his night.