Egan & Spratt star as St. John’s denied victory

Egan & Spratt star as St. John’s denied victory

Charlie Jordan’s charges began their minor league campaign against St. Patrick’s in Cuilbeg on Thursday evening last. It looked like the home side were coasting but two late late goals in the last three minutes robbed St.John’s of victory.

It looked all so promising at the start with Shane Egan rattling the back of the St. Patrick’s net twice inside the opening ten minutes. Egan also adding a fine point mid way through the first half.

Conor McGovern in goals pulled of a number of brilliant breathtaking saves diving at the bottom of his left hand post to keep out what looked like certain goals. The full-back line of Mark Connolly & Jack Lynch defended like demons keeping out the full of running St. Patrick’s forwards, while the half back line of Mattie Meekin, Evan Duffy & Daire Fleming were rock solid giving nothing away & starving the St. Patrick’s forwards of any worthwhile possession.

Midfielders Cameron Keany & Cian Clancy got through a colossal amount of work at midfield while up front Shane Egan excelled alongside Cathal Jordan, Paddy McDonagh & Cian Hough all contributing hugely.

At the interval St. John’s lead by 2-1 to 0-4.

An astute substitution by manager Charlie Jordan at half time seen the Club’s U-16 free goal scoring machine Joe Spratt enter the fray. Within the opening ten minutes off the second half Spratt scored two scintillating goals and Shane Egan rowed in with another point putting St. John’s well out in front and looking good for the win.

But two last gasp goals from St. Patrick’s in the last three minutes denied the team of victory.

The match was both enjoyable and entertaining to watch and credit to both teams for serving up a cracking game of football in difficult conditions.

The club would like to wish Fiachra McCann a speedy recovery after sustaining a knee injury during the game.

Final Score: St. John’s 4-2 St. Patrick’s 2-8

St. John’s next game in the U-18 league is an away fixture against Bunninadden on Tuesday next at 6.30 p.m.

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