St Mary’s staged a remarkable comeback at the Bowl on Saturday to remain firmly in this season’s title race after sending Old Boys crashing to their fourth defeat in the Canada Life Premier League.
Veteran striker Martin Reilly turned out to be the Saints star of the show by not only scoring twice but also setting up a goal for highly promising midfielder Connor Gorman. It was the Blackberry Lane side, however, that adapted quicker to the difficult conditions as they took a deserved early lead when Craig Stewart slammed home the opener.
Then, within five minutes, it was two when the Saints defence failed to clear Robbie Ward’s free-kick, allowing Liam Buckley to score from close range.
Gradually Peter Langridge’s side worked their way into the contest with busy mid-fielder James Murphy catching the eye.They were rewarded 10 minutes from the break when Reilly pulled one back with a well-placed effort.
Colin Purvis’ side, though, remained a threat and John Quirk was slightly unfortunate not to restore their two-goal cushion with a smart strike on the turn.
After the break the Saints were soon level when Reilly produced a superb run and cross which presented Gorman with the chance to score with ease.
Old Boys then suffered another serious set back when Drew Ward sustained a broken leg during a challenge in the centre of the field.The tragic incident, though, appeared to inspire the Blues and two fine efforts from Robbie Ward required smart reaction saves from island keeper Max Thomas.
The game appeared to be heading for a draw, when suddenly in the closing minutes there was a sting in the tail. The combination of Steven and Marc Priestnal cut through the Old Boys defence like a knife through butter, with Marc putting the Saints in front for the first time in the game.
Then after Craig Stewart saw another fine effort well saved by Thomas, the Saints wrapped up the game. Steven Priestnal delivered a testing cross which deceived keeper Sam Holliday before dropping for Reilly who made no mistake.
TEAM CHECK
DHSOB: Sam Holliday, Martin King, Liam Buckley, Drew Ward (David Quirk) Iain Ramsay, Callum Stewart, Craig Stewart, John Quirk, Sean Gavin, Robbie Ward (Mark Burman), Dean France
St Mary’s: Max Thomas, Paul Doyle (Jonny Holland), Adam Pate, Dominic McGreevey, Liam Doyle, Tom Weir (Dave Skillen), Connor Gorman, James Murphy, Steven Priestnal, Martin Reilly, Brian Crellin (Marc Priestnal)
Referee: Chris Taggart
Assistants: Tony McMeiken and Ian Fisher
Man of the Match: Martin Reilly - rolled back the years with a significant part in three of the goals
Match rating: 4* (given the conditions)
Attendance: 69