JFC quarter final: McIvor points St. Vincents towards last four

St. Vincent's Adam Tuite with Martin Dolan St. Ultans during the JFC quarter final at Simonstown.

St Vincents 1:19 St. Ultans 2:12 

Vincent’s and St. Ultans played out a brilliant JFC quarter final Under lights in Simonstown.

Vincent’s got off to a fantastic start, showing great energy, determination and attacking quality in the opening 15 minutes. They started brightly, putting Ultans under immediate pressure and taking control of the game early on. Vincent’s attacking play was rewarded with a well-worked and brilliantly finished goal from Paddy McGill, giving the team an excellent boost. This was followed by some excellent point-taking from Richie O’Sullivan, Conor Harford and Matt Griffin, who all contributed to Vincent’s impressive start. With the forwards working well together and Vincent’s making the most of their early opportunities, they quickly built up a commanding lead of 1-5 to 0-1.

However, Ultans refused to let Vincent’s early dominance get the better of them and responded strongly as the first half progressed. They began to find their rhythm and put Vincent’s defence under increasing pressure, eventually getting themselves back into the contest with a well-taken goal. Ultans continued to build momentum and followed this up with an excellent two-point score, bringing the gap between the sides down considerably. Vincent’s, who had looked comfortable in the opening stages, suddenly found themselves facing a much more determined and confident Ultans side.

Despite Ultans’ impressive response, Vincent’s managed to hold on to their narrow advantage as both teams battled hard towards the end of the first half. What had initially looked like a comfortable lead for Vincent’s had turned into a much tighter and more competitive encounter. Both sides continued to fight for possession and create scoring opportunities, with the momentum shifting towards Ultans following their strong comeback. Vincent’s would eventually head into the half-time break holding a slender one-point lead, leaving everything to play for in what promised to be an exciting second half.

Half time: St. Vincents 1:07 St. Ultans 1:06 

Vincent’s would face a difficult start to the second half, as Ultans came out of the blocks firing and looked the stronger side in the opening stages. Ultans began to find their rhythm, putting together some excellent attacking moves and working the ball patiently to create scoring opportunities. Their impressive point-taking allowed them to build up a decent lead within the first 10 minutes of the half, putting Vincent’s under serious pressure and leaving them with work to do if they were to keep their season alive.

However, just like they have done on numerous occasions throughout the season, Vincent’s showed tremendous character, determination and fighting spirit when it mattered most. Refusing to let Ultans’ momentum get the better of them, Vincent’s began to raise their game and fight their way back into the contest. Michael McIvor proved to be the difference-maker, stepping up at a crucial stage of the match and producing an outstanding scoring performance. McIvor would fire over three magnificent two-point scores, turning the momentum firmly in Vincent’s favour and giving the team a massive lift. Conor Harford also played a key role during this period, adding some important points as Vincent’s began to take control of the game.

With the scores coming thick and fast, Vincent’s attacking play came to life, and they began to pull away from Ultans, eventually building up a seven-point lead. Having been under pressure for much of the early stages of the second half, Vincent’s had completely turned the game around through their determination, teamwork and clinical finishing. Ultans continued to battle right until the final whistle and managed to find the net with a late goal in an attempt to mount one final comeback. However, it would prove to be too little, too late, as Vincent’s held firm to see out the closing stages of the match.

When the final whistle sounded, Vincent’s had secured an impressive four-point victory, capping off another fantastic comeback and showing once again the character and resilience that have served them so well throughout the season. After a hard-fought encounter against a determined Ultans side, Vincent’s could celebrate a well-earned victory and, more importantly, book their place against Ballinlough in the semi-finals.

St Vincent’s team: Evan Connor, Adam Andrews, Davy Tallon, Mark Crawley, Robert Tallon, Shane Caffrey, Michael McIvor, Connor Harford, Nigel Hand, Matthew Tuite, Adam Tuite, Conor O'Brien, Richie O’Sullivan, Matthew Griffin, Patrick McGill 

St. Vincents scorers: Michael McIvor 0:06, Richie O’Sullivan 0:04, Conor Harford 0:04, Paddy McGill 1:1, Adam Tuite 0:02, Matthew Griffin 0:01, Matthew Tuite 0:01

Subs: Gary Tuite and Conor White

Next up for Vincent’s is the junior semi final v Ballinlough on Saturday 3rd of October in Cortown at 7:30