BRYANSFORD manager Jim Magorrian said Sunday’s Senior Championship win over Saul brought with it a mix of joy and relief for the players.
The club have struggled in the competition for a few years, so to win their championship opening game and avoid the possibility of playing in a relegation play off was important.
Jim Magorrian said, “For the players it was a massive win. It was a weight off their shoulders. They were really over the moon.
“Normally the players don’t say much after a win, but I could see in the experienced players that the emotion was there.
“They had been hard on themselves. The hurt was there from the last three or four years. I said a few bits and pieces and then I let one of the senior players take over and you could see the emotion and the joy and the pride of getting a win again.
“So, definitely, it did mean a lot to them.
“In the last four of the last five seasons we have been involved in a championship relegation. So technically this is our first proper win in the championship in five years in the main draw.”
The game was close throughout. Saul went ahead early in the game but Bryansford battled back and got a goal and a point before half time to lead by five at the break.
“They showed character. The boys have not won an (opening round) championship game in five years and they could very quickly crumbled, especially with that lack of experience on the pitch.
“But they dug in and played reasonably well. It was very pleasing for the guys who came off the bench to see it out.”
And there was some drama at the end as Saul tried to get back in front.
Jim said, “Saul hit four points in injury time. It was quite hairy at the end. They could have got a winner when there was a scramble. I was grateful that the boys kept it out.”
In the rest of the story, Jim Magorrian points out how Bryansford are taking an approach to counter ‘boring’ football.
