For the second year in a row the Brian Dillons under-21 Footballers were unlucky  losers to Nemo Rangers in the City Division Championship. On Friday evening, 1st. March 2013, under lights out in Nemo"s Grounds, in Trabeg, Nemo Rangers emerged victorious  by a single point after a thrilling game which went to extra- time after the teams finished level, 1-9 each, at the end of normal time. The final score was Nemo Rangers, 1-12; Brian Dillons, 1-11.

                 Although the Brian Dillons team can gain some consolation by their contribution to a super game which produced a high standard of football, the manner of their defeat proved to be most frustrating. Except for the opening quarter of the game, when Nemo scorched into a 0-5 to nil lead, the Brian Dillons team played some brilliant football and  could have won this game quite easily.  However, in spite of having plenty of possession and scoring opportunities, the Brian Dillons forwards nothced up a total of 18 wides, and losing by just a solitary point, brings home how costly those misses were.

             After the whirlwind start by Nemo, Brian Dillons had to wait until the 17th minute of the first half for their first score when left half back, Michael Noonan pointed. Gaining a definite advantage at mid-field where Darren McGrath and Tomas Lawrence were absolutely  brilliant, the Brian Dillons side controlled the remainder of the first -half.  A splendid goal by Tomas Lawrence had Brian Dillons on level terms. 1-2 to 0-5, after 19 minutes of play. Nemo responded within a minute when straight from the kick-out they worked the ball upfield and, with some clever play they finished the ball to the back of the Brian Dillons net....1-5 to 1-2.  A pointed free by Michael Peters, for Brian Dillons left the half- time score, 1-5 to 1-3, in favour of Nemo.

              Brian Dillons were on level terms, with points by Andrew Murphy and James Bradfield (free), after 8 minutes of the second half. Points were exchanged before Brian Dillons took the lead for the first time when Michael Peters pointed after 15 second half minutes. Despite having plenty of possession, the Brian Dillons forwards continued to squander scoring chances, through inaccurracy and when the much more clinical and economical Nemo forwards,  scored three points on the trot, which put them ahead, 1-9 to 1-7, with just 5 minutes left, they looked likely winners at that stage. However, two late points by James Bradfield and Michael Peters for Brian Dillons had the sides level ,1-9 each, at the end of normal time, which necessitated the playing of 20 minutes extra time.

                In the opening half of extra time, Brian Dillons surged ahead with two James Bradfield points but a further 4 wides in this 10 minute spell prevented them from pushing further ahead.. Nemo. who only had 7 wides in the entire 80 minutes, added the closing 3 points of the game , which gave them a one point victory.   A most disappointing defeat for Brian Dillons but , there were some positives  to be taken from the game. The defence, after a shaky opening quarter, settled down and some fine displays were given by Darragh Brosnan, when moved from midfield, Andrew Murphy, Michael Noonan and Stephen Kearney.  Tomas Lawrence and Darren McGrath were outstanding at midfield while in the forwards, who left their shooting boots at home,James O"Shea, James Bradfield and Michael Peters did well.

           Scorers for Brian Dillons were;  James Bradfield, 0-5 (0-4 frees); Michael Peters, 0-4, (0-2 frees ); Tomas Lawrence,1-0; Michael Noonan and Andrew Murphy, 0-1 each.

          The Brian Dillons team lined out as follows; (1) Cian O"Callaghan;(2) Stephen Kearney; (3) Dylan O"Donoghue; (4) Keith McCormick; (5) Andrew Murphy; (6) Tomas Lawrence; (7) Michael Noonan; (8) Darragh Brosnan; (9) Darren McGrath;(10) Shane Maher; (11) James O"Shea; (12) James Bradfield; (13) Eoin Hennessy; (14) Michael Peters; (15) Kevin Varian;    Sub; Andrew White for Eoin Hennessy (50 mins.)