Killough’s unbeaten streak keeps going

Killough’s unbeaten streak keeps going

14 December 2022

KILLOUGH continued their unbeaten streak in the Newcastle League’s Premier Division after they comfortably defeated Strangford at The Links on Saturday.

Two goals apiece from Killough strikers Jay Gibney and Connor Kelly ensured the points in what was an afternoon to forget for Bobby Dalzell Cup finalists Strangford.

After a pitch inspection due to the frosty conditions, the match kicked off with both sides aiming to make a fast start to the contest.

Strangford were almost gifted the opening goal after just five minutes when forward Callum Shields pounced on a mistake from Killough ‘keeper Conor Doyle.

However, Shields took too much time in dispatching his effort which allowed Killough defender Kevin Groves to slide and block the goal bound strike.

Killough midfielder Tony McIlhone then produced his team’s first chance of the afternoon, three minutes later, when he unleashed a left-footed effort from 20 yards that clipped the top of the crossbar.

With both teams battling in the early exchanges it would be the away side who would gain the upper hand first.

With 16 minutes played, a sumptuous pass from Killough’s Dylan Duffy split the Strangford defence and found team-mate Jay Gibney, who calmly cut past ‘keeper Kinsella before tapping in to the empty net.

From this point onwards Killough took control of the game as Strangford seemed to fall off the mark.

‘Ford midfielder Jordan Doran received a yellow card for a series of fouls before things went from bad to worse for the hosts as Killough doubled their lead.

A long ball forward from the midfield left Strangford defender Eoin Watterson with a tricky task at hand as Killough forward Connor Kelly quickly set off like a lion chasing a gazelle.

Watterson’s attempted header back to his ‘keeper failed to have the required distance and allowed Kelly to pounce before coolly slotting past the static Strangford number one.

The home team kept their heads high and went in search of a goal before the half-time whistle was blown.

‘Ford striker Conal Fitzsimmons fantastically escaped his marker but the angle was against him and on his weaker right foot, his effort was smartly saved by Killough ‘keeper Doyle.

Killough had the last opportunity of the half and the woodwork continued to go against midfielder McIlhone, who this time saw his strike smack the post.

Killough came firing out of the traps upon the restart and grabbed their third goal of the match within three minutes.

A well-rehearsed corner kick routine saw striker Gibney play a short one-two before firing his effort into the net from the edge of the box.

Killough piled on the pressure and showed no signs of slowing down.

Kelly saw numerous efforts miss the target before having his appeal for a penalty waved off.

Despite the balance of play, it would be Strangford who would add to the scoreline next.

An inviting free-kick delivery was latched on to by midfielder Doran, who cleverly sorted his feet out in time before coasting his effort into the corner.

Strangford almost added another goal just a few moments later, but Owen Curran’s snapshot was saved by Killough custodian Doyle.

With time running out, Strangford was still in the contest and knew the next goal would be crucial.

Unfortunately for the hosts, that goal fell the way of Killough marksman Kelly, who yet again benefitted from a route one pass over the Strangford defence.

Beating the offside trap, Kelly had a clear route to goal and made no mistake to add his second.

To their credit, Strangford battled to the end and the final chance of the match fell to substitute Shéa Savage, whose effort looked destined for the top corner.

In what summed up the day for the home team, Killough ‘keeper Doyle sprung into action to deny the certain goal before time was called by referee Barry Mullan.

This victory extends Killough’s league record to six wins, one draw and zero losses.

Strangford: C Kinsella, S McGrattan (capt), C Magee, E Watterson, F McFall, S Teggart, O Curran, R Reilly, C Fitzsimmons, C Shields, J Doran.

Subs: S Savage, T Fitzsimons, R Swail.

Yellow cards: J Doran, R Reilly.

Killough: C Doyle, R Burns, G George (capt), K Groves, E Gargan, S Og Burns, J Gibney, R Sharvin, D Duffy, T McIlhone, C Kelly.

Yellow card: T McIlhone.

Subs: M Burns, T Quinn, C Black.

Referee: B Mullan.