Killyleagh lose to Shankill in league

Killyleagh lose to Shankill in league

16 February 2022

UNLUCKY Killyleagh fell to defeat with Shankill’s winning goal coming straight from a corner in the Premier Division at The Showgrounds on Saturday.

David Houston’s flag kick caught in the wind and swung in at the back post, giving YC ‘keeper Aaron Carberry no chance for a late winner.

Stephen Lindsay’s side were hoping they could hang on for a point, to repeat the previous week’s scoreline between the teams, but it was not to be against a Shankill side whose experience, know-how and goal-threat ultimately and deservedly saw them home.

Killyleagh started brightly and right back Jordan Kennedy set the tempo when he had an early long range effort. 

Then after five minutes left back Nathan Hamilton went on a marauding run, and after exchanging passes with Declan McComiskey, he unleashed a shot that bounced off the crossbar.

Shankill’s best player, teenager Dee Hamilton, was a constant threat and he created an opening for veteran John Martin but he lost his footing as he prepared to shoot, and Peter Strain cleared. 

In the next attack by the visitors Hamilton picked out Martin but luckily for Killyleagh he headed wide. Even so, the Killyleagh backline had a good half with skipper Keegan Rice and Strain putting in solid displays, alongside the two full backs.

Naseem Ouldhamlat was presented with a good chance after fine work by Ryan Blaney and Conor Hamilton but he was unable to produce a finish.

McComiskey had an effort that sailed wide before Shankill’s Hamilton caught Killyleagh with a swift counter-attack and Martin shot over the bar.

In added time at the end of the first half Shankill took the lead from a Kyle Dillon header from a corner. 

As the action continued, YC goalkeeper Aaron Carberry then produced a super save to deny Dylan.

The start to the second half was a repeat of the first, with Jordan Kennedy forcing a save from McComiskey’s cross, and Carberry pulling off another fine save to deny Tre Stirling.

Killyleagh got back on level terms when McComiskey was sent tumbling by the ‘keeper as he raced through in the 54th minute. Rice made no mistake with the perfect penalty to make it 1-1.

Shankill started to dominate proceedings and it took an outstanding save from Carberry from a 67th minute free-kick to prevent them taking a lead.

They were not to be denied, however, and David Houston made it 2-1 straight from a corner in the 77th minute.

Josh Hamilton was sent on in a bid to win some aerial battles for Killyleagh. But the home side were well marshalled and the closest they came was a Sam Carson effort from Kennedy’s free kick.