Kilmore still on track for promotion after victory

Kilmore still on track for promotion after victory

8 March 2023

KILMORE Rec kept their hopes of playing in the Amateur League’s Premier Division alive after they overcame relegation battling Orangefield Old Boys at Robert Adams Park on Saturday afternoon.

Despite an initial start which saw both teams struggling to gain a foothold on the contest, the Blues finally took the lead on the stroke of half-time after Anton McGrattan’s inviting free-kick was seemingly deflected into the net off the boot of Orangefield’s Owen Getty.

With 60 minutes showing on the clock, Kilmore doubled their advantage after Conor Curran’s effort, with the outside of his left foot, was directed into the Orangefield net by the head of visiting defender Richard Hamilton.

This own goal would provide some much required breathing space on the scoreline as Kilmore comfortably concluded the match two goals in front.

The match kicked off with Kilmore quickly searching for an opener.

Despite the lion’s share of possession, the Blues had little to rant about in terms of clearcut chances created.

Striker Joe McKinney looked lively, but it would be Blues midfielder John Patterson who would try his luck first with a looping volley from outside the box.

This Kilmore effort would go wide but this didn’t deter the home team.

Kilmore continued to press, with midfielder Michael Monan’s deflected header coming closest to opening the scoring.

The Blues kept their foot on the pedal and there really wasn’t much to write about in terms of Orangefield attacks.

Any time the visitors went in search of penetrating the Blues backline, they were met by the stubborn defence 

of Christopher Magee, Josh Smyth, Conor Curran and Niall Walsh.

Curran also acted as a set piece taker, with his free-kick and corner-kick deliveries proving a handful all afternoon.

Orangefield goalkeeper Timothy Larmour was kept on high alert when he had to punch clear a whipping free-kick from Curran before Kilmore striker McKinney danced his way past a number of opposing shirts before seeing his effort go the wrong side of the post.

Orangefield had a rare moment of attack which resulted in the visitors appealing for an infringement after they claimed Kilmore number one Laurence McGonagle handled the ball  outside his area.

These appeals were waved off and moments later Kilmore opened the scoring.

After one too many fouls in promising positions, Orangefield were made to pay the price as Anton McGrattan eyed up delivering an inviting cross into the box.

Sending the ball into the danger area, McGrattan’s free-kick eluded ‘keeper Larmour and nestled into the back of the net – with a slight assistance from Orangefield’s Owen Getty on the way there.

This goal, on the stroke of half-time, relieved the Kilmore support and the Blues returned after the interval on top once again.

McGrattan almost doubled his scoring tally when his left footed effort looked destined for the back of the net.

However, Larmour pulled off an impressive save to deny the Kilmore number ten.

The Orangefield custodian could do little on the hour mark when a Kilmore corner 

was partially cleared by his defence, with the ball landing at the feet of man of the match Curran.

He opted to cleverly use the outside of his left boot for an unorthodox cross which was failed to be dealt with as Orangefield number five Richard Hamilton redirected the ball into his own net with his head.

Kilmore now held a two-goal cushion and there didn’t seem to any logical way back for the visitors.

The Blues continued to press for a third, with notable chances coming from Monan and McKinney.

Orangefield lost their discipline as time began to run out with a series of yellow cards being shown in quick fashion.

However, both sets of players finished with their respective 11 men on the pitch and more importantly for Kilmore, the hosts claimed all three points.

Kilmore: L McGonagle, C Magee, J Smyth, C Curran, N Walsh, B Walsh, J Patterson, M Monan, J McKinney, A McGrattan, S McGrattan.

Subs: C Conlon, M Carvill, M Stewart.

Yellow card: J McKinney.

Orangefield: T Larmour, A Keery, L English, J Orr, R Hamilton, S Nelson, W Gracey, O Getty, M Allen, J White.

Subs: S Borsato, K Hollywood, J Harper.

Yellow cards: J Orr, W Gracey, J Harper.