Solitary Traynor strike is just what Kilmore required

Solitary Traynor strike is just what Kilmore required

15 April 2015

PHILIP Traynor gave Kilmore Rec three invaluable points with the only goal of the game as they continue to move away from the relegation trapdoor.

In blustery conditions at Meadowvale, both sides opted for 4-4-2 formations and the respective midfielders saw most of the play in early stages.

Kilmore’s Joe McKinney had the first decent chance when he went on a solo run and shot narrowly wide of Keenan’s post. 

Adam Neale ran in behind the Kilmore defence and Conan Russell had to be quick of his line to deny him. Opposing ‘keeper Stephen Keenan caught a couple of dangerous crosses, but was fortunate to see a Philip Traynor overhead go just wide. 

Drumaness centre half Glen Morrison had a headed effort from a Sean McQuoid corner saved by Russell and minutes later McQuoid himself also had a header saved by Russell.

The game entered a period of frantic play which saw the home side’s Paul Walsh booked for a late tackle on McKinney as he burst through from midfield.  

Rory Mason and Matty Hardy were booked over a scramble for the match ball when Lee Morrison was fouled by Mason.

On the 30th minute Philip Traynor picked up a ball in midfield and surged forward, but his low, goal bound shot was brilliantly saved by Stephen Keenan.

Peter Casey and McKinney combined for the latter to cross and Glen Morrison headed clear for a corner with Traynor ready to pounce.

A Joe McKinney shot was well blocked by Darren McConnell and a Matty Hardy header was pulled out of the air by Stephen Keenan.  

Drumaness’ Sean McQuoid was booked for a high tackle on Hardy, which many felt was rather harsh. McQuoid had another headed effort from a Colin Manley well saved by Russell in the Kilmore goal.

The first half ended when Casey and Graham Craig combined for Craig to shoot over from a nice position on the edge of the penalty box.

Craig was in action at the start of the second half with a right foot strike brilliantly saved low down by Keenan for a corner.

Darren McConnell had a half chance when the ball fell to him after a long throw by Rory Mason, but he shot wide of Russell’s far post. Mason had a 30-yard free kick well saved by Russell for a corner.

The only goal of the game came in the 60th minute when Casey slipped his fellow striker Traynor in, and his speed took him past Morrison before cooly shooting past Keenan.

Traynor nearly scored a second with a fine header from a Lee Morrison corner, but Keenan saved.

The home side had a sustained period of attacking play and Paul Walsh should have scored with a header from a Rory Mason free.  

Drumaness won a series of corners, but Kilmore’s goalkeeper stood firm and repelled all danger.

Mark Miskelly was booked for a professional foul on Sean McQuoid when McQuoid burst through and both Traynor and Smyth were booked for mistimed tackles as Kilmore battled to keep hold of their slender lead.

Ian Smyth made his presence felt as a late Kilmore substitute with a few timely interceptions and headed clearances to make sure his side got over the finishing line.

Kilmore have two games left to play and on 26 points look to have escaped relegation fears.

Drumaness Mills: S. Keenan M. Savage, R. Mason, G. Morrison, G. Murdock, P. Walsh, G. McEvoy, S. McQuoid, A. Neale, C. Manley, D. McConnell. Subs: J. McGivern, P. Gilchrist.  

Kilmore Rec: C. Russell, M. McGreevy, M. Miskelly, J. Larkin, J. Polley, M. Hardy, G. Craig, J. McKinney, P. Casey, P. Traynor, L. Morrison. Subs: I. Smyth, D. Smyth, N. Obank.

Drumaness Mills 0

Kilmore Rec 1

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