Wasted spot kicks seal cruel Castlewellan fate

15 October 2025

CASTLEWELLAN Town were unravelled by a penalty shootout as they fell short of an Intermediate Cup giant-killing against Premier Division Ards Rangers.

The Town, intent on upsetting the odds, outplayed their higher league opponents for the vast majority of the 90 minutes, but they were unable to force a breakthrough.

Extra-time looked to be a step too far for the tiring hosts, yet despite Ards throwing everything but the kitchen sink at them, they held their own and set their sights on spot kicks.

However, the final hurdle proved impassable, with visiting goalkeeper Marc Orbinson making the necessary moves to prevent a shock result.

Although Castlewellan found themselves severely under the cosh in the opening five minutes, their defenders played out of their skins, throwing their bodies on the line to avoid an early setback.

The Rangers attack looked to have received a boost when injured centre-back Martin McCourt’s contributions came to a halt, forcing the home side to switch to a 4-3-3 formation.

The reshuffle could have disrupted Town at the back, but it gave them the shake-up they needed, strengthening their attack with the addition of wingers.

They began to piece moves together, causing problems for the away defence through the movement of Marc Atkinson and Karol Jarosinski and the skill of captain Ruairi Croskery.

Connor Marron, Matthew Stratton and Paul Kearney were beginning to boss the midfield battles, stifling their opponents and reducing them to long-ball football.

Castlewellan took until the 30th minute to threaten the visitors’ goal, but they almost pulled a spectacular goal from out of thin air.

Atkinson drove through the middle, jinking past several men, and unleashed a powerful, long-range effort, which sailed mere inches over the crossbar.

Ards came back firing, knowing they were teetering on the edge of letting the underdogs grasp an advantage, and came equally close themselves.

Alexander McIlmail galloped down the left wing, chopped back inside and drilled a shot towards goal, beating the goalkeeper with an attempt that bobbled wide at the last moment.

The home side regained control in the latter stages of the first half however, and Jarosinski’s eyes lit up at the prospect of a free-kick, after Stratton was chopped down by Mark Armstrong.

The winger’s pin-point, curling effort appeared destined for the top corner, only for ‘keeper Orbinson to produce a world-class save.

The resulting corner ped in the box and Croskery was the first to react, dancing past a pair of sleeping defenders and flashing a shot along the goal-line.

He tried his luck once more, on the stroke of half-time, hooking a speculative shot over his head and high into the air. Orbinson was prepared to let the ball sail over, but when it dipped at sudden speed, he had to adjust himself to tip behind.

Castlewellan continued to win their battles at the start of the second period, reducing Rangers to long balls yet again.

The first 20 minutes were mired in a distinct lack of action however, with the opposing back lines standing tall and chances at a premium.

Town eventually regained some attacking flair, showcasing their passing abilities to put the visitors on the back foot.

Stratton’s attempt to pick out Croskery in the box was cut out by a last-ditch header from Ards skipper Lewis Roy and the ball fell kindly to Marron, who dribbled through the box and fired into the side netting.

The hosts’ relentless efforts came at cost though, as they became leggy and Rangers found a second wind, launching wave after wave of attack.

Harry McIlwraith’s switch of play allowed Ryan Newberry to ship an inviting cross towards an unmarked McIlmail, who headed over from just six yards out.

With seven minutes remaining on the clock, the away side took aim once more and although Stephen Connolly’s failed clearance presented substitute Dean Annett with possession in the box, ‘keeper Sean O’Hare threw himself on the ball.

Sub Luke Adair and McIlmail both had chances to snatch an away victory in the final five minutes, but after the former flashed over from close range and the latter rattled the post on the volley, the referee’s whistle signalled extra-time.

Ards’ McIlmail and Annett each wasted guilt-edged opportunities in the additional 20 minutes, and it felt like it could be Castlewellan’s day, with just a shootout standing in their way.

However, Jarosinski, Croskery, young Zach Kidd and Marron all failed to convert, while Annett and Roy hit the decisive kicks for Rangers.

Castlewellan will now reinvest their efforts in their Division 1C league campaign, aiming to move into the top three with a victory over Grove United next Saturday.

Castlewellan: S O’Hare, M Atkinson, S Connolly, C O’Hare, M McCourt, C Marron, P Kearney, M Stratton, J McCourt, K Jarosinski, R Croskery (captain).

Subs: R Atkinson, Z Kidd, R Morgan, N Mills.

Ards: M Orbinson, C Gillan, H McIlwrath, L Roy (captain), S Spiers, R Newberry, M Armstrong, M Hunter, P Simpson, A Dunlop, A McIlmail.

Subs: T Shaw, D Annett, L Adair, S Cockcroft.

Castlewellan Town 0

Ards Rangers 0

(Ards won 2-0 on penalties)

INTERMEDIATE CUP 1ST ROUND

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