Andy arrows in super strike to net cup win

31 October 2012

KILMORE extended their unbeaten run to 13 games, but were made to fight all the way by a youthful and skilful Crusaders side at Robert Adams Park.

Playing with a 4-5-1 line-up, the visitors had the best of the early chances and midfielder Aaron Harris found space in the box to get a header in, but Michael McKenna in the Kilmore goal saved well.

Kilmore’s first chance came after Sean Bell had been fouled 25 yards out, the alert Stephen Douglas took a quick shot at goal, only to see his fine effort rebound back off the post and into goalkeeper Wayne Drummond’s hands.

Bell, playing in a new midfield role for him, had several fine right wing runs and crosses which kept the visitors pegged back in their own half. On 25 minutes Andrew Telford had a half chance when he turned quickly on the edge of the box and shot narrowly wide.

Mark Holland also had a chance, but his header from a Douglas corner went over the bar. A couple of pacy Philip Traynor runs nearly allowed his team-mates in, but stalemate remained.

Kilmore finished the half strongly when a Mark Holland header flew straight into ‘keeper Drummond’s hands following a fine cross from Matty Hardy.

Hardy stamped his authority on the game at the start of the second half when he picked up the ball 35 yards out and let fly, but Drummond acrobatically tipped it over for a corner.

Andrew Telford supplied Stephen Douglas with an inch-perfect pass and his shot flew just wide of the post. Kilmore introduced Johnny Cheevers and Blaine Connolly for Holland and Bell after 70 minutes.

Peter Telford had a great chance, but his left foot shot dragged narrowly wide of the goal and Traynor’s header from a Connolly cross also went agonisingly wide as that elusive goal just wouldn’t come for the home side.

In the 82nd minute, Andrew Telford set off on a run from 40 yards out and exploiting a gap that opened up for him, he surged through and unleashed a powerful shot to the roof of the net.

An absolutely stunning goal worthy of winning any match.

Rather than sit back and defend their lead, Kilmore pushed forward again and a Douglas free was well saved by Drummond. This was a fine victory for the Crossgar side who used the cup tie to raise funds for the Children’s Hospice.

A total of £950 was raised through gate receipts and kind sponsorship from Dynorod. Kilmore Rec chairman, Norman Taylor, presented Frank Mitchell, U105 FM, with the proceeds from the day at the end of the game.

Kilmore Rec: M. McKenna, P. Greener, M. Miskelly, M. Holland, S. Bell, S. Douglas, J. Larkin, P. Traynor, P. Telford, A. Telford, M. Hardy. Subs: M. McGarrity, J. Cheevers, B. Connolly.

Kilmore Rec 1

Crusaders Res 0

INTERMEDIATE CUP 1ST ROUND

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