Big Lecale derby ends all square as weather takes toll

Big Lecale derby ends all square as weather takes toll

13 December 2023

A WET and windy Meadow was the setting for a local derby clash between Ardglass and Killough, with the weather expected to present challenges between these two fierce rivals on Saturday.

Both sides faced obstacles, with Killough missing a couple of key players and Ardglass without the service of defender Caolain O’Shea. 

It was Killough who got the first chance of the game, in the fourth minutewhen Kevin Groves’ header from a Gareth George corner was saved off the line.

Ardglass quickly moved the ball out in reply, with Jamie McDarby passing through to Michael Magee, who went himself to slot the ball past Killough goalkeeper Conor Doyle to put the hosts in front.

Killough had an opportunity to get their leveller through a quick counter attack, stemming from Seán Óg Burns, who fed a pass to Declan Looney. 

The wing wizard paced up the right flank but his inviting pass across the box was narrowly missed by the foot of Connor Kelly.

However, Killough did get their goal in the 19th minute when a neat one-two between Groves and George put the Ardglass defence under pressure. 

An Ardglass mishap in their attempt of clearing the ball allowed the dangerous Looney to nip in and find the equaliser.

Killough had another chance before the half-time whistle, when Declan Burns played a curling delivery to the back post, but there was none of his team-mates there to apply the finishing touch.

The second half proved to be a very even contest with both sides probing. 

Killough striker Jay Gibney unleashed a shot on target which was well held by goalkeeper James Crangle while at the other end, Ardglass found any clearcut chances were coming at a premium. However, a solid defence kept the game very level. 

Looney was in fine form with a great strike which forced a fantastic Crangle save in the 76th minute. 

Ardglass fell under the cosh further when they were reduced to ten men after Ronan Deegan was shown a red card for contact on Caolan Taggart. 

Nevertheless, the last chance of substance fell to Ardglass as striker Magee was alleged to have been brought down unfairly inside the box, but, an appeal for the penalty was not awarded by the referee.

Ardglass: J Crangle, M Clarke, M Halpin, M Crangle, C Mahon, A Watson, J Finnegan, M Magee, J McDarby, J Beattie, M Rooney. Subs: R McKinney, R Deegan, S Dorrian.

Killough: C Doyle, S Burns, G George, K Groves, E Gargan, R Sharvin, D Burns, C Taggart, J Gibney, D Looney, C Kelly. 

Subs: L Murphy, D Duffy, B McLaughlin.