Castlewellan’s day in Clarence as Killyleagh are Pole-axed by Karol

3 February 2016

THIS tie always had the potential to be a banana skin for Killyleagh — and their worst fears materialised at a freezing cold Bann Road on Saturday.

Two goals from dancing Pole Karol Jarosinski ensured that Killyleagh were sent spinning out of the competition as the Town progressed through to set up a third round meeting away to Albert Foundry.

Even the frequent blizzard-like snow showers failed to disrupt Castlewellan’s flow and a goal in each half from Jarosinski was good enough to give The Town a memorable victory in their first ever competitive meeting with the sleeping giants of Amateur League football.

Both sides took time to settle on a heavy playing surface and it was 15 minutes before New Killyleagh new signing Philly Rogan fired in the first shot in anger, but his strike flew wide.

Castlewellan, who used the confines of the pitch to their advantage, then retaliated with Jordan Kennedy clearing a John Clarke header off the line following a Jarosinski corner.

Dylan Carberry gave Castlewellan some food for thought in the 25th minute when he had a clear header on goal, but his effort squirmed wide of the upright when he really should have hit the target.

Alastair Coburn kept Killyleagh level when he produced a brilliant save to deny Donagh Steele, but the opener wasn’t long in coming.

When Jarosinski fired in the resultant corner, Carberry nudged Steele in the back as he went to meet the ball and the referee immediately pointed to the spot.

Jarosinski was as cool as the temperature around him and drilled the spot kick past a helpless Coburn.

With 38 minutes gone Johnny Murray delivered a perfect cross into Darren McConnell, but he headed wide and a minute later Callum Dougan had a shot comfortably saved by Rory Burns. But these were rare moments of promise from Killyleagh.

Castlewellan, who are far from being long ball merchants — not that there is anything wrong with that style — continued to see more of the ball in the second half with Matthew Stratton, Davy Gilmore and Colm Flanagan running the show.

However, Killyleagh remained dangerous on the break and with 52 minutes gone Jordan Kennedy could only find the side netting for Killyleagh after an adventurous run.

Down at the other end, Coburn kept out an effort from Jarosinski after a long throw wasn’t cleared before Stratton and Stevie Trainor combined to carve Killyleagh open at the back, but Flanagan blasted over when it mattered.

Castlewellan, who were the hungrier and more composed side, simply got stronger and stronger as the game went on and Jarosinski had a free kick saved by Coburn and Gilmore shot wide from a good position before the home side made it 2-0.

Killyleagh didn’t learn their lesson form previous long throws and with 76 minutes gone Jarosinski made them pay when he drilled in a beauty from just inside the box after the visitors failed to clear their lines.

Castlewellan went to really put the game to bed in the last 10 minutes, but Coburn saved from Jarosinski and Gilmore fired wide.

There was no expected fightback from Killyleagh and Castlewellan had little bother getting over the winning line.

Castlewellan: R Burns, A Kelly, C Corrigan, C Stratton, J Clarke, C Flanagan, M Stratton, D Gilmore, D Steele, K Jarosinski, S Trainor. Subs: S Fitzsimons, C Burns, E Murray.

Killyleagh YC: A Coburn, P Strain, J Murray, D Heaney, J Sharvin, D Carberry, J Kennedy, D McConnell, P Rogan, C Dougan, J Forbes. Subs: G Carberry, A Carberry, E Breen.

Castlewellan 2

Killyleagh 0

CLARENCE CUP 2ND ROUND

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