Cup final thriller expected

Cup final thriller expected

8 May 2013

FRIDAY night’s ClubSport NI Harry Clarke Cup final between Killough and Castlewellan at Meadowvale looks like going ahead as planned.

Killough were considering a boycott of the final in protest at a decision made by the Newcastle League at the weekend, but the players were expected to give the green light at a special meeting last night.

Killough, who were locked joint top of the Premier Division with Castlewellan, were devastated on Saturday when they were informed that they were not going to get the chance to play their last game against Annalong.

They were originally scheduled to face Annalong last Tuesday night, but were told that the Hillmount Park side would not be travelling to fulfil the fixture.

The game was rearranged for Friday night, but again Annalong informed Killough that they would be unable to field a team.

The league tried to get the game played on Monday night, but Killough were unable to secure their Mill Field pitch from Down Council because it was a Bank holiday.

Killough were awarded the three points for the game, but this meant that they would not be able to match Castlewellan’s goal difference.

In essence, the decision to penalise Annalong for failing to fulfil a fixture has denied Killough a chance to win the league title.

Castlewellan played their last game against Mourne Rovers on Saturday and goals from Paddy Keown, Sean Russell and Liam McKibben gave them a 3-0 win and the crown on goal difference.

Killough will appeal to the Newcastle League claiming that their decision, while within the rules, is not within the spirit of the game.

Manager John Fitzsimons, speaking ahead of last night’s meeting, said he and his players were stunned by the league’s position.

“The whole thing is an utter shambles.

We will be appealing this ridiculous decision as soon as possible and hope that common-sense prevails,” he fumed.

“We have gone through the league campaign unbeaten, as have Castlewellan, and deserved a chance to match Castlewellan’s goal difference, but this decision robs us of the chance to win the title on the field of play.

“I accept that rules are rules, but to deny any side a chance to win the league in this fashion breaks the spirit of sportsmanship hands down. We are and always have been willing to play Annalong any time, any where.

“Instead of giving us three points, the league should have ordered Annalong to play us next week or whenever.”

He added: “The entire affair has left a bitter taste in the mouth, but we  will and see what happens with our appeal.”

Newcastle League secretary Alan Craig said: ‘It is unfair of me at this stage to make any comment.’’

This has all added a bit of spice to Friday night’s final and a cracking contest between the two best teams in the league is in store.

Castlewellan are on target for an unprecedented second consecutive treble and they will start the game as favourites.

Managers John Burns and Aidy Kelly have a quality squad and their problem will be one of who to leave out of the starting X1.

Mickey Watson will start in nets and will be fronted by Barry Travers, the best man marker in the league, Ruairi McArdle and Conor Stratton, two of the most under rated defenders in local football.

Kelly will either start himself at left back or give a start to young Connall Corrigan in the knowledge that the teenage defender has all the attributes to play a critical role in the final.

The Castlewellan midfield picks itself with Dean Anderson, who will be playing in his 14th Newcastle League final, Nial Toner, Sean Russell and Donagh Steele almost certain to start, but it is up front that Castlewellan face their biggest headache.

Stevie Trainor, who has been scoring goals for fun in recent weeks, picked up a hamstring injury in Saturday’s win over

Mourne Rovers and he may not be risked.

However, waiting to take his place is Liam McKibben, not a bad replacement in the circumstances and he will start alongside Paddy Keown if Trainor is unavailable.

Killough are also faced with the problem as to who to leave out.

Chris Mallon, rated by John Fitzsimons as the best goalkeeper in the Newcastle League, will start between the sticks.

Fitzsimons will then have to pick from Matthew Burns, Kieran Sharvin, Colm Stranney, Jakie Clarke, Leo Noble and Conor Doyle for his back four.

Clarke has been a revelation since moving into central defence, a masterstroke by Fitzsimons, and he will have a big role to play in Friday night’s final.

His speed may have gone, but he has good positional sense, can read a game well, is confident and composed on the ball and loves nothing better than pushing forward with the ball at his feet.

Killough normally opt for a five-man midfield with all five box-to-box players, all eager to get up and join Philip Gelston in the box and I would expect manager Fitzsimons to go with Freddie O’Connor, Matt McKiernan, Adam George, Tony McIlhone and Matthew Sharvin.