Kerr leaves it late to secure thrilling derby

Kerr leaves it late to secure thrilling derby

15 January 2014

RICKY Kerr won it for Ardglass with a late, late winner in this Amateur League Premier Section derby clash at The Showgrounds on Saturday.

The big striker produced a 95th minute smash and grab for Ardglass who made light of playing for the last half hour with 10 men, grabbing an equaliser and then the winner deep in injury time.

There was a controversial start to the game when very strong Ardglass penalty claims were brushed aside by the referee in the fourth minute. Ricky Kerr and Niall Walsh collided in the box as the striker raced for a though ball. The referee ruled that both had got to the ball at the same time and rejected the visitors’ penalty appeals.

It was Killyleagh who took the lead in the 16th minute, Adam Neale reacting quickest in the box after John Murray’s corner wasn’t properly cleared. He smashed the ball high into the net.

Immediately afterwards, Ardglass’ Ciaran Dorrian was shown a yellow card which was to have bigger consequences later in the game.

He was soon followed into the book by his team-mate Peter Kelly as Killyleagh threatened to overwhelm the visitors.

Niall Walsh combined with Ian Mannus to create an opening for Neale which which was well saved by Kieran Gordon.

Kerr and strike partner Michael Magee were lively, but Ardglass’ best openings came on the half hour mark, Dorrian was well closed down by Jordan Kennedy and then Mark Feenan was out of luck with a shot from a corner. Within seconds Dorrian found space at the back post but Andy Carberry blocked for the YC.

Killyleagh reasserted their dominance in midfield and in the move of the half, John Murray and Neale combined to create an opening for Darren McConnell to unleash a pile driver that was straight at Gordon.

Within four minutes, Ardglass rode their luck when McConnell’s shot hit Gordon and bounced to safety.

Ardglass were a different team in the second half, taking a firm grip straight after the restart.

Feenan’s super run ended with him picking out Magee and his shot whistled inches wide of the upright with Coburn well beaten in the 53d minute.

Four minutes later Dorrian was given his marching orders, a second yellow picked up for two fouls in quick succession and Ardglass were down to 10 men.

Ryan Montgomery had a chance on the hour mark to make it 2-0 for Killyleagh, but his chip shot bounced the wrong side of the post and then McConnell tried a speculative free.

But Ardglass, even though down to 10 men, grew stronger with Ian Kearney showing his real leadership qualities. It was no surprise that it was Kearney who levelled the scores with a stunning finish from 18 yards into the bottom corner from Feenan’s pass in the 71st minute.

Ardglass had two more players booked in quick succession, bringing to six the total booked, but Kearney ensured they did not lose anyone else and then started to orchestrate a push for the winner.

Kerr and Magee continued to run at pace, stretching Walsh and Thomas Hughes, and it took a superb save from Coburn in the 77th minute to prevent Kerr scoring a memorable goal.

Killyleagh had lost their flow of the opening period and they were restricted to two chances in the closing five minutes as Montgomery skimmed a shot wide after good work from McConnell and then Hugh Dickson set up Neale, but he was unable to get power on his shot.

A serious looking injury to one of the Ardglass substitutes led to the game being stopped in the 89th minute. A stretcher was sent for but not needed.

Then came Kerr’s 95th winner, pouncing as the ball fell loose at the end of Feenan’s cross.

There was still time for Neale to have one final chance after 101 minutes, but for sheer doggedness and never say die attitude, few Killyleagh supporters were denying 10 man Ardglass all three points at the end.

Killyleagh YC: A. Coburn, J. Kennedy, G. Murray, N. Walsh, T. Hughes, D. McConnell, John Murray, R. Montgomery, I. Mannus, A. Neale, A. Carberry. Subs: H. Dickson, Johnny Murray, J. Morrow.

Ardglass: K. Gordon, S. Rooney, C. O’Connor, C. Dorrian, P. Kelly, M. Rooney, S. Deegan, I. Kearney, R. Kerr, M. Magee, M. Feenan. Subs: G. Telford, M. Deegan, D. Maginn.