9th February 2008
KILROOT LEAP OF THE BOTTOM
This was a reverse of last weeks 2nd team derby fixture with Grange first team returning and looking to seek some revenge for that defeat it wasn't going to be easy.
The promising efforts in recent weeks followed by the recent signing of experienced campaigners Norman Kernaghan and Robbie Kennedy has helped to ensure that competition for first team places is getting tougher in all positions.
That was underligned on Saturday when Kilroot came out fighting and firing on all cylinders from the first whistle.
With just 2mins gone a Neil McKee cross into the box was only cleared to Ryan Large who continued his fine form from last week by hitting another superb shot from 20 yards into the top right hand corner. 1-0 Kilroot.
12 mins gone and the influential Norman kernaghan passed to Simon Hamilton to hit an unstoppable rocket from 30 yards into the top left hand corner. 2-0
33mins Kilroot earn a free kick just outside the 18 yard and with quick thinking from Norman Kernaghan played a quick pass to Steven Smyth who was clearly pushed to the ground. Wallace Nelson stepped up to convert the penalty. 3-0.
Grange had their chances to and underligned their threat with a 35 minute header cleared of the line by Stuart Hamilton.
In the second half Kilroot continued their good form from defense out and whilst Grange continued to battle their cause was not helped by a lunging tackle on Norman Kernaghan giving the referee no option but to produce a red card.
Soon After a Stuart Hamilton header to on 58 minutes that was picked up in midfield by Wallace Nelson to go on a mazy run beating 2 defenders and only a diving save by the Grange goalkeeper prevented one of the goals of the season.
66mins a corner from Neil McKee found Ryan Large who struck home superbly from 12 yards. 4-0.
10 man Grange continued to press and on 70 mins a mistimed tackle by the consistant Barry Meeke resulted in a penalty. 4-1
Kilroot substitutions were made with kennedy replacing McCahon, Mckee replaced by Crockett and Simon Hamilton replaced by Trevor Cole.
On 80 mins a run by Kennedy was crossed to the oncoming Trevor Cole to score from 8 yards.
A rare lapse of concentration at the back resulted in a cross to the back post were the unmarked Grange forward controlled and scored to make it 5-2.
The final say was to got to Kilroot and it was a Stuart Hamilton clearance picked up by Norman Kernaghan who threaded it throughto Wallace Nelson who ran on and made no mistake rounding the goalkeeper to make it 6-2.
A well deserved victory.
February 2nd 2008
Kilroot Young Guns
It was a cold wet windy afternoon at the Beltoy, but what a ray of sunshine was served up by the young guns of the wee rec under the watchful eye of "Granpa Puskey".
With no first team game managers Dee Dee and Wes guided by Uncle Phill showed great loyalty to those who went so close the week before and with enough players for 2 teams much credit must go to those who support the lads while waiting on their big chance.
The game started very lively for the wee rec obviously bennefiting from Jimmy's preperation and pre match talk they went about their business clearly hungary for success.
Kilroot opened the scoring through the determined efforts of Wallace Nelson who fighting to win the ball on the bye line managed to square it accross goal only for the full back to put it into his own net.
In the second half it look liked kilroot might suffer the nightmare of too many missed chances from the likes of Michael Deignan, Phillip Meeke Tony Mathews and wallace Nelson when grange forced home the ball at the back post despite suspicions of hand ball.
With the pressure boiling before a capacity crowd it was turning out to be a dull day in more ways than one until the place was lit up by a young newbee with an eye on stardom. In the final minute a kilroot attack and cross was punched out by the advancing Grange goalkeeper to the touch line near half way. Having thought he had cleared the danger the ball was picked up by Ryan Large who after getting it under control composed himself to strike the ball from 40 yards.
A shout of encouragement went out, this was soon followed by a silence as everyone held their breath. The ball was well struck and while it seemed to take an eternity it was a delight to watch as the pace, height and swerve took it beyond the diving and stretching defenders and goalkeeper into the net for a wonder goal worthy of winning any match.
Kilroot Rec II 2 Grange Rngrs 1
Well Done the Lads, First of Many.
Kilroot Rec Christmas Dinner
Where - Windrose
When - 8th December
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