Kilmore Rec Swifts scored the only goal to go through to the final of the Templeton cup
The NAFL.
The Templeton Cup Semi-Final,
Venue: Seaview, 26 2 25,
Final Score: Kilmore Rec Swifts 1 0 Groomsport II.
Kilmore Rec Swifts were the deserved winners in the this Templeton Cup semi-final against Groomsport. For most of the mattch, Kilmore had the upper hand and were attacking on a steady basis against Groomsport who looked a more mature team with a few heavier players.
But undeterred, the Kilmore forwards were quick on the attack despite Groomsport fancying an early goal. Harry Smyth was first to get a half chance with a volley from inside the box but it was on target but held by keeper Ryan Scutt.
Again Kilmore pressed and John Pearson crossed to Shane Murray whose shot was also held by keeper Scutt. Kilmore piled on the pressure and won a couple of corners.
Groomsport captain Ryan Bennet made a crucial clearance as Kilmore pressed and Mulhern eventually got possession and again Scutt made an excellent save denying Kilmore their opening goal they were working hard for.
Mulhern and Shay McGrattan also were involved in an attack but they were overcome by eager defenders.
Smyth hit a corker of a volley top the top right corner but Scutt was like Spiderman and managed to keep tha ball out oif the net.
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In the 34th minute McGrattan was getting his eye in and hit the top bar with the ball bouncing out, then in a quick reply Groomsport’s Alix McKernan hit just wide.
McGrattan and Mulhern managed to work the ball on the left and Christopher Maggee managed to get a low lick at the Groomsport goal and went inches wide.
Kilmore kept up the pressure passing the ball well around the field and making sharp attacks.
Just before the half-time whistle, Smith connected well on target but again Scutt got the ball under control. Scutt had denied Kimore a goal in the first half despite them having around 75% of the attacking play.
The second half started of a bit cagey and Groomsport managed to hold their own against Kilmore for a good spell.
Both teams were cautious knowing that this match could turn on just a goal. Eventually Kilmore got their second wind and were off attacking again and Magee went up for a header but just nodded it over the top post.
Groomsport again fought back with all they had and the match was getting a bit scrappy with more physical challenges and injuries.
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Magee was unlucky not to score as he battled up the left wing and launched a cracker which hit the top post with Scutt quickly getting the ball under control.
Mulhern then ran in with the ball and Smyth a shot from the back of the box low, but it went wide. Then McGrattan took a shot and he too was just wide. Just when Kilmore thought they were jinxed, McGrattan took another shot again going inches wide.
But at last in the 80th minute, Kilmore’s Shay McGrattan hit a solid volley from outside the Groomsport box which caught the underside of the top bar and bounced down and cleared over the line for a goal.
With 10 minutes to go, Kilmore had the advantage and despite efforts by Groomsport to claim an equaliser, Kilmore held on well attacking to the last.
The last fling by Kilmore was a run by Murray passing to sub Ciaran McDonnell who struck a sound shot but Scutt was there again to block it.
This game was always going to be a close call and lived up to its expectation. Kilmore are top of Division 3E on 39 points with Groomsport IIs positioned third on 28 points and Kilmore have three games in hand so look set for promotion to 3D.
It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the great game that Ryan Scutt played in the Groomsport goals making many excellent saves. He was a big influence in keeping the defence steady under considerable pressure from Kilmore.
This win for Kilmore Rec Swifts was a good scalp for manager John Young and they will now be looking forward to the final on 30th April at 8.15pm at Seaview in the final against Finaghy FC IIs.
So hat’s off for scorer Shay McGrattan who kept the Kilmore Rec Swifts in the match with a clinker of a goal and provided the squad with another chance of bringing some silver back to Crossgar.
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Kilmore Rec Swifts: 1 Laurence McGonagle (GK), 2 Christopher Magee, 3 Joshua Starkey 4 Matthew Stewart 5 Jonathan Murray (C) 6 Tomas Murphy 7 Shane Murray 8 Harry Smyth 9 Shay McGrattan 10 John Pearson 11 Fionn Mulhern. Subs: 12 John Spratt 14 Ciaran McDonnell 15 Eamon McKinney.
Groomsport IIs: 1 Ryan Scutt (GK) 2 Jord Thompson 3 Jamie Turner 4 Graham Hegan 5 Richard Madden 6 Ryan Bennett (C) 7 Alix McKernan 8 Mark Crooks 9 Robbie Newell 10 Jamie Millar 11 Greg McIntyre. Subs: 12 n/a 14 Callum McConnell 15 Jamie Daniels.
