Killough Through To The Harry Clarke Semi-Finals
The Newcastle and District Amateur Football League,
Harry Clarke Cup QF,
Venue: Donard Park, Newcastle,
Final Result: Killough FC 4 0 Ballyvea 3s.
Killough got off to a slow start but later dominated the game against Ballyvea Thirds.
For the first almost 30 minutes Killough attacked Ballyvea but despite shots at the goal they were goal-less. It was Gareth Georghe (captain) who broke the goal drought on teh 29th minute with a superbly taken goal writes Jim Masson.
Killough hope was restored and minutes later Daire McLaughlin went wide with a low volley. The cracks were appearing in the Ballyvea back line.
ack McLaughlin then scored the second goal putting Killough in the driving seat before half-time.
But Killough were not resting on their Laurels and three minutes later Killough sprung another attack and in front of the Ballyvea goal the ball dropped to Killough midfielder Liam Mitchell’s feet. He turned quickly and knocked the ball into the Ballyvea net before keeper Steven Main could get to it on 42 minutes.
CHECK OUT DOWN NEWSÂ MATCH PHOTOS HERE
Ballyvea did try an dfight back on occasions. One late effort saw midfielder James White drop the ball into the Killough box and James Turner crossed to Andrew GHraham but his shot went just wide.
In the second half Ballyvea hardly had a noteworthy attack on the Killough goal and Marty Murphy could well have brought his flask and sandwiches with him for this match.
Killough continued their pressure attaching and made full use of giving their subs a chance on the pitch.
Jack McLaughlin again was the spearhead of Killough attacks and in creating opportunities. Just as teh match re-commenced, he had a clear run at the Ballyvea goal and hot over the top bar.
The game had become one-sided with Killough constantly pressing, and Ballyvea making an occasional break out.
Killough won a corner and Gareth Georghe took it send the ball to the head of Jack McLaughlin who expertly placed the ball in the top of the Ballyvea net making the score 4-0.
Mitchell headed a powerful shot on target to the Ballyvea net but keeper Steven Main managed a fingertip save pushing the ball over the top bar for a corner. The match was effectively over at this stage.
CHECK OUT DOWN NEWSÂ MATCH PHOTOS HERE
Killough are now through to the semi-final stage of the Harry Clarke Cup. Their next match whoever they are drawn against won’t be as easy as against Ballvea Thirds.
Killough FC: 1 Marty Murphy (GK) 2 Riain Burns 3 Conor Kelly 4 Sean Og Burns 5 Liam Mitchel 6 Tony McIlhone 7 Adam McGarrity 8 Cillian Burns (C) 9 Gareth George 10 Jack McLaughlin 11 Daire McLaughlin. Subs: 12 Ryan McIlhone 14 James Tumelty 16 Lee Murphy.
Ballyvea FC 111s 1 Steven Main (GK) 2 Alan McConnell (C) 3 Matthew Graham 4 Nathan Baird 5 James White 6 Mark Haugh 7 Jamie Annett 8 Jeffrey Stewart 9 James Turner 10 Andrew Graham 11 Archie Fryar. Subs: 12 Geoffrey Bennett 14 Graeme McKibbin 15 Andrew Robinson.
