Strangford FC Were Too Sharp For Ardglass FC in the Kitroom Cup Final Local Derby Showdown
Despite puting up a strong bid for the Kitroom Cup, Ardglass FC were ousted by a more determined and focused Strangford side that has impressed much of late and were worthy winners of the silver writes Jim Masson.
The Newcastle and District Amateur Football League,
The Kitroom Cup Final,
Venue: Roberet Adams 3G PArk, on Saturday 21st March 2026,
Final Score: Strangford 5 1 Ardglass FC.
Strangford FC proved to be the most effective side on the night showing an eagerness and focus through most of the game which unsettled Ardglass’ style of play. This local derby was played at a fast pace and at time, especially in the second half, tackles were on the heavy side writes Jim Masson.
From the first whistle, Strangford came back after an initial Ardglass charge at their goal area. The match swung to and fro with both teams whipping up and down the pitch. Michael Magee almost took advantage of a weak clearance by Sttangford keeper Padraig Sloan
Ardglass forward Karl O’Neill was almost through for a shot at goal but was impeded by two Strangford defenders.
At the other end Conal Fitzsimmons, a significant threat to Ardglass, was warming up with charges at the Ardglass goal and on one occasion keeper James Crangle just managed to get out to clear the ball as Fitzsimmons closed in. He was positioning himself mostly at the back of the Ardglass box receiving crosses from right and left.
In the 17th minute it was Ardglass who drew first blood when John Beattie hit the ball sharply close in to the Strangford goal to open the scoring and it seemed as though Ardglass maybe could surmount the Strangford challenge by lying back and breaking.
Owen Curran equalised on 37 minutes for Strangford when a long kick to the Ardglass goalmouth saw a scramble between the teams and a poor clearance which led to a cross from the right to Owen Curran who made no mistake at close quarters hammering the ball in to the Ardglass net and equalising.
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Both teams were expending a huge amount of energy in the fast paced-game. Michael Magee made a good effort to score as he received a cross from Jamie McDerby but Sloan was on the ball.
As the teams went toe to toe, Strangford’s Conal Fitzsimmons crossed to Owen Curran who hit just wide of the Ardglass post and Ardglass knew this match wa snot going to be a walk in the park as Strangford pressed further.
The second half started again at a fast pace and Ardglass were living dangerously as Strangford were getting closer to the scoring area on a number of occasions.
Malachy Crangle was not in the squad for this match and his presence in the back line was probably missed.
Jordan Finnegan managed to connect with a decent header on target but keeper Sloan read it well.
Neither side could get the ball in the net as both defences scrambled to clear. It looked as though the match was bordering on a penalty shootout.
Then Luca Shields put Strangford in the lead on the 69th minute and it was game on for Strangford.
Strangford pressure at the Ardglass goal increased and saw a shot bounce off defender Ryan McKinney for an own goal /(82 minutes) shattering any chance of a comeback from the seasiders under pressure at 3-1.
But it was Conal Fitzsimmons who eventually scored from a penalty after Ardglass were buckling under pressure. Strangford now had the advantage on 4-1.
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They forged ahead quickly again deep into the Ardglass half and sub Jack Fitzsimmons lashed a volley on target but it was well held by keeper Crangle.
The final blow came from Strangford captain Fitzsimmons as he hammered in the coffin nail on the 85th minute securing his hat-trick when sub James Shields ran on and crossed to the Ardglass goal area where Fitzsimmons found space to collect the ball and knock in for the fourth goal leaving the score at 5-1.
There were a number of corners and free kick at the Strangford end but Ardglass did not manage to rise to the occasion despite several good efforts. The Strangford defence were in excellent form.
Strangford FC: 1 Padraig Sloan (GK)2 Stefan McGrattan 4 Thomas Fitzsimmons 5 Fionn McFall 6 Shane Teggart 7 Conan Hynds 8 Paul Donnelly 9 Conal Fitzsimmons (C) 10 Owen Curran 11 Conall Black 12 Luc Tolan. Subs: 3 James Shields 14 Jack Fitzsimmons 15 Luke Shields 16 Patrick Sharvin 17 Odhran McKenna.
Ardglass: FC: 1 James Crangle (GK) 2 Dára O’Shea 3 Ryam McKinney 4 Caolain O’Shea 5 Shea Dorrian 6 Pabhraig O’Shea 7 Jamie McDarby 8 Jordan Finnegan 9 Michael Magee 10 Karl O’Neill 11 John Beattie. 12 Corey Mahon 14 Aidan Watson 15 Sean Carr 16 LJ Holland 16 Matthew Rooney.
