Killough Overpowered By A Determined Celtic Bhoys
Newcastle and District Amateur Football League
Premier League decider.
Millbridge, Killough on Saturday 9th April 2022.
Patrick Moore’s squad were delighted to lift the League Cup on Saturday following their clash with Killough in a match full of t
This match was expected to be a close cut affair, with Celtic Bhoys needing just a draw to secure the honours, and Killough to win for 3 points to keep then in the running for the League Cup. It was all to play for.
An excellent crowd turned up to support both teams on a cold sunny day at Millfield. From the moment referee James McCreesh blew his whistle, it was Celtic Bhoys who showed their teeth challenging from the start and managed to get a steady leverage on the game. Jay Gibney and Connail Kerr up front were pushing hard for an early goal.
On 7 minutes, the first real opportunity came when Peter Casey put the ball through to Michael Rice who hit the right hand post.
Then on a break it was Killough’s Daniel Taggart who broke through the Celtic back line and on a one-to-one with keeper Nathan Curran, the shot was blocked.
The Celtic Bhoys machine was building pace and Killough had their work cut out. Then as the visitors pressed forward, Jordan McCoubrey passed through to Connail Kerr in the back of the box who quickly rocketed the ball into the middle of the net following a defensive mistake by Killough.
Minutes later McCoubrey wrestled the ball from Killough defender Eamonn Gargan and almost scored. Celtic Bhoys were on a roll as Killough struggled to deal with the quick attacks and sharp passing.
Despite a few Killough attacks, it was Celtic Bhoys who were pushing forward and when Barry Treacy was taken down outside the Killough box, McCoubrey on 15 minutes took the free and was unlucky not to score as the ball struck the left hand post.
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But minutes later Celtic Boys struck a blow to Killough when Mikey Rice rattled the ball into the middle of the Killough net from a play from a corner.
Then 5 minutes later Connor ‘Tata’ Kelly got possession on the right and ran to the Celtic Bhoys goal and send a terrific volley over the head of Celtic’s Nathan Curran to open the scoring for Killough.
Celtic Bhoys were looking focussed on their bid for the league title in this match. Their commitment paid off again when striker captain Mikey Rice nailed a second goal for his side from a corner by Barry Treacy putting them in the driving seat with a low volley.
And minutes later Casey just missed a follow up goal. Killough although they were fighting back with all they had, had their backs to the wall. The home side definitely went up a gear to claw back the deficit and were much more in the Celtic Bhoys’ half.
As the second half commenced, it was Killough who went on the offensive and a header by Taggart was just wide. Then minutes later Gargan had an opportunity to hit the ball on target for a goal but under pressure from Celtic defenders went wide.
In 56 minutes Tony McIlhone made a powerful header which was inches over the top bar. Minutes later, as Killough were desperate to score, Declan Looney passed to Caoimhin Groves in the Celtic box and his snap shot was just wide of the post.
Killough were creating opportunities but just could not convert them to goals. Looney again tried a volley at the Celtic goal and was again wide on two further occasions. Then eventually with 6 minutes to go in the 78th minute, while Celtic Bhoys were holding on against the frantic Killough efforts to equalise, Declan Looney scored for Killough.
Then there was more pain for Killough again as Celtic turned the screws once more when defender Shaun Megahey received a cross from sub Conor Doyle and he slotted the ball into the Killough net.
Shortly after, Taylor Loudon broke through but his shot was gathered up by Killough keeper James Crangle.
Killough kept up the pressure well in the second half and just before the final whistle, they were pressing for a goal when Celtic midfielder Rice made a timely intervention.
Celtic Bhoys: Nathan Curran, Shaun Megahey, Blaine Connolly, Gary Carberry, Michael Rice (C), Conor Doherty, Barry Treacy, Peter Casey, Jay Gibney, Jordan McCoubrey, Connaill Kerr. Subs, Corey McCartan, Taylor Loudon, Paul Brady.
Manager: Patrick Moore.
Killough FC: James Crangle. Riain Burns, Lee Murphy, Eamon Gargan, Sean Og Burns, Tony McIlhone, Connor Kelly, Gareth George (C), Daniel Taggart, Caoimhin Groves, Declan Looney. Subs: Declan Burns, Ruairi Sharvin, Conor Doyle.
Manager: Conor Doyle.
