Kilmore Rec too strong for Ballynahinch on the day
The NAFL.
Division One League Match.
Ballynahinch Olympic 0 3 Kilmore Rec.
This local derby was played on a very soft pitch in wet and windy conditions that made it difficult for both sides to play free flowing football writes Cyril McKinney.
The first half was largely uneventful as the game seemed to be played in the middle third of the pitch with both sides struggling with the crossfield wind which caused havoc while looking for that killer pass to beat the offside trap.
Kilmore edged the first half on possession and quality of attempts.
As Ballynahinch did well to soak up the attacking threat, keeper Ryan Connolly had to be alert to save at the feet of McKinney on 5 minutes.
And he made a great save on 42 minutes from a McGrattan free on the Kilmore left wing.
At the other end Turley had to fist away a Jones free after 32 minutes.
Within 5 minutes of the restart the visitors took the lead through their hard working forward Joseph McKinney who was alert to the breaking ball and made no mistake from 8 yards courtesy of a deflection to give Connolly no chance in the Olympic nets.
On 59 minutes Kilmore went further ahead and this time it was a case of power, persistence and determination as well as skill and a bit of luck from McKinney.
He cut in on the Kilmore left and from a narrow angle got a low shot away which seemed to squeeze under the keeper and into the net to make it 2-0 to the visitors.
Cheered on by the local support Ballynahinch continued to press, but the Kilmore rearguard remained resolute and snuffed out any attacking threat.
Any idea of getting back into the match seemed to disappear on 66 minutes when Niall Walsh converted in the middle of a crowded goalmouth and scrambled the ball home to make it 3-0 to the visitors.
Not a great day for soccer… there is no doubt both sides can play better but the day belonged to the hard working Joseph McKinnney who was a constant threat all afternoon.
Ballynahinch Olympic: Ryan Connolly, Niall McMullan, Jack Roddy, Gavin McMullan, Jason Noade, Mark McMahon, Ryan Walsh, James McClean, Adam McLean, Nathan Jones, Caolan Burns. Subs: Niall Flanagan, Liam Burns, Conor Killen.
Kilmore Rec: Christopher Turley, Christopher Magee, Patrick Grant, Conor Curran, Niall Walsh, Barry Walsh, Michael Monan, John Patterson, Joseph McKinney, Anton McGrattan, Shay McGrattan. Subs: Caolan Conlon, Joshua Smyth , Micheal Carvill.
