1st October 2011

On a wet and windy Saturday afternoon Kircubbin hosted West Belfast in the first round of the Junior Shield. West were a bit of an unknown quantity, as they play their football in the Belfast & District Premier Division, but Kircubbin started brightly and managed to take an early lead in the game when Matthew Clarke scored from a cross into the penalty area. Fuzzy doubled the lead before half time, as Kircubbin were totally dominant all over the pitch and indeed could have extended their lead, but were in comfortable control of the game at 2-0.

Into the second half and the game totally turned on its head, when West Belfast scored three goals without reply in the opening 30 minutes as Kircubbin were guilty of some poor football. Kircubbin now found themselves chasing the game were forced to change formation in an attempt to stay in the Junior Shield. Aaron Clarke, Turlough Bell and Chris O'Prey all came off the bench as Kircubbin pressed forward in the last fifteen minutes looking for an equaliser. With only a few minutes left on the clock Matthew scored his second of the game with a deft flicked header from close range. 3-3 at full time.

Extra time came and went without any further goals, even though Kircubbin seemed to be camped inside the West Belfast area for long spells. But the game ended in a stalemate and a penalty shootout ensued.

Turlough missed Kircubbin's first penalty, but Fintan, Fuzzy, Archy and Mick all scored to make it 4-4 after the first five spot kicks. Both West and Kircubbin scored their opening two sudden death pens, and when West missed their third, Gizmo had a chance to put Kircubbin into the second round. But he skied his pen high and wide to level matters yet again. Fintan managed to save West's next penalty, and Bunny managed to score his to finally end the game 7-6 on penalties to Kircubbin. A totally enthralling fixture for the loyal fans. Well done lads, a hard fought victory.

Next week the team are at home (again) this time a league fixture vs Grange Rangers. Team to meet at 1pm.