3rd September 2011

The start of a new season always brings lots of promise for every club, but the first league fixture for Kircubbin was a tricky match at home to Albion Star. With no fewer than ten players unavailable through injury, suspension or work committments, Kircubbin were once again down to the bare bones. Nevertheless, they were able to field a strong team with Fintan Bell in goals, Darren McIlveen, Matthew Torney, Ciaran Taylor and Paddy OPrey in defence. Mick OPrey and David Arthurs anchored the midfield with Brendan Masterson and new signing Joel Thompson providing the width on both wings. Francis McCann and Kevin Coyle started up front for the home team.

The opening 45 minutes was a drab affair from Kircubbin's point of view, with a dissapointing and very dis-jointed performance. The team were unable to reproduce any of the form thay had shown in their pre-season games. Albion threatened the Kircubbin goal on a few occasions but never quite managed to find the elusive goal. Eventually however Albion got the break through goal following a defencive error in the Kircubbin back line. 0-1 at the break.

In the second half, following some harsh words from the manager, Kircubbin came out of their shell and gradually played their way back into the game. Kircubbin broke the Albion defence on several occasions but couldn't quite get the ball in the net. The best chance of the half fell to Chris OPrey, a second half substitute, but his mis-hit shot was off target and Albion seemed destined for all three points. But deep into injury time a long free kick was flicked into the net by Francis McCann, to give Kircubbin a well deserved equaliser. Final score 1-1. Next week the team are away to Kelvin OB, team to leave at noon.