5th November 2011

Following last weeks success in the Junior Shield, Kircubbin were once again on their travels, this time for a league encounter await to Albion Star. Having already played their opponents on the opening day of the season, Kircubbin knew they were in for a tough encounter.

The team lined out with Fintan Bell in goals, Cahal McGrattan, Matthew Torney and Darren McIlveen in central defence, Mick O'Prey and Shaun Clancy played in the wider wing back positions. Francis McCann, David Arthurs and Turlough Bell were in midfield, leaving Matthew Clarke and Kevin Coyle to lead the line in attack. Kircubbin got off to a bright start and managed to force Albion deep into their own half. The defencive work from Kircubbin was excellent and easily snubbed out the Albion threat. Most of the half was spent inside the Albion half, with Kircubbin putting their defence under relentless pressure. They finally got their just rewards when a mis-placed defencive clearance fell to the feet of Kevin Coyle, who blasted home an opening goal from 20 yards out low into the bottom corner of the net. Kircubbin pushed forward looking to close out the game, and the Albion net seemed to lead a charmed life at times, but they managed to hold out to the half time whistle. 0-1 at the break.

Into the second half and Kircubbin continued to dominate their opponents. Chrissy O'Prey came off the bench for Kircubbin to replace David Arthurs, but the change in personnel made no difference in Kircubbin's dominance. Frustrations boiled over in the Albion team as they had a man sent off for a blatant kick off the ball. This gave Kircubbin even more control of the game as gaping holes now appeared in the Albion rear guard. Chris O'Prey scored from a quick counter attack calmly slotting the ball low past the diving keeper. This seemed to end all hopes for Albion as Kircubbin edged to victory. Kevin scored his second of the ball with another powerful shot from close range, and in the dying minutes Francis scored from close range to complete the rout and leave the final score 0-4. The three points lift Kircubbin to fourth in the league.

This week the lads return to cup action once again, with another away trip to Ford FC. Team to leave at 11.30 for an early kick off.