6th May 2010

 

Last week Temple were unable to field a team on Tuesday evening and awarded Kircubbin maximum points. This left Thursdays game away to Kelvin a promotion decider as Kircubbin only needed 1 point to secure second place in the league, with Kelvin needing all three. Weather conditions were perfect for football, but the pitch left a lot to the imagination. This played into Kelvin's hands as they came out of the blocks quickly and forced Kircubbin into a defensive position. Within minutes Kelvin took the lead when they beat the off-side trap and managed to score off the post to take an early lead. Kircubbin are used to going behind as traditionally this season they have been slow starters, and this match was to prove no exception. Gradually Kircubbin dragged themselves back into the game and managed to create a few half chances. The importance of the match was obvious to everyone on both sides as the teams were very cautious in their approach. Kircubbin drew level on the half hour mark when they played possibly the best move of the game with neat one touch passing resulting in a pin point cross to Turlough Bell who looped his header over the keeper into the corner of the net. This was the catalyst Kircubbin needed to spur them into action, but just before the half time whistle Kircubbin pushed the self-destruct button and gifted Kelvin a penalty which was converted leaving the half time score 2-1.

Knowing that a draw would guarantee promotion was incentive enough to get Kircubbin going in the second half, and they managed to dominate proceedings. Kelvin were camped inside their own half for much of the second half as Kircubbin played some great football. But the final ball into the danger area was not up to Kircubbin's usual high standard, and Kelvin held on to their lead. Kircubbin's control of the game frustrated Kelvin, and this frustration boiled over into a few harsh challenges. Jamie Fowler almost scored his first of the season with a speculative left footed volley, but the keeper pulled of a fantastic save to deny the full back. But Kircubbin were still pushing for the vital goal that would secure promotion. Their persistence finally paid off when leading marksman Turlough Bell equalised, sending the Kircubbin team delirious. Kelvin almost had the final say when their striker ran through on goal only to hit a weak shot straight at Fintan in goals. Final score 2-2 which guarantees Kircubbin's promotion into Division 2A of the Northern Amateur Football League. A great battling performance which typifies Kircubbin's resilient season.