10th January 2009

 

Kircubbin travelled to Wallace Park, Lisburn to play Wesley who are currently lingering in the relegation zone a few places below Kircubbin in the league. But the recent home form of the Lisburn team has been impressive with several high profile cup victories.

With a few players unavailable, Kircubbin only travelled with twelve players. The team started out with Fintan Bell in goals, a back four of Fergal Bell, Cahal McGrattan, Sean Masterson and Jamie Fowler. The midfield was made up of Jonnie Clarke, Ross McCann, Adam Arthurs and Philip McCarthy, with Brendan Masterson and Matthew Torney leading the line in attack. Kircubbin had the best of the opening chances with a couple of shots just wide of the target. But only ten minutes into the game the visiting team took the lead. Jonnie latched on to a through ball and managed to steer the ball past the Wesley keeper. This seemed to act as a wake up call for Wesley, and they took the game to Kircubbin right from the re-start. Midway through the half Wesley equalised when a quick free kick caught Kircubbin napping, allowing Wesley to score from close range. A second goal for the home team followed with a powerful half volley from inside the box. John Caughey came on just before half time for the injured Jamie Fowler, and the manager was forced to make a few chances to the set up. John had a great chance to equalise just before the half time whistle but unfortunately the weak attempt never troubled the keeper. 2-1 at half time.

In the second half the teams were cancelling each other out, without creating very many chances of real note. But the turning point of the game came when the referee awarded a dubious penalty against Kircubbin, which was duly scored to give Wesley a 3-1 advantage. Time was now running out for Kircubbin, but a great piece of individual skill from substitute John Caughey brought Kircubbin back into the game, with a wonderful 25 yard dipping volley into the Wesley goal. Unfortunate for Kircubbin they conceded two goals in the dying minutes to leave the final score 5-2 to the home team.

This week the lads are away to Queens. Team to leave at noon.