12th December 2009

 

Kircubbin travelled to Dunmurray last Saturday to play Ford FC in the 3rd round of the Cochrane & Corry Cup. The opposition have been a mid-table team in Division 2a of the Northern Amateur Football League for many years, and were obvious favourites to progress into the quarter finals. But Kircubbin have reached the semi finals of this competition in recent years and were keen to make a good account of themselves. With several players all on the injured list, the normally bountiful squad was reduced to the bare minimum of fourteen players. Eugene McGrattan was in goals, behind a back four of Ciaran Taylor, Matthew Torney, Cahal McGrattan and Jamie Fowler. Philip McCarthy and Mick O'Prey anchored the central midfield with Adam Arthurs and Fintan Bell giving the width on the two wings. Turlough Bell and Matthew Clarke lead the Kircubbin attack.

As expected the 2a team came at Kircubbin in the opening spell of the game, but for all their possession Ford were unable to break down a stubborn Kircubbin defence. Most of the danger came from set plays when the aerial dominance of the Ford team caused Kircubbin problems, but still with very few clear cut chances to take the lead. Matthew Clarke had Kircubbin's best chance of the opening half when he raced through on goal only to see his curling shot rebound off the crossbar with the keeper well beaten. In injury time at the end of the first half Ford were awarded a penalty following a foul by Ciaran, but the spot kick was blazed wide of the target and Kircubbin were let off the hook. 0-0 at the break.

The second half was a mirror image of the first, with Ford dominating possession of the ball without causing Kircubbin any real problems. Kircubbin were concentrating on the defensive part of their game and didn't manage many chances in the opening half hour of the second half. But the game changed in Ford's favour when Eugene McGrattan in goals failed to clear the ball, gifting Ford the simplest of goals. This spurred Kircubbin into action for the final ten minutes of the game and they pushed Ford onto the back foot. The elusive goal never materialised for Kircubbin and it was Ford who progress to the next round. Final score Ford 1 - Kircubbin 0.

This week the lads are at home to Kelvin in the league. Players to meet at 1pm.