14th Februry 2009

 

Kircubbin travelled to Annacloy to play Premier Division Champions Downpatrick FC in the 2nd round of the Clarence Cup. With the previous two fixtures cancelled due the weather, a cup match was a welcome break from the current league campaign. However much to the surprise of the Kircubbin team the premier division's home pitch was in appalling condition, very heavy underfoot and a long gravel drain in one corner of the field. Following a short pitch inspection by the delayed referee, the match went ahead.

The Kircubbin team started with Eugene McGrattan in goals, Cahal McGrattan, Paddy O'Prey, Sean Masterson and Jamie Fowler along the back line. Jonnie Clarke, Philip McCarthy, Adam Arthurs and Brendan Masterson filled the midfield, with Fintan Bell and Matthew Torney in attack. Given that Kircubbin are languishing in the bottom third of division 2B and Downpatrick are again challenging for honours in the premier division, no-one gave the visitors much of a chance. But Kircubbin created the best of the early chances in the opening twenty minutes forcing good saves from the keeper. The home team took full advantage of an under hit back pass from Cahal, allowing the striker to score from close range. Minutes later the tie looked to be over when the referee awarded a soft penalty kick which was duly converted to give the home team a 2-0 lead. The result of the game was never in doubt after that and Downpatrick then dominated the game scoring a further four goals before the final whistle to leave the final score 6-0. Kircubbin did create chances of their own in the match and with a bit more composure in front of goal the visitors could easily have scored three or four goals of their own.

This week the team return to league action looking to drag themselves away from the relegation zone. The team travel away to Dromore Amateurs, leaving at noon.