30th April 2009

 

Kircubbin made the journey up to Dub Lane last Thursday night to play league champions Queens Grads on their home turf. The reverse fixture earlier in the season was a tight match with Grads just about edging the contest. But their consistency over the entire season has kept them on top of the league and they have now been confirmed as Division 2B Champions.

The first 45 minutes was a very tight affair, with neither team wanting to give space to the opposition. But Kircubbin proved that the league standings didn't mean much on the night as they were able to force the Queens team back and probably just edged a dull opening half. Kircubbin continued to play the better football in the second half, but the end product wasn't quite there, as they spurned a few chances to take the lead. Their continued pressure finally paid off mid way through the half when Matthew Clarke turned and shot low into the bottom corner of the net from 20 yards. Queens showed their resilience and scored minutes later. A weak shot was parried by Kircubbin's keeper Eugene McGrattan, allowing the Grads player to scramble the ball home from close range. This dampened the Kircubbin spirit, but they still had ten minutes left to salvage maximum points. Queens were then reduced to ten men, which made Kircubbin's task slightly easier. This however seemed to stir the Grads into action, and they pressed forward looking for a vital winner. Kircubbin were caught trying to play the off-side trap, and the Grads team scored in the final minute of the game.

Final score 2-1 to the Grads.