31st October 2009
Cochrane & Corry Cup 2nd Round

 

Kircubbin travelled to Belfast to play newly promoted Queens seconds in the second round of the Cochrane & Corry Cup. Having reached the semi-finals a few seasons ago, Kircubbin were keen to make a good impression in this competition, and maintain their current run of good form. With a regular squad of 20 players to choose from the team manager is always challenged into making difficult decisions on a Saturday afternoon in order to narrow it down to the 14 players required. This Saturday was no different with several players missing out on a place in the team.

Eugene McGrattan started off in goals, with Fergal Bell, Matthew Torney, Brendan Masterson and Ciaran Taylor in defence. The midfield was made up of Michael O'Prey, Ross McCann, Philip McCarthy and Fintan Bell, with Turlough Bell and Matthew Clarke leading the attack. Even though Queens earned promotion last year into Division 2a, Kircubbin knew they had nothing to fear from the university team as they scored four goals in the two league matches in the previous season. Straight from the kick off Kircubbin went on the attack with a long ball into the left wing position which Fintan chased down and forced the defender into a hurried clearance. The opening goal of the game came in the fifth minute when Queens failed to clear a corner, allowing Mick O'Prey to poke the ball home from close range. Within five minutes lead was doubled, again from a set play. This time Ross challenged a defender forcing him to slide the ball into his own net. Kircubbin's lead could have been more as Turlough stuck the post and Matthew Clarke pulled a shot wide with only the keeper to beat. Kircubbin's dominance came from their control of the midfield of the pitch. Ross and Philip battled strongly in the centre of the field, allowing Mick and Fintan the freedom to express themselves on both wings. Matthew Clarke added to the score line midway through the half which effectively killed off Queens chances in the game. But the best was yet to come, with some excellent inter-changing and overlapping play Kircubbin scored a breath-taking goal which any team would be proud of. The speed of play and passing accuracy could only be admired as the final ball into the box allowed Fintan to score easily and give Kircubbin an unassailable four goal cushion.

In the second half Stephen Clarke demanded more of the same from his team, and they duly delivered. Within minutes of the re-start Kircubbin were awarded a penalty when Mick was tripped by the advancing keeper. But the keeper made up for his error as he saved the resulting spot kick from Turlough. This gave Turlough even more of an incentive, and soon afterwards he scored Kircubbin's fifth goal of the game. David Arthurs, Jamie Fowler and Adam Arthurs were all introduced into the action for the final portion of the match and each one can be proud of their performance. Queens didn't create any chances of note as Eugene was a spectator for long spells in the game. This was mainly due to the excellent defensive work from the back four of Kircubbin, notably Matthew Torney who was deputising for the absent Cahal McGrattan in the centre of defence. Final score 0-5.

This week the lads return to league action at home to Wesley. Team to meet at 1pm.