KILLOWEN A.F.C.

More A.U.L. tables at http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pSJ61p3f4M3Yew-dJqpS6Rg

More AUL tables at http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pSJ61p3f4M3YBtBAH2kNsLA

Killowen  0.      Strand Utd  3.


A.U.L.  Division 2A.

Sunday 22nd March 2009.

            The A.U.L. match of the week featured local rivals Killowen and Strand Utd in an A.U.L. 2A clash at Killowen on Sunday morning. It resulted in a well deserved 3-0 victory to Strand who are enduring a lean time at the wrong end of the table. Killowen are in the hunt for promotion but manager Declan Cassidy was forced to name an unfamiliar looking side for this encounter as seven players were unavailable for selection. Despite a promising start that saw Paul Lynch narrowly off target with a near post header in the 4^th minute, Killowen were on the back foot for long periods as Strand dominated the opening half. A Strand snapshot from inside the area flashed narrowly over Brian Kane’s crossbar in the 10^th minute and this was followed moments later by strong penalty claims following a clash in the area. The competitive nature of this contest resulted in countless free kicks which disrupted the flow of the game and as a result both sides struggled to settle into a rhythm. Strand enjoyed the greater possession but were limited to long range efforts for the remainder of the half. Killowen’s only shot of note came five minutes before the break, Declan O’ Brien’s free kick had the Strand ‘keeper at full stretch as he dived low to his right to divert the ball away from danger.

            The home side went close to opening the scoring in the 50^th minute, O’ Brien’s free kick from the left touchline deceived the visitors ‘keeper but unfortunately the ball struck the crossbar before rebounding to safety. Strand also looked dangerous from set pieces and a well struck free kick flew across the area in the 55^th minute requiring a block from a home defender to prevent a goal. The action swung to the other end with Killowen’s Michael Kelleher going close in the 60^th minute as his hooked shot beat the ‘keeper but rolled just outside the upright. Strand survived that let-off and proceed to take the lead nine minutes later. A crossfield pass from the right wing split the Killowen defence allowing the Strand left winger time and space to slide the ball past the exposed Kane. That lead was doubled with a quarter of an hour remaining, Strand worked the ball up the left and the resulting cross to the far post was met with a well placed header. Killowen committed extra players forward in an effort to salvage the game, player/manager Declan Cassidy went close after 78 minutes with a measured lob that caused an anxious moment for the Strand custodian. However Strand saved the best till last with a superbly taken third goal nine minutes from time to secure the points and help ease their relegation worries.

Killowen.

Brian Kane; Eoin Scannell, Eoin O’ Sullivan, David Mc Carthy, Kieran Casey; Brian O’ Sullivan, Owen Braun, Dave Lynch, Paul Lynch; Declan O’ Brien, Michael Kelleher.

Substitutes.

Declan Cassidy for Kelleher.

Shane O’ Brien for Paul Lynch.

Karl Murphy.

Eamonn Murphy.

Sunday 22nd March.

A.U.L. Division 2A.

Killowen.

V

Strand Utd.


@ Killowen.

Kick Off 10.45 A.M.

More AUL tables at http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pSJ61p3f4M3a4OU05gvLTQQ

Glenthorn Celtic (A) 3. Killowen 2.

A.O.H. Cup 4th round.

Saturday 14th March 2009. 

Match report also at http://www.corkman.ie/sport/soccer/killowen-come-up-just-short-1678189.html
            
            
            No shame in defeat for A.U.L. 2A side Killowen as higher ranked Glenthorn Celtic advance in the A.O.H. cup following a 3-2 victory in this 4^th round tie played on Saturday. The city based side started brightly and forced visiting ‘keeper Brian Kane into action after 5 minutes as he reacted superbly to block a close range effort. The premier division side scored in their next attack after 8 minutes, a swift exchange of passes in midfield created the shooting opportunity which was duly despatched into the bottom corner. Killowen put a nervous start behind them and proceeded to create a couple of early chances with Declan O’ Brien shooting over from a good position after 10 minutes. Top scorer O’ Brien then tested the home ‘keeper with a well struck free kick as Killowen grew in confidence. The visitors early efforts were rewarded with an equalising goal after 15 minutes, Dave Lynch’s shot was handled in the area and O’ Brien stepped up to convert the resulting penalty. However Glenthorn regained the lead after 25 minutes as a move instigated from defence was finished with another powerful drive hitting the target. The home side applied maximum pressure but were finding it hard to break down a determined Killowen side for whom Eoin O’ Sullivan and Kieran Casey were rock solid in defence. Glenthorn had a let off after half an hour as Owen Braun’s cushioned header landed invitingly in front of goal but there was no Killowen player in position to take advantage. Glenthorn were not as wasteful and their third goal arrived 2 minutes later. Killowen failed to close down in midfield allowing Glenthorn to work the ball to the edge of the area resulting in another stunning strike past Kane in the visitors goal. It was Kane’s heroics in the 40^th minute that prevented a fourth goal as he got down smartly to block a close range shot.

            Despite the deficit Killowen continued to create opportunities, Owen Braun saw his powerful header tipped over the bar after 62 minutes following Patrick Bermingham’s excellent delivery. The margin was reduced in the 65^th minute as Killowen were awarded a second penalty following a foul on Antoine Guy. Once again Declan O’ Brien was entrusted with the responsibility and he made no mistake from 12 yards. Glenthorn continued in their efforts to make the game safe and despite going close from a succession of corners they failed to add to their tally. O’ Brien was seeking a hat-trick as he combined with impressive midfielder Declan O’ Donoghue after 76 minutes but the Glenthorn custodian was equal to his effort. Both sides kept pushing forward right to the end with Kane again showing his class with a reflex save after 80 minutes and substitute Brian O’ Sullivan going close at the other end as Killowen battled desperately for an equaliser. However it was not to be for a gallant Killowen side who can now concentrate on the title race in A.U.L. league 2A.

Killowen.

Brian Kane; Eoin Scannell, Eoin O’ Sullivan, David Mc Carthy, Kieran Casey; Dave Lynch, Declan O’ Donoghue, Owen Braun, Antoine Guy; Declan O’ Brien, Paul Lynch.

Substitutes.

Denis O’ Regan for Scannell.

Patrick Bermingham for Paul Lynch.

Brian O’ Sullivan for Braun.

Note from A.U.L.

Teams have been enquiring why Donoughmore Athletic have 5 extra points in League 2A from Tables published on 4th March and the tables published on 11th March.
Recently Donoughmore drew with Mallow Utd and were beaten by Crescent Athletic. Donoughmore lodged successful protests against the legality of both teams and were awarded 3 points instead of 1 against Mallow Utd and 3 points instead of 0 against Crescent Ath.

Tony Fitzgerald

More tables at http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pSJ61p3f4M3axgO7T-8gvYw

Saturday 14th March.

A.O.H. Cup 4th Round

Glenthorn Celtic (A).

V

Killowen.


@ St Aidan’s.

Kick Off - 3.00.

More A.U.L. tables at
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=pSJ61p3f4M3YxRpNOxVMJAA