Match Report-SFL Kildangan V Rathangan

Post date: Apr 17, 2012 5:48:40 PM

Kildangan Seniors achieved a one point win against Rathangan on Monday evening, getting our league campaign back on track following last weeks disappointing loss to Monasterevin. On a terrible evening for football, with howling wind and slanting rain blowing across the Rathangan pitch, the Kildangan team battled gamefully to win by the minimum. The final scoreline of 1:07 to 1:06 in favour of Kildangan is indicative of how difficult the weather conditions made it for attacking football, with passes going astray and players losing their footing on a greasy pitch. Kildangan played second fiddle to the home team for much of the first period, but Rathangans inaccuracy in front of goal, mainly due to the blustery conditions ensured the score line remained close. An error in the Kildangan defence just on the half time whistle, was punished by the home side with a well taken goal to leave it 1:02 to 0:03 in favour of Rathangan at the break. The sides swapped scores early on in the second half before the deciding moment arrived. A Stephen Quigley goal out of the top drawer following a great passing move from the Kildangan midfield. Stephen ripped through to Rathangan defence before sending an unstoppable shot to the back of the net to put Kildangan in front. Kildangan played a number of our Minor players, the lads again did themselves justice, James Stynes in particular showing great anticipation in intercepting the ball to impeded a number of Rathangan attacks. Brandon Foley also showed a deft touch in front of the posts to score a long range point which put Kildangan two ahead at a critical stage in the game. Philip Ryan was a little quieter than usual in defence but kept a tight rein on his man throughout the game. Our other Minor, Jack Hickey, made his senior debut to a round of applause at half time, he stood up well to the challenge and is surely one to watch for the future. One other Senior debutant was Australian visitor, Michael Morrison who gave a great display of high fielding. Michael has an Aussie rules background, however he has made the transition to the round ball game with consummate ease. On the whole Kildangan can be happy with the win, although not playing to our full potential two wins from three games is encouraging. Sarsfields provide the opposition next Monday night when they make the trip to Kildangan