Kerrykeel ‘71 0
Milford United 1
By Stuart Connolly
A first-half goal from Cathal McGettigan sealed a big three points for Milford United at the home of Kerrykeel ‘71 FC on Sunday.
Heading into the last stretch of the campaign, the victory has kept Milford United on the heels of their opposition and Cappry Rovers.
Chasing an historic promotion, Kerrykeel 71 FC remain top of the pile with only a few games to go, while Milford United are four points behind in third.
This encounter started in a scrappy manner, and that could be put down to the windy conditions that impacted both sides.
Chances were slim during the opening stages as only a few set-pieces represented any sort of action in the final third at both ends of the park.
It took until the midway stage of the first half for the first proper attempt on goal, with Killian McBride creating the space for himself before a close-range effort that clipped the top of the post.
Mark Friel was first up to have a decent opening for the home side on the half hour, but his strike floated just wide of the target.
Milford United ended the first half with a strong spell, and they took a lead into the break.
Moments after Connor McLaughlin had a goal-bound shot blocked by Shaun Carr, they broke the deadlock. It was McLaughlin with the initial shot again, and this time his effort caused chaos in the box, with Cathal McGettigan able to capitalise on a spill and slot the ball home.
Kerrykeel 71 FC had the last moment of the half with Caolon McGettigan equal to a low strike from Mark Friel.
Milford United started the second half on the front foot, and had plenty of the ball in the attacking third.
With an hour gone, their pressure paid of, or so they thought. Cathal McGettigan’s delivery into the area was flicked home by Lorcan Friel, and the celebrations ensued but were cut short as Marty McGarrigle had blown for a foul by Kyle Black on Liam McGranaghan as the ball had flown in.
Moments later, Milford United went mightily close to a second, and only a goalline clearance kept them from a two-goal advantage.
Cathal McGettigan floated the ball in from the right side, and Jordan Ryan’s header was cleared away by Michael McDevitt, who was stood on the line.
Kerrykeel 71 FC began to see more of the ball as the games entered its final stages. Crosses were delivered into the area, but most were hooked away one way or another by the visiting defence.
As the match entered stoppage time, Kerrykeel had one last opportunity, and as the long throw-ins were launched in, Jonathon Friel had a prod towards goal well-blocked by Lorcan Friel.
Teams
Kerrykeel 71 FC: Brian Gallagher; Michael McDevitt, Liam McGranaghan, Patrick Heraghty, Shaun Carr; Mark Friel, James Kerr, Brandon McClafferty, Calum McAteer; Shaun Kerr, Kevin Loughrey. Subs: Davitt Walsh for Loughrey(half-time), Jamie McAteer for McClafferty(62 mins), Bernard McGettigan for McDevitt(70 mins), Jonathon Friel for M.Friel(87 mins), Patrick Friel for Heraghty(90 mins).
Milford United: Caolon McGettigan; Niall Murray, Caolon Carr, Jordan Ryan, Lorcan Friel; Connor McLaughlin, Killian McBride, Joey Cullen, George McNulty; Cathal McGettigan, Kyle Black. Subs: Corey-Lee McConigley for McBride(76 mins), Shay Gibbons for Cullen(89 mins), Darren McLaughlin for Black(90 mins)
Referee: Marty McGarrigle.
