Kildrum Tigers 3
Oldtown Celtic 0
By Stuart Connolly
Kildrum Tigers lifted the Glencar Inn Division One trophy aloft on Saturday after a victory over last season’s champions at the Station Road.
Kyle Gormley was dismissed in the early stages for Oldtown Celtic, and Keelan Gillen was the first to score as he found the net from the spot at the midway point. Frank McBrearty’s exquisite strike doubled the lead, and Gavin McGee put away the third around the hour.
Kildrum Tigers started the game with some decent pressure in the final third, but there was little to properly test the Oldtown Celtic backline.
That changed though as the match went beyond the quarter of an hour.
Aaron O’Donnell had the first clear strike towards goal and it was pushed away by Thomas McLaughlin.
Just a few minutes later, Oldtown Celtic were reduced to ten men. Kyle Gormley had a couple of fouls in as many minutes, and after a first yellow card, he talked his way to another one and was shown a red.
Not long after, Kildrum Tigers had a penalty after a mistimed tackle by Joe Friel on the advancing Ciaran Tinney.
Keelan Gillen stepped up and placed his spot kick into the bottom left corner.
Chances kept popping up for the hosts as Gavin McGee headed narrowly wide before the half hour, and just a few moments later, Kildrum doubled their lead. A ball into the area was half cleared, and it sat up perfectly for Frank McBrearty to catch on the half volley, and Thomas McLaughlin could only watch as the ball nestled in the bottom left corner.
It was almost a three-goal advantage shortly before halftime, as Aaron Temple’s precise cross was headed onto the top of the bar by Gillen.
As the game approached the hour mark, Oldtown Celtic were left with nine players on the pitch. An unfortunate clash of heads left Thomas McLaughlin unable to continue, and Michael Gibson took over the goalkeeping duties.
Shortly after swapping positions, he was called into action and made two strong saves to deny Glenn Bovaird and Gareth Colhoun.
There was nothing the stand-in keeper could do a few minutes later though as Gavin McGee was able to prod home from point-blank range after a corner in from Colhoun.
Bovaird had a few more pops at goal from distance as the minutes ticked away, but nothing was able to get beyond the gloves of Gibson.
Kildrum Tigers: Sean Friel; Aaron Temple, Aaron O’Donnell, Brett McGinty, Gavin McGee; Frank McBrearty, Corey McBride-Gillen, Conur Crossan, Keelan Gillen; Dan Coyle, Ciaran Tinney.
Subs: Gareth Colhoun and Glenn Bovaird for Temple and McBrearty(62 mins), Ryan Higgins, Aaron Devenney and Shea McDaid for McBride-Gillen, Gillen and Tinney(66 mins)
Oldtown Celtic: Thomas McLaughlin; Patrick McLaughlin, Kyle Gormley, Joe Friel, Michael Gibson; Ciaran Gibson, Kelvin Anderson, Joseph McCarron, Kyle Quill; Paul McLaughlin, Luke Nelis.
Subs:
Referee: Ryan Carlin
Game at a Glance
Player of the Match – Frank McBrearty(Kildrum Tigers) – While only on the pitch for an hour, his contribution was significant. He was able to dictate much of the play in midfield, and his goal was a beauty.
Turning Point – With a two-goal cushion and a man advantage, the result was just a formality as the game reached halftime. One further strike in the second half just added an extra degree of comfort as the game edged towards its conclusion.
The Whistler – In testing conditions, Ryan Carlin had a quiet afternoon, other than a five minute spell in the first half where he issued a red card for dissent, and the penalty was as clear-cut as they come.
Talking Point – This duo last season were the top two in the division as Oldtown Celtic triumphed, while Kildrum Tigers lifted the Voodoo Venue Cup.
While Kildrum have kept their stride and have sealed the title with time to spare, it has been different fortunes for Oldtown Celtic, who find themselves stuck in 9th position.
This also ends a run of four consecutive titles for Oldtown Celtic.
What’s Next – Both teams are on home soil next week as Kildrum Tigers host Letterkenny Rovers, while Oldtown Celtic play Drumbar United.