Match Reports >> 2009 Match Reports >> Crossmolina 2-4 Knock & Kiltimagh United

May 30th 2009 Crossmolina 2-4 Knock & Kiltimagh United

Match report courtesy of Cormac Dowling, Western People

A MORE clinical and better organised Kiltimagh/Knock outfit outfought and out-thought their opponents on Saturday last to register a deserved victory despite a late scare. Kiltimagh/Knock were impressive going forward throughout and, unlike Crossmolina, had a striker in flawless form in the shape of Shane Prendergast. The skilful front-man oozed with class from start to finish, and gave an exhibition in finishing with a sublime hat-trick that ultimately proved the difference between the two sides. Enjoying the majority of possession after the kick-off, it was Kiltimagh/Knock who penetrated their opponent’s rear-guard with greater ease, and may have opened the deadlock had Mark Fox not reacted well to two early goal-bound strikes. First, Andy Ledbetter flashed a warning of his potency with a threatening shot after good work on the left wing sliced open the Crossmolina defence. Then, moments later, Shane Prendergast barrelled his way past a couple of challenges before despatching another shot goalwards that again warranted intervention from Mark Fox in goal. There was a sense of inevitability, such was Kiltimagh/Knock’s fluidity in attack, and the visitors finally did open their account in the 19th minute with a wonder goal from their star man Prendergast. The in-form striker left Cross’ keeper Mark Fox with little chance when his magnificent curling effort from 35 yards flew into the roof of the net to leave Crossmolina reeling. Crossmolina did respond commendably and almost levelled in the 27th minute when their talismanic midfielder Stewart Griffin fired a goal-bound free-kick from just outside the box only to see his excellent effort brilliantly kept out by Kiltimagh/Knock stopper Niall Walsh who dived to his left and palmed it around the post. However, in a cruel twist of fate for the home side, it was Kiltimagh/Knock who were next to rattle the onion bag when Shane Prendergast grabbed his second by blasting home from close range, after a long ball caused a major mix-up in the Cross’ rearguard leaving Prendergast with an easy finish to leave his side 2-0 up at the interval.

The second 45 minutes proved a more open affair as Crossmolina threw caution to the wind in the hope of reeling in the visitors, and would have reduced their arrears had Enda Jordan’s shot finished just inches more to the left and not crashed off the upright. Despite Crossmolina’s positivity in attack, they were left demoralised when Shane Prendergast completed his hat-trick with another trade-mark effort. The big front-man turned two men before powering into the box and unleashing a terrific left foot effort that sailed into the left corner of the net, to virtually put the game beyond doubt. Crossmolina’s reaction was impeccable, surging numbers forward at any given opportunity and giving Kiltimagh/Knock food for thought in the closing stages when Stuart Griffin and Mark Howley amazingly brought their side just a goal behind in the dying stages with a pair of excellent headed efforts . As Crossmolina pushed almost every outfield player into the opposing half in search of that elusive equaliser, they left their defence totally exposed and when Kiltimagh/Knock wrestled possession in the middle of the park, Andy Ledbetter was released in attack. One on one, Ledbetter made no mistake and coolly ended the contest with a left foot finish to send his side deservedly cruising into Round 3.

Crossmolina - Mark Fox, Jason Canavan, Daragh Carroll, Anthony Timoney, Kenny Cavanagh, Paul Flaherty, Seán Hiney, Stewart Griffin, Mark Howley, Derek Greham, Enda Jordan.

Knock & Kiltimagh - Niall Walsh, Brian Gallagher, Derek Higgins, Damian Gallagher, Tommy Prendergast, Damian Glavey, Connor Prendergast, Connor Groarke (c), Andy Ledbetter, Shane Prendergast, James Cullane.

Referee: Mick McCay.

Match Reports >> 2009 Match Reports >> Crossmolina 2-4 Knock & Kiltimagh United