Late, late Walsh strike secures the points for Kilmore Rec

Late, late Walsh strike secures the points for Kilmore Rec

9 November 2022

KILMORE Rec defeated league rivals Dunmurry for the second time in as many weeks in a contest that treated spectators to a thrilling finale at Robert Adams Park on Saturday.

Despite taking the lead twice, it seemed as if the Blues would have to settle for a share of the spoils as the game entered the final minute of added time.

However, with what was essentially the last kick of the match, midfielder Barry Walsh’s strike flew past Dunmurry ‘keeper Matthew McClurg, who could nothing but watch as the ball nestled into the corner to seal the victory for Kilmore.

The game kicked off in warm, sunny conditions as both teams looked to stamp their authority early.

The visitors were seeking revenge following their previous week’s 5-2 loss to the Blues, but it would be Kilmore who would strike first.

A spectacular finish from Kilmore wing wizard Shay McGrattan opened the scoring, with 18 minutes gone, after a dangerous cross into the box was headed high into the air by the Dunmurry defence.

Keeping his eye on the ball on its way down, the onrushing McGrattan opted to connect with a first time volley from the edge of the box which curved into the top corner in what will surely be considered as a goal of the season contender.

Kilmore promptly looked to double their tally with striker Joe McKinney dancing past three Dunmurry defenders before falling inside the box from what he perceived to be a foul.

However, these penalty appeals were sharply waved off by the referee.

To add insult to injury, Dunmurry equalised moments later.

An inviting free-kick delivery into the Kilmore box lofted onto the head of defender Patrick Larkin, who had an easy finish as ‘keeper Christopher Turley had opted to leave his line but failed to clear the danger.

Kilmore remained undeterred and quickly regrouped with the aim of gaining the lead once more.

Firstly, defender Christopher Magee – who was awarded the man of the match – saw his effort go wide before team-mate John Patterson had his strike saved by McClurg.

Patterson was particularly impressive in the midfield during the early stages of this encounter, winning tackle after tackle whilst tracking back to assist his defence.

It wasn’t just the home team who pressed for the lead, as Dunmurry captain Stephen McNeice poked the ball into the back of the Kilmore net from yet another set piece moments before half-time.

However, this was chalked off for an infringement in the box during the build up to the relief of the hosts.

A series of yellow cards followed, with Dunmurry’s Ryan Wilson, Adam Irwin and Joseph Mulholland, as well as Kilmore captain Anton McGrattan, all entering the book for mistimed challenges.

A large portion of the second half followed the same pattern, with Kilmore launching attacks at will and Dunmurry comfortable to put 11 men behind the ball and break on the counter.

Kilmore’s persistence paid off with just over 15 minutes to go as striker McKinney went on another of his trademark runs before he was unfairly brought down in the box for an awarded penalty kick.

Player-manager Michael Carvill made no mistake with his finish, sending the ‘keeper the wrong way and giving his side the lead once more.

With Kilmore seemingly in the ascendancy, Dunmurry ripped up the and drew level from an unlikely scenario.

A free-kick from forward Adam Brown, which at first glance should have posed minimal threat, somehow managed to navigate and bobble its way into the net to tie up the score line.

It seemed as if it would be a case of two points ped for Kilmore as the clock quickly wound down.

Dunmurry almost struck Kilmore with a sucker punch after striker Andrew Carberry dubiously beat the offside trap and rounded ‘keeper Turley.

His goal bound shot was fantastically swept off the line by sliding Kilmore defender Magee to keep the game deadlocked.

However, in the 94th minute, debutant teenager Kodi Carson would supply the crucial pass to Kilmore team-mate Barry Walsh, who struck his effort into the right side of the net to send the supporters into delirium and give the Blues the win.

Kilmore: C Turley, C Magee, M Stewart, C Curran, G Kennedy, B Walsh, M Monan, J Patterson, J McKinney, A McGrattan (capt), S McGrattan.

Subs: C Conlon, K Carson, M Carvill.

Yellow card: A McGrattan.

Dunmurry: M McClurg, R Courtney, P Larkin, S Thornton, S McNeice (capt), R Wilson, J Mulholland, A Carberry, A Brown, A Irwin, G Johnston.

Subs: R Lambe, D Carberry, R Murray.

Yellow cards: R Wilson, A Irwin, J Mulholland.