McGrattan on the spot for Kilmore in cup win

McGrattan on the spot for Kilmore in cup win

16 October 2024

KILMORE Rec welcomed Carrick Rangers Reserves to Robert Adams Park, looked to continue their winning ways.

It was a close encounter throughout, but Kilmore very much had the majority of possession.

Kilmore’s first opportunity came after only two minutes with Philip Doran taking aim from the edge of the box, but his shot was well watched by the goalkeeper.

Ten minutes later, Kilmore captain Jack Larkin had a header cleared off the line following a corner by Joseph Burns.

Kilmore kept up the pressure and were rewarded with their opening goal in the 18th minute when Patrick Grant was given the space to fire a low ball shot into the right hand corner of the net.

Carrick equalised four minutes later when a clearance rebounded and Elliott Wood capitalised to get the better of the Kilmore keeper. Kilmore came close to restoring their lead in the 30 minute when Caolan Conlon’s through ball found Rhys Flanagan, who got around his marker inside the box, but shot just over the bar.

Second half started with Kilmore coming out of the traps quickly and  Flanagan again went close, but his effort was well saved by the Carrick keeper.

Doran headed just wide, John Mahoney struck a post and Larkin headed just over the bar as Kilmore continued to pile on the pressure.

Kilmore replaced Flanagan with Declan McComiskey and it didn’t take long for the substitute to make an impact.

Receiving a pass from Cal Gemmell, he shot on goal, but somehow the keeper made a great save.

On 75 minutes Shay McGrattan brought down inside the box and the referee automatically pointed to the penalty spot.

McGrattan dusted himself down and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way as he smashed the ball into the net.

Grant had a chance to make it 3-1, but shot just over the bar.

Kilmore will be happy to get the win, but will be frustrated that not was not by a larger margin, although Carricks played well to keep it a close match.

Kilmore: L McGonagle, J Mahoney, C Gemmell, J Larkin, J Burns, R Flanagan, C Conlon, P Grant, M Carvill, P Doran. Subs: J Murray, S McGrattan, D McComiskey.