Rainey’s rocket

Rainey’s rocket

25 January 2012

KILLYLEAGH’S Paul Rainey (inset) delivered a knock-out blow to severely dent Kilmore’s fading title hopes in a low key Kill-Classico at Robert Adams Park.

Rainey struck with deadly precision in the 41st minute to score the only goal of the game as Killyleagh produced a stunning smash and grab raid.

In a relaxed opening spell, neither side was able to create anything of note with the respective defences on top. To be fair, the gusting wind made life difficult and passes of more than 15 yards became a lottery.

Kilmore’s Stevie Rogan was the one player on the pitch who looked intent and capable of breaking the stalemate, but his scything runs from midfield floundered when he ran out of support.

There was a lot of huff and puff all over the park, except in the penalty box and the game suffered as a spectacle, but Rogan continued to pose problems to Killyleagh.

With 30 minutes gone he threaded a delightful through ball into the path of Peter Casey, but he was denied by a smart interception by goalkeeper Michael McKenna, who was off his line in a flash.

Five minutes later Rogan again tried to unlock a resolute Killyleagh back four, but the door was slammed shut by man of the match Niall Walsh, who was impeccable at the heart of the Killyleagh defence alongside Gary Murdock.

With 37 minutes gone Karl Lewis, who ran himself stupid out on the right flank, fired over a good ball to the back post, but Philip Traynor could only manage to stab the ball wide.

Killyleagh had played the dopes on a rope to perfection and with 41 minutes gone countered with venom.

Justin Sullivan took a quick throw out on the left, Hugh Dickson flicked the ball on and Rainey pounced to drill it unerringly past Nathan Curran.

The second half was another cat and mouse affair with Kilmore enjoying plenty of the ball, but doing absolutely nothing with it in front of goal as Killyleagh held firm.

A toothless Kilmore attack failed to really bother McKenna, but with 72 minutes gone he got his hands warmed by a stinging strike from Traynor as Kilmore started to shoot from distance, such was their luck trying to work the ball past Walsh and co.

It was all hands to the pump at the back for Killyleagh as Kilmore continued to push forward in numbers, but it just wasn’t happening for the Rec.

With 79 minutes gone Andy Kilmartin floated a cross into Peter Telford, but his volley, which he caught on the full, sailed over the bar. Traynor also chanced his arm with a volley from outside the box, but he too was off target as Killyleagh held on to take three invaluable points.

Killyleagh entertain Downpatrick in another big derby on Saturday.

Kilmore Rec: N. Curran, P. Gill, M. Miskelly, J. Cheevers, M. Holland, S. Rogan, K. Lewis, A. Kilmartin, B. Connolly, P. Casey, P. Traynor. Subs: P. Telford, S. Galbraith, S. Bell.

Killyleagh YC: M. McKenna, J. Kennedy, H. Ross, N. Walsh, G. Murdock, H. Dickson, J. Heron, D. McConnell, P. Rainey, B. Walsh, J. Sullivan. Subs: I, Mannus, D. Davidson, G. Murray.

Kilmore Rec 0

Killyleagh YC 1

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