NADAFL KitRoom Cup final Strangford 5 Ardglass 1
Strangford secured a memorable League KitRoom Cup victory on Saturday evening, thrashing Premier Division table-toppers Ardglass 5-1. Ardglass began the brighter of the two sides at Robert Adams Park, but it was Strangford who created the first notable opportunity when Conal Fitzsimmons’ header was cleared off the line.
Just two minutes later, veteran John Beattie put Ardglass ahead after the Strangford defence failed to clear the ball. However, Strangford grew into the game midway through the first half and earned an equaliser on 37 minutes, with Owen Curran slotting home from close range. Curran then came close to giving his side the lead on the stroke of half-time, but his shot went just wide of the post.
The second half started at a frenetic pace, with Strangford largely on the front foot. Luc Tolan and Paul Donnelly both had excellent chances, but their efforts narrowly missed the target, while Jordan Finnegan’s powerful header was well saved by Strangford keeper Padraig Sloan.
The match swung dramatically in the final 20 minutes. Substitute Luke Shields gave Strangford the lead after Thomas Fitzsimons chased a loose ball, intercepted Ardglass keeper James Crangle, and pulled it back to Jack Fitzsimons. Though Fitzsimons’ effort was blocked, Shields was on hand to fire home confidently. Strangford extended their lead in the 77th minute when Conal Fitzsimmons was brought down in the box, and he calmly converted the resulting penalty.
Marty Craig and Frankie Black’s side continued to dominate, soon benefiting from an own goal when a long-range strike deflected off Ardglass defender Ryan McKinney, making it 4-1. The night was completed in the 85th minute as substitute James Shields crossed for Fitzsimmons, who found space and scored his second goal, sealing a resounding 5-1 victory.
It was a Saturday to remember for Strangford, who exacted revenge for their earlier quarter-final defeat to Ardglass in the Harry Clarke Cup.
