U16 Football League - Kickhams Vs Glenravel
17 April 2008
Kickhams Creggan 1-12
Glenravel 3-5
Kickhams U16's opened up their league campaign last night with a 1 point win at home to Glenravel. Over the piece, Creggan were the better side, though they started off fairly sluggish and found themselves a goal and a point down in the opening few minutes.
Once they got going though, they turned this deficit around by shooting 1-5 to take the lead before Glenravel registered their next score. Aidan McKeown, playing at full forward, got all but 1 point of this opening salvo with Mark Russell getting the other score. Unfortunately for Mark this was his last significant contribution of the game as he was forced to go off injured with what looked like a sore knee knock.
Up until now Aidan McKeown was in devastating form at full forward but he was brought out to midfield in the resultant re-shuffle denying the forward line that much needed strength and height.
Glenravel took advantage of this and pressed forward to notch 1-3 without reply, though this didn't seem to stop big Aidan as he continued his scoring spree with another 2 points. Matthew Nelson finished the first half scoring by slotting over a point to leave the scores 1-8 to 2-4 in favour of the home side.
The second period was something of a scrappy affair with scores at a premium for both sides. Creggan were winning their fair share of ball around the middle of the field but when it was transferred to the forward line it just wasn't sticking.
Creggan opened the scoring in the second half with 3 points on the bounce. One from the boot of that man McKeown again, and an absolute corker of a point from Declan McCann, who made a foray up field from full back. Not to be outdone by his namesake, Conor got in on the act and slotted over a fine long range score of his own.
This seemed to spur Glenravel in to action as they hit back immediately with 2 points of their own. Late, late drama was to follow when a hopeful ball was lobbed in to the Kickhams goal where a high bounce outwitted the home 'keeper and the ball found its way to the net. Finding themselves a point down with the clock quickly ticking away, Conor McCann raced up the field to level the match with an equalising point.
The drama didn't end there though as Creggan were awarded a last second penalty and an opportunity to win the match. Instructions from the line to take the point were duly applied by Aidan McKeown with the final whistle blowing at the resultant kick out. Full time score Kickhams 1-12 Glenravel 3-5
The home side got out of jail in this match and a higher scoring ratio from the forward line is a must if this side are to make in roads in to the league. In fairness they were without Martin Johnston through injury who would have made a big difference in this department. Martin should be back on the pitch in the coming week.
Best for Creggan on the night were Declan McCann, Conor McCann and Aidan McKeown who finished with a personal tally of 1-8.
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