Killymoon Rangers strike late to claim victory

Ballysillan Swifts 2

A late wonder strike from Dunn won all three points for Killymoon in this five goal thriller at a buzzing Beechway on Saturday afternoon.

Killymoon pressed early on and Greer was able to put the visiting defence under pressure to win an early corner but it was eventually cleared.

Up the other end Brown had to be alert to deal with a dangerous cross from the right winger to tip the ball over for a corner.

Ballysillan should have taken the lead when they broke the offside trap but Brown made himself big to deny a goal.

Hunter was a handful in the midfield and he won a free kick but McGaw saw his effort wide.

Campbell showed great skill and composure on the edge of the box creating a chance for himself but it sailed just past the right corner of the goal.

Donaghy was able to get a header on target on Killymoon’s next attack but he couldn’t get enough power on it to trouble the keeper.

Full back Taylor was next to try his luck this time from range and sailed just over the bar much to the relief of the Ballysillan keeper.

Killymoon had the ball in the back of the net when Greer slotted home at the far post but the referee add ruled that Dunn fouled the keeper.

Leslie took a page from Taylor’s book and chanced his luck from range but it was wide. Dunn saw a volley dip just a little too late landing on the roof of the net after getting on the end of Donaghy’s flick.

Then against the run of play the visitors took the lead. A cross came from the right allowed the Ballysillan player to power the ball into the roof of the net right on the stroke of half time.

Killymoon started the second half the brighter and Donaghy nearly got on the end of Taylor’s cross but saw his effort go wide.

Killymoon’s early second half pressure was finally rewarded courteously of McGaw’s equaliser. Campbell’s corner came in, Leslie dummied the ball and McGaw, unmarked, slotted the ball home.

Moments later Dunn broke the offside trap but the keeper had a good starting position and was able to get to the ball first.

Ballysillan should have re-taken the lead when the visiting striker found himself unmarked but his effort sailed over the bar.

A succession of corners for the home side followed, Ferry saw his nearly curl into the net and Dunn’s found the head of McGaw who put it over the bar.

Killymoon took a well deserved lead around the hour mark. Dunn pounced on the Ballysillan keeper and knicked the ball away from him before slotting the ball home.

However the visitor’s did find an equaliser. Donaghy conceded a free kick and the visitors put the ball into the box and the big target man powered his header past the helpless Brown.

The drama wasn’t over as the home side took the lead in injury time. Dunn received the ball on the right and cut inside onto his left food and unleashed a curler into the top corner to give the Ballysillan keeper no chance.

Billysillan should have equalised right at the depth but an outstanding save from Brown ensured all three points for Killymoon.

Killymoon Rangers: Brown, Taylor, Leslie, McGaw, Allen, J. Ferry, Donaghy, Hunter, Dunn, Campbell. Subs: McLoughlin, R. Ferry, Millar

The club would like to thank those in attendance for their tremendous support on Saturday afternoon. Training continues on Tuesday night at Lough Fea (7.30pm) and on Thursday night at MUSA at 7.30pm.

Plans are well under way for Killymoon Rangers’ first ever Auction night with club sponsorThe Royal Hotel, Cookstown being the venue for this unique fundraising event. Killymoon players, management, committee and fans have been donating items to be auctioned off for the event, being held on Friday 19th September with viewing of items and reserved bids taken from 5pm.

In what promises to be a great nights entertainment, immediately following the auction the club will be holding a fun table quiz, with everyone very welcome to come along and join in, kids free and adults £5 with a maximum of six per team.

A club spokesperson said, “We hope all our fans, players and the general Cookstown public will come along to pick up some great bargains at the auction and of course we can still take more items so please contact any players or committee member or message our Facebook Page.

“The table quiz starts after the auction and will be a real family nights entertainment, so come along and support us in this our first fundraiser of the year.”