11am 9 July 2023
Mayo Super League
Kiltimagh Knock United 2 Ballina Town 1 (att 42)
A few miles separate the villages of Kiltimagh and Knock, with the clubs' home ground, CMS Park, in between the two at Cloonlee.
It's actually closer to Knock, so I'm guessing it was Knock United's ground before they joined forces with Kiltimagh Athletic, to form Kiltimagh Knock United, in 2002.
It's a very rural location but a good facility. There's plenty of parking, a modern pavilion, and two full-sized grass pitches, as well as a smaller 3G pitch. The main pitch is fenced off on three sides, roped on the fourth, with dugouts on the car park side.
Beyond the roped off side youngsters were being put through their paces by coaches on the second pitch. Meanwhile the club's senior side was gaining an impressive, and surprising, win against high-flying Ballina Town.
They had the perfect start, when a defensive mix up presented them with the easiest of a chances for a third minute lead. They rode their luck at times but held the advantage into half time.
Three minutes into the second period a penalty allowed them to double their tally. That sparked a response from Ballina, who upped their game and soon reduced to arrears to 2-1.
The rest of the game was mostly Ballina attacks against Kiltimagh Knock defence. The home side were hanging on, and it seemed a matter of time before the visitors equalised.
Their golden chance was a penalty, but it was well saved, and the home side held on to win. A stoppage time Ballina red card was the final nail in their hopes.
Comments
Post a Comment