Match Report - Carrick United 4-3 Kilbarry Rangers

Match Report Carrick United 4-3 Kilbarry Rangers It was another crazy game today full of thrills and spills from the start as we went up against title chasing Carrick United. It would be Carrick who started the better and they took the lead when their striker used his experience to place a brilliant finish past Tom for 1-0. We responded well and we equalized when Liam Burke robbed the centre back of the ball and played a very good pass in behind for Daniel Mihalache who took one touch and buried the ball past the keeper, thats now 2 in 2 for Danny and we were at 1-1. We took the lead in what can only be described as bizarre circumstances when Padraig Spillane chased down a ball off the keeper who subsequently hammered the ball off his chest and the ball trickled over the line for 2-1. Shortly later we nearly got what would have been a crucial goal, the strike force and midfield linked up well and slipped in Sam Hogan who rifled a terrific effort goal-ward however the keeper made up for his error and produced an incredible save onto the post. Carrick equalized a few minutes into the second half, the ball was not cleared and a pinball like affair followed and a Carrick player done very well to flick the ball over Tom for 2-2. Midway through the second half we were awarded a penalty for a handball. Peter Grogan stepped up and despite a good touch from the keeper it ended up in the net for 3-2. A few injuries to the already long list we had saw us shuffling around the team and we held out brilliantly for as long as we could however with 7 minutes additional time Carrick piled bodies forward and the ball fell kindly to their striker and he placed it beyond Tom for 3-3. Sadly Carrick were awarded a penalty with one of the last kicks of the game and Tom nearly got to it but it was dispatched and was met with wild celebrations from the home team. 4-3. We nearly created something with the last kick of the game when Harry Ruddle who had a terrific game ghosted in behind and he played the ball across goal and we nearly got a crucial touch on it but it was well blocked and the full time whistled sounded. Overall despite the defeat its probably the best performance we have had despite our recent positive results. There has been days when we have played better football but in terms of battling and digging in it was definitely a day to be proud of the players, from 1 to 11 everyone was superb and if we play like that for the rest of the season we will finish very strongly. Well done to the lads to put in a brilliant performance despite having 4 bad injuries to deal with. Next up is Stradbally away in the league which is next Sunday at 11am, the following week we play Villa at home in the cup, thats Saturday March 7th at 2pm. If possible try get out and support the lads, they are a team of good footballers with a terrific work ethic and passion for the club and they are doing the Kilbarry Rangers name proud. Onto the next one!