Match Report - Kilbarry Rangers 2-1 St Paul’s

It was a top of the table clash and a must win game for us against St Paul’s who came into the fixture with a 100% record winning 3 from 3 so it was set to be a massive test for the lads.

It was St Paul’s who nearly took the lead when a quick translation allowed their striker in behind and despite a clever finish past Kieran there was Ethan Halloran to recover onto the line and clear it away.

As we grew into the game we started to have some chances, a good diagonal ball allowed Ethan Halloran to ghost in behind the Paul’s defence from a wide area after a set piece was cleared, Ethan controlled it brilliantly and squared it for a certain goal but he was judged to be offside, which was very tight!

The opening goal came courtesy of Conor Hennessys left foot. The ball came to him in a wide area on the edge of the box but he hit the ball sweet as a nut from a standing position and hit the ball across goal which perfectly arrowed into the bottom corner for 1-0.

Kieran Houlihan made a fantastic save not long later, a good strike from the edge of the box however our no.1 was down low to push the ball safe.

Paul’s would be level shortly after half time, a good header from a cross but in truth the lads should be disappointed with the defending for the goal.

Again another tight call came when Shane O’Connor finished expertly but was judged to be offside.

We regained the lead in the 75th minute when debutant Daniel Moore capped an impressive display with a brilliant free kick that ended up sailing into the bottom corner for a crucial 2-1 lead.

Shane O’Connor had a chance to kill the game when he cut in on his left foot but hit his effort narrowly over the bar.

The lads were able to see the game out comfortably from here and get another big 3 points.

So well done to the lads, great character to bounce back from a disappointing result in Piltown the week before. Paul’s was always gonna be a tough game as they always are and it was easy to see why they’re up near the top. But we saw it out and got the points to keep our good run going. Next up is a trip to Cappoquin Railway this Saturday at 2pm.