Kill finally played their first tie of the Vere Deane cup against an inform Clontarf. Despite it being Kills first in the tournament Clontarf had won their previous three and are now through to the 1/4 finals.
A bobbly, wind swept st Anne's was the venue as both teams looked for 3 points. Kill lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with Devaney in for Brady-Mullen and Maguire in for Fagan. Kill started the game sharply with the front 3 of Conroy, Power and Kinsella looking lively. It was however the hosts who got the first goal. Against the run of play they foiled kills offside trap and went 1 up. Devaney was replaced by Brady Mullen after the goal due to injury. The lead didn't last long as some excellent Kill pressing saw a poor passback from the Clontarf right back and Power 1 on 1 with the keeper. He doesn't miss those chances and Kill we're back in the game. At 1-1 it was all Celtic. Montgomery should have been awarded a penalty as he was clipped when through on goal. A few moments later justice was served as the red n black were awarded a penalty after brilliant work by Maguire down the right hand side. He beat 3 men played a 1-2 with Power and was fouled as he lined up the shot. Power took the penalty and dispatched calmly. Moments later Clontarf were level after a poor throw in from O Connor (N) was punished. To make matters worse within 30 seconds Clontarf went into the lead. A long ball over the top went over the centre backs heads and was chipped over the head of Kilkelly.
As the HT whistle blew Kill only had themselves to blame for not being ahead. Fagan was brought on for O Connor (N) to sure up the defence. It was up to Kill's talisman, Power to drag them back into the game. After a neat fake shot from Kinsella the parried shot saw a goalmouth scramble. Power was taken out by the goalkeeper and the ref correctly awarded a penalty. That man Power tucked away the penalty and got his hat-trick. It was a cause of Dejavu again for kill as within a minute they had once again conceded. Some shabby defending saw a cross and the easiest of finishes for the Clontarf striker. Carroll was introduced for Kinsella and he stretched the game out well. His pace was causing all sorts of problems. Fagan and Carroll started to link up well as Kill dominated possession. Carroll missed a decent chance to bring Kill level. Davis was then brought on for the injured O connor (L). He instantly showed his experience stroking the ball around. It was from his initial pass where Kill drew level. An over the top ball was intercepted by the Clontarf keeper outside the box who could only clear to Cusack. Cool as you like, from 25 yards, Cusack pinged the ball first time and it was inch perfect.
4-4 in the last five minutes and Kill looked they did enough to get a hard fought point. However once again they conceded, this time from a corner. Kill to their credit didn't give up and with virtually the last kick of the game a long ball fell to Conroy who showed impeccable strength holding off two Clontarf defenders before laying off to Montgomery who cooly slotted into the bottom corner.
A real sickener for Clontarf but with 10 points out of 12 they top the group stage. Kill will now have to win the next three group games in order to qualify for the 1/4 final.
MOTM: Stephen Power.
