Feature game

Christopher Stanley Division 1 Cup (Preliminary)

Monasterevin AFC 1 Kilcullen AFC 0

Monasterevin invited Kilcullen this morning for a return match after Kilcullen got the better of Monasterevin 4-3 after extra time in the Lumsden League Cup. The match kicked off and both teams played lovely football distributing the ball through the thirds. A fiery pace and end to end for the first fifteen minutes however neither keeper was really tested. A shot from Monasterevin striker Kyle Downey needed a great save from Julian Benitez in goal who saved over the bar. 

The incoming corner was defended well from Kilcullen and broke well with the midfield. The ball was distributed to Ben Haslam on the left who came inside and distributed the ball to Kian McGowan who connected with the Dave Wilson upfront. Dave turned on the defender who appeared to handball inside the box however the referee didn’t agree and a clearance from the defenders afterwards. It was nip and tuck from both teams in the first half and was very competitive. Monasterevin won a free kick and shot on goal. A great finish from Kyle Downey  however there was a player offside and the call was a free out, leaving it even steven. 

The second half kicked off and again the pace was frantic, back and forth from both teams. the break through came from a free kick from twenty yards for a foul outside the box on Steven McNally. A five man wall from Kilcullen was not good enough to stop the strike from the impressive Kyle Downey which was well finished. Kilcullen reacted very positively with chance after chance created but unfortunately the decision in the final third was poor. The finishing from the Kilcullen forwards was left wanting and needed more composure. A dominating performance in the second half with Monasterevin sitting in with their 1-0 lead.  

The introduction of Luke Boland, Darragh Coughlan and Sean Furlong was implemented, and a formation change in place. Unfortunately for Kilcullen the Monasterevin wall stood firm and finished the game 1-0. Congratulations and best of luck to Monasterevin in the rest of the cup run. Standout performances on the day came from Kyle Downey, Leon Moody, Conor Ryan, and Robert Heavey. However, it was Luke O’Toole who earned Man of the Match honours with a commanding display throughout.