Kildrum Tigers progressed to the last 32 of the FAI Junior Cup after a hard-fought victory over Dublin based side Blackrock College FC.
Kildrum Tigers 2 Blackrock College 0
By Stuart Connolly at Station Road Park
Matt Crossan fired home with the game in its infancy and a Kevin McHugh free kick midway through the second half sealed the win.
The visitors, who showcase their talents in the Ledburn Cables Major Sunday Division of the Leinster Senior League, travelled to the town of St. Johnston occupying 10th spot.
Many believe that to be a false position as they have as many as five games in hand on some of their rivals.
Kildrum, for their part, sit third in the Brian McCormick Sports Premier, chasing Kilmacrennan Celtic and Cappry Rovers with a game in hand.
Shane McGinty’s side got off to the perfect start, opening the scoring inside 90 seconds.
Kevin McHugh played through Matt Crossan on the edge of the area, the pass looked over hit, allowing player-manager Evan O’Brien to rush off his line but Crossan nipped in ahead, taking the ball past him before finishing from an acute angle.
Minutes later at the other end of the pitch, Crossan was fulfilling his defensive duties too, getting in a timely block to thwart a close range shot on goal by Scott Cullinane.
Kildrum may have had the chance to double their lead with a little under 20 minutes gone, with McHugh the attacking party, but to his annoyance was flagged offside.
Blackrock carved out a couple of chances as the game edged towards the half hour with John O’Keane assisting both efforts. Fred Kenny met the first cross but headed over, while Brian Horgan got his head on the next ball in but he directed it wide.
Matt Crossan fired the last effort of the half, his free kick on the right struck the side netting as Kildrum held a tender lead at the interval.
Blackrock started the second half well, enjoying a strong portion of the possession but chances created were few and far between.
Luke Toland struck the post from close range approaching the hour and Odhran McMacken went close not long after as Kildrum went in search of a second.
With a little under 15 minutes to go, that second goal was scored.
McHugh whipped in a free from the left and the shine of the sun may have blinded O’Brien in nets as the set piece evaded everyone and nestled in the bottom right corner.
Kildrum invited pressure late in the game and parked themselves in the corner any chance they got in attempt to run down the clock.
Horgan had a late effort to set up a tense final minutes but Jamie McKinney got a block in as Kildrum progressed to the next round with a clean sheet.
Kildrum Tigers: Rory Carr; Gary Crossan, Shaun Crossan, Jamie McKinney, Matthew Crossan; Connor Crossan, Oran Higgins, Damien Crossan, Luke Toland; Kevin McHugh, Odhran McMacken. Subs: Michael Lynch for G.Crossan (56), Gareth Colhoun for Higgins (68), Michael Ayton for Toland (78).
Blackrock: Evan O’Brien; Mark Lyons, Jack Reilly, Fred Kenny, Sam Walsh; James Shiggins, Rob Love, Scott Cullinane, John O’Keane; Brian Horgan, Cormac Cullinane. Subs: Colm Daly for O’Keane (76 mins), James O’Neill for S.Cullinane (78 mins), Harry Norris for Lyons (85 mins).
Referee: Dessie McLaughlin.
