Under 15 Kynog United V Athy Town

Kynog United 3
Athy Town    2
 
A closely contested game took place in Kynog Park on Saturday last between two fully committed teams. Donal McGrath opened the scoring for Kynog in the 12th minute. Athy started to gain control of midfield with Dylan Kelly prominent and the visitors defence was being well marshalled by Mark Robertson. The home teams defence had Jack Kenny and Eamon Cox at its heart and both were excelling on the day. Athy equalised in the 29th minute following a free kick that saw Cian Gilligan make a great reflex save only for the ball to find James Clancy who found the roof of the net. The remainder of the half saw the visitors with most of the possession but unable to create chances.
The second half saw the introduction of Darren Carty and Conor Staines for the home team. Kynog started to increase the tempo of their game and fewer passes were going astray. Athy always looked threatening at set pieces.They deservedly took the lead in the 48th minute when Sean Ronan found Karl Foley whose effort found the back of the Kynog net. The home team responded well and were awarded a free kick  some 25 yards out which was driven home by Martin Baneham. Kynog were now creating chances and a great run and pass by Conor Staines found Donal McGrath whose shot shaved the crossbar. Kynog retook the lead in the 68th minute when a Conor Staines shot was well saved by David O Toole only for Shane Merriman to follow up and score from the rebound. There was enough time left for Shane Merriman to force a tremendous save from David O Toole diving high to his left. At the other end Athy went in search of an equaliser but were denied by some resolute defending.Kynog can be proud of a tremendous team effort on the day.