This season’s fiercely competitive 2B league marched on Friday night with another 3 points for Crusaders, but they were made to work for it by a strong Kilbarry outfit who can have no complaints as they set out back home after an entertaining game.
The home side might came out on top in every area on the pitch (except maybe height), and with the returning Cian O’Neill in fine form at centre half alongside the excellent Joe Richards, they quashed every Kilbarry attack early and managed to keep the visitors on their defensive toes throughout.
In midfield, Tommy Smyth and Odhran were on form, bringing wingers Evan Kiely and Ben Brophy into the play throughout, and Ray Balogun caused no end of problems for Rangers with a devastating display of ball control and stregth up front.
The game was decided by a single goal, a well worked move culminating with a Ben Brophy cross and tucked away from close range by Smyth in the 22nd minute.
Paddy O’Neill was called into action early in the second half, smothering Kilbarry’s best effort of the game but in truth, the result was never in doubt once Crusaders got their noses in front.
Result: Crusaders AFC 1 – 0 Kilbarry Rangers
Player of the match: Cian O’Neill
Crusaders AFC 
Leave a comment