Gary Kennedy
Player Manager scored both goals against UUJ.

KILMORE were forced into making numerous changes for this away trip to Jordanstown, but they ended up giving the students a footballing lesson.

The Rec were without no less than nine first team players with Paul Greener, Johnny Cheevers, Philip Gill, Ian Smyth, Stevie Rogan, Niall Murray, Ian Smyth, Michael McGarrity, Chris Perry and Chris McVarnock all missing for one reason or another.

However, managers Gary Kennedy and Paul Mullan drafted in young Ciaran McGarrity for his first team debut at centre half and also gave a start in the middle of the park for the first time this season to Niall McCarthy.

Despite these changes, Kilmore started well and their three teenage defenders, Niall Murray, Ciaran McGarrity and Kerri Grant, gave the Rec a solid platform on which to have a go at their hosts.

With 11 minutes gone Karl Lewis crossed for John Young, but his header was well saved by the UUJ custodian. A minute later Kennedy was also out of luck when his free kick flew narrowly past the upright.

With 19 minutes gone Young ended a forceful run with a powerful shot, but the UUJ goalkeeper made another good save.

UUJ were only able to threaten Kilmore on the break, such was Kilmore's dominance, but with 26 minutes gone they almost took the lead when their midfield playmaker crashed a free kick against the wood work.

Three minutes later at the other end Liam Sloan, who was playing at sweeper, played a delightful through ball into Ryan Adler, but he wasted a good opportunity when he shot over the bar.

The Rec should have taken the lead in the 30th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Philip Traynor was fouled, but Sloan missed the resultant spot kick.

As the half drew to a close, UUJ wasted a good chance when their centre forward headed wide from a good position.

Kilmore started the second half on top, but they were dealt a bad blow in the 57th minutes when Adler hurt his back and was replaced by Peter Kelly.

However, this worked in Kilmore's favour as Kelly moved into midfield and Kennedy pushed up top alongside Philip Traynor.

The visitors went for broke and with 61 minutes gone Traynor turned his marker inside out before putting the ball on a plate for Kennedy and he made no mistake from close in.

UUJ retaliated and with 75 minutes gone they drew level after a neat passing move.

As the weather deteriorated, it became a question of wanted to win most and Kennedy answered that question with aplomb.

With seven minutes remaining a McGarrity free was headed into his path by McCarthy and he did the rest with another accomplished finish to secure all three points for his side.

Kilmore Rec: K. Gordon, M. Murphy, L. Sloan, C. McGarrity, K. Grant, K. Lewis, N. McCarthy, G. Kennedy, J. Young, R. Adler, P. Traynor. Subs: M. Miskelly, N. Obank, P. Kelly.