After falling to Castlederg both last season and earlier this year, Kildress made no mistake about the outcome today with a fine 1-14 to 0-5 win in the splendid setting of McHugh Park. Played in perfect conditions, this was possibly Kildress’ best performance of 2019 as they played fast, tenacious and very effective football, especially up front where Matty McGuigan (1-5) provided a particular cutting edge. This was a far from one-sided game though, as the St Eugene’s, physically strong all over the field, constantly brought the game to Kildress only to be let down by a wides tally that ran into double figures. Some of this was down to very good Kildress tackling and covering but on another day Castlederg would have had more to show for their efforts.
By the end of the first quarter Kildress led by 0-3 to 0-2 though they had Gerard Grimes and his colleagues to thank for some last-ditch blocks that prevented at least one Castlederg goal. However, five points in a row, four of them from the classy McGuigan, left the Tones 0-8 to 0-2 ahead at the break. Castlederg needed the opening score of the second half but it was Kildress that got it, Matty McGuigan firing home a wonderful goal. That put Kildress in charge of things and they continued to pick off points to stretch the gap between the teams. This was a very effective all round showing by Kildress but they had exceptional displays from McGuigan, Marty Loughran, Callum Holland, Johnny (0-1) and Adam (0-2) Connolly, Philip Lennon, Caolan McNamee and Pauric Lagan (newly and very effectively placed at centre-half back), whilst sub Paul Connolly chipped in with two points. The game was well refereed by Martin Sludden.
Kildress now move on to face Kileeshil in the Division III Play-Off Final.
Proud to be part of
