A free that was the last kick of the game sent Kildress tumbling to a 1-10 to 1-11 defeat to Castlederg at Gortacladdy today and continued their difficulties with their injury-hit return to Junior football. This was another entertaining game, even if played in bitterly cold and difficult conditions and with 15 of its 23 scores coming from frees. Enda McAleer’s goal had helped Kildress to a 1-5 to 0-4 half-time lead but despite Gerard Grimes’ brilliant early penalty save, Castlederg went on to take charge of the second half, scoring five points in-a-row to lead by the three-quarter stage. Frees from Philip Lennon (0-5 in total) and Matty McGuigan (0-4) put The Tones ahead again and although Pauric Lagan’s fine late point seemed to have snatched a draw after Castlederg had goaled, that late free sent the points westwards. Wing-backs Callum Holland and Tiernan McNamee and midfielders Enda McAleer and Pauric Lagan played very well for Kildress but injuries are definitely taking their toll on the strength and depth of the team.
Meanwhile Kildress Reserves remain top-of-the-Table following their 2-16 to 4-7 win over Castlederg. Those injuries saw The Tones team have a decidedly experienced look, with Sean Beggs, Damian Kelly, Marty Loughran and Shea Loughran all prominent.
