Football: Killymoon Rangers brave in cup semi defeat against Ballynure

They got off to the worst start possible by conceding a goal in the first minute. Ricky Higgins scored from a left wing cross. On 10 minutes Killymoon got a free kick outside the box. Geoff Booth had his shot saved. The match was competitive with tackles and challenges going in from both teams all over the pitch. It was an end to end match and Ballynure were unable to convert any of their chances. Killymoon came back into the match and created chances of their own. A free kick went wide at the back post while Killymoon’s next chance was a short free from Geoff Booth to Roger Greer. His shot was blocked and the ball fell to Andrew Chesney who back-heeled the ball wide. On 37 minutes a Booth free kick came back off the far post. Just before half time a Jamie O’Neill free kick into the box was met by Andrew Chesney and his header was saved on the line by the keeper. The game continued in the second half much like the first. Ballynure always looked dangerous, trying to get the ball in behind the ‘Moon defence. Killymoon held on and equalised on 60 minutes. Danny Maguire scored with a header from a Stuart Donaghy right wing cross. Ballynure threw everything at Killymoon but were unable to find a way through the visitors defence and five added minutes of stoppage time made no difference. Ballynure took the lead again in the 94th minute. Ricky Higgins got his second of the game. In the second period of extra time Killymoon were reduced to 10 men when Geoff Booth received a second yellow. Ballynure made certain with a third goal which Gary Stewart will be disappointed with. Ballynure OB will now meet Dunloy in the O’Gorman Cup final at Allen Park in Antrim on Friday 20th May at 7pm. Killymoon have no match this Saturday and are at home to Brantwood on Saturday 30th April at 2pm - their final match of the season. Killymoon Rangers are holding a poker classic on Friday 22nd April at 8pm in the Royal Hotel in Cookstown. Tickets are available from all club members or just turn up on the night. Killymoon Rangers are holding their annual dinner (which this year is a barbecue) on Saturady 14th May in the Royal Hotel in Cookstown. Killymoon would like to pass on their condolences to ex-referee Cyril Coalter following the death of his mother.