Once Again The Red Card Decides Outcome Of Game.

Sunday 30.10.2011

Club

Isn’t it funny how what worked in favour of Kildress in the county final went against them in their Ulster Club match with Carrickmacross. The sending off in the county final had a huge bearing on the game and it was the same today. This time however Kildress were on the receiving end of the decision and when Peter Hagan was red carded the effect on both sides was more than noticeable. Carrickmacross had not really been in the game up until that point but they then hit eight unanswered points to turn the game on its head and send Kildress tumbling out of the Ulster series. Up until that decision the Wolfe Tones had been bossing the game and were deservedly ahead. they were quicker to the break ball, careful in possession and generally the better team all over the pitch.

However they failed to score after the dismissal but worse than that they ran out of ideas and steam as the size and space of Healy Park caught up with them. The exertions of the first forty minutes caught up with them as they failed to get forward in the necessary numbers to support their forwards. Chances were few and far between for the Tyrone Champions and the longer the game went on they became less and less of a threat. They really needed a goal but at no stage with fourteen men did they look like they would get it.

They will regret the sending off and the effect it had on the game and will be very disappointed to have missed the chance to progress. Young Conor Mc Aleer’s absence today was a cruel blow to Kildress and reduced their options. Who is to know how the game would have panned out had he been able to start? But that is a question for another day. Today may not be the day to say it but Kildress will look back at this year with a great deal of satisfaction on what they have achieved at youth and senior level. They have lots to be positive about after their successes of this year and will be hopeful of building on the solid foundations laid down. Next year will be a huge challenge but they will be confident of re-establishing themselves as a top senior club within Tyrone.