Deery strikes to keep side's hopes of promotion alive

Caw...1Ardmore...2

CAW played their last game of the season on Saturday against Ardmore and they knew they had to win this game to keep alive their now slim hope of promotion.

Like the Waterside men, Ardmore had to win this game to help with their own promotion chances, so the scene was set for a great match.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Both teams started the game well with both playing some good football, Ardmore were good on the ball and had no problem creating chances.

Caw on the other hand were using the ball well but were just lacking that cutting edge in the final third. McGarrigle was in the Caw net standing in for the injured Ross, and it was McGarrigle's rustiness that put Caw in their first spot of real danger.

The big keeper failed to come and claim a ball leaving his defender to try and deal with it. Under pressure he ended up giving away a free kick. From the free kick Ardmore almost broke the deadlock with a good header going just over the bar.

After this Caw got on top of the game and their forwards were proving a real headache for Ardmore; now playing excellent football the home side started to get the upper hand and they broke the deadlock on half hour.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Some great build up play saw a super flick from Kyle Armstrong find Connor Kelpie in the box and he curled the ball into the top corner giving the keeper no chance.

Start of the second half and Caw were not going to sit on a one goal lead against a dangerous Ardmore side. It was Ardmore that were causing the problems though and early in the second half they managed to get back on level terms.

Poor marking by the Caw defence allowed Ardmore's Chris Duddy to calmly head home Barry Gormley's in-swinging corner.

The game was really on now with both sides needing the victory; Caw pushed on and tried to get a second but just couldn't get it. Ardmore played a ball over the top of the Caw defence and the Caw defender could do nothing but concede the corner.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

From the corner Ardmore's striker Colm Deery fired a fine volley from the edge of the box into the Caw net. Caw now had 15 minutes to find two goals to keep their season alive.

Caw thought they were back on level terms when Shaun Kelpie hit a fantastic strike with the outside of his left foot from outside the box but unfortunately it came back off the post.

McGarrigle kept the home side in the game when he tipped Barry Gormley's fine shot around his post, while the visitors, who dominated long periods in the second half, continued to miss a host of chances.

The home side were running out of time now and their chances of promotion were gone when the referee blew the final whistle to confirm that Caw would remain in the Second Division next season, unless something drastic happens to Ardmore and Donemana.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Caw had a fantastic season considering this was their first season in the league, they just couldn't finish the job. You can be sure they will come back next season mentally stronger and with a few new signings and they will again be one of the teams fighting at the top of the table.

Caw would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Newbuildings United Reserves on winning the Second Division title and wish them all the best in the First Division.

They would also like to thank everyone who has supported the team week in week out both home and away. The support at every game has been fantastic and they hope you will continue your support next season.

Also they would like to thank sponsors John Cruickshank and The Taxi Co, and all the management and staff of the Upstairs Downstairs and also all the businesses who donated generously throughout the season and finally they would like to thank the whole Caw community and Linda Watson of the Caw Nelson Drive Action Group - "without all your help the creation of the team would not have been possible".