JUNIOR FOOTBALL: Momentous season for Kilrea United

The Coleraine & District League side not only won the Haslett Memorial Afternoon League for the second time in three years.

But they also scooped the Steele & and Sons Shield to complete a magnificent double.

Kilrea pipped Liverpool Supporters Club to the league title by a single point in the end having dropped only 11 points all season.

In the Steele & Sons final a hat-trick from Eoin ‘Skinner’ Bradley sealed a 3-0 win over Ballymoney side, Riada FC.

After a dour first half the game burst into life on 50 minutes Bradley combined with Ciaran Og O’Kane, with Bradley spectacularly volleying home.

The front man doubled his and Kilrea’s advantage on the hour mark, which eventually roused Riada into action.

The Ballymoney men threw everything at Kilrea. Shane ‘Keana’ Coyle though denied them a certain goal with an excellent goal line clearance.

But in the ensuing mayhem Riada were awarded a penalty.

Marty McAllister though pulled off a great save to deny Declan Hasson to keep Kilrea two goals in front.

United rode out the storm and Bradley wrapped up the game scoring his third and completing one of the best hat-tricks at The Showgrounds since Dessie Dickson was in his pomp.

Kilrea captain Stephen Coyle lifted the Shield for his side at the end but credit must go to both teams for producing a thrilling final.