Banner Carpets & Flooring Clare Cup Round 1

Bridge United AFC B - 6

Kilrush Rangers - 3

The cup seems to bring the best out of Bridge United second string and last Sundays opening round of this years competition suggested that they fancy another crack at it in 2019. Finalists in 2010 & 2011 as well as reaching the semi final stage last season the hosts had to overcome a strong Kilrush side to progress in blustery conditions.

The home side got off to the perfect start when on 6 minutes Damian Murray headed home a Kieran Quinlan corner. Kilrush responded immediately and levelled on 10 minutes when Rory Norrby scored following some neat build up play. The home side were back in front on 12 minutes when Kieran Quinlan converted from the spot after Murray had been hauled to the ground while Kilrush defended a corner. Quinlan got his second with a great finish from a tight angle and completed his hatrick on 40 minutes following in from a John Keogh headed effort which was saved on the line.

The home side made the most of the conditions with all four goals in the opening half coming from corners or set plays.

The visitors started the second half brightly but it was the hosts who scored next when Adrian Whytes shot was deflected to the net on 55 minutes. Steve Mulready scored a great 6th for the home side smashing home from the edge of the box.

To their credit Kilrush refused to give up and responded with two goals before the final whistle but were also unlucky with two more efforts which were expertly saved by Bridge stalwart Paul Touhy.

Round 2 takes place next Sunday when the B team visit Newmarket B in Mcdonagh Park @ 2.00 and Bridge A will host Newmarket A @ 10.30.

Team: Paul Touhy, Dan Larkin, Damian Murray, Darren Murphy, Johnny Hayes, Jay Whyte, Eric Carr, Adrian Whyte, Steve Mulready, Kieran Quinlan, John Keogh

Subs: Leon Kelly for Larkin (inj), Barry Downes for Keogh, JP Griffen for Murphy, Scott Kirkland for Carr, Ferdia O'Lionan for Mulready.