Craigbane, the Derry champions, showcased immense resilience and determination as they staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Killeeshil from Tyrone in the AIB Ulster Club JFC preliminary round. Despite being two points down at one stage, Craigbane fought back and secured their spot in the quarter-finals with an impressive display of skill and teamwork.
The turning point of the match came in stoppage time when Lee Moore scored a crucial goal to seal the victory for Craigbane. Killeeshil, who had twice held a two-point lead in the second half, failed to score for the last 16 minutes of the game, allowing Craigbane to finish as the stronger side. Points from Lee Moore, Brian Rainey, and Conor McLaughlin put Craigbane ahead, while Packie McMullan missed a chance to take the game to extra time before Moore’s clinching goal.
The match took an intense turn when Killeeshil’s goalkeeper, Ciaran Reilly, was dismissed for a strike on Moore as he celebrated his goal, leaving Killeeshil with 14 men on the field. Despite the tight contest, Craigbane showed composure and resilience, with players like Jude Óg Moore, Bliain Gormley, and Conor McLaughlin making significant contributions to the team’s performance.
The final scoreline of 1-8 to 0-7 in favor of Craigbane reflected their determination and ability to seize the crucial moments in the game. With players like David Lowry, Jude McLaughlin, and Brian Rainey stepping up when needed, Craigbane’s victory was well-deserved. However, the sight of Cahir O’Kane being carried off the field due to injury raised concerns for Craigbane ahead of their upcoming match against Cavan champions Knockbride.
In what was a thrilling encounter, both teams displayed great skill and sportsmanship, setting the tone for an exciting rest of the competition. As Craigbane progresses to the quarter-finals, they will look to build on this impressive performance and continue their journey towards the Ulster Club JFC title. The fans can expect more exciting matches and standout performances as the competition heats up in the coming weeks.