The Town deservedly notched their fourth win of the season in comfortable fashion and no doubt most of the plaudits will go to Paddy Keown following an impressive hatrick. However the foundations of this victory owe much to the skills of Conor Stratton and for my money he was man of the match after an imperious display.
Rossglass showed plenty of energy early on and had Castlewellan on the back foot without creating a clear chance. However once the home team got to grips with midfield they took control and County found young Tommy Beckett a real handful. Time and again his blistering pace got him in behind the defence and it was only a matter of time before they took advantage. Castlewellan went one up after 16 minutes when Keown nodded home at the near post following a long Corrigan throw in and moments later Nial Toner had his effort cleared off the line for a fruitless corner. Rossglass had one good opportunity in the first period when Mickey Watson saved well at his near post following a swift break. Eventually Dean Anderson put the Town even further ahead when he scored with another header, Corrigan again with the assist. It could have been even worse for Rossglass when Steele found himself with a good chance in front of goal right on the half time whistle but his effort was brilliantly parried by the keeper and cleared.
Rossglass opened up the second period with renewed vigour but yet again found Kelly and Stratton at the back for Castlewellan impassable. Tommy Beckett had an effort well saved on 49 minutes and the Town had to wait until the 70th minute to register another score Keown again the marksman. Moments later Anderson found himself right through only to be ‘taken out’ as he rounded the keeper on the edge of the area, the resultant free was off target but the goalie was fortunate to still be on the pitch. Paddy Keown got his hatrick near the end after being set up by Anderson and with time almost up Rossglass scored a consulation via the penalty spot following a reckless McGrady challenge
