The town overcame Strangford with something to spare but as with last Tuesday nights game against Kilkeel their finishing left a lot to be desired.
The lads did however get off to a great start when Dean Anderson was upended in the penalty area in the first minute and Paddy Keown scored from the spot after his first effort was disallowed for encroachment. Seven minutes later it was 2 nil when Dean Anderson flicked home Conal Corrigan’s long throw. Castlewellan should have been three up after 19 when Barry Travers turned home a Steele cross only for his goal to be disallowed, what for nobody was quite sure. The visitors had a good case for a penalty turned down but two minutes later Strangford pulled one back following a long throw much to the delight of the watching Killough contingent. The town regained their 2 goal advantage when Stevie Trainor was onto Paddy Keown’s through ball in a flash to steer home number 3.
Strangford were battling hard in a physical encounter and enjoyed a decent share of possession but their only real threat came from long throw ins. Castlewellan almost extended their lead in the first minute of the second half when Anderson headed against the bar. Moments later Trainor brought out the best in the visiting keeper with a fierce shot. Certainly the home side had plenty of chances but Strangford defended well and managed to frustrate their hosts. the visitors found themselves down to 10 men after 74 minutes as Castlewellan heaped on the pressure. Despite two earlier penalty shouts both of which were stonewall the referee did eventually see one and sent off a Strangford defender for handball on the goaline. Paddy Keown missed but again had to retake due to encroachment the next time this produced an excellent save and the town had to settle for a two goal victory.
So with Killough playing on Friday night the lads will know exactly what they have to do on Saturday against Mourne Rovers.
Paddy Keown makes no mistake from the spot in the first minute!
