After last weeks reverse at Ballykelly the town were determined to get back to winning ways but again this week they started off sluggishly and although they got on top eventually it wasn’t pretty.
Raceview started on the front foot and were unlucky not to take the lead after 4 minutes when Colm Flanagan turned a corner against his own post before clearing. It was evident though that Castlewellan had the measure of Raceview’s backline as regards speed and with this in mind they should have stretched them as much as possible, but unfortunately the town’s wide men didn’t stay wide, instead bunching in midfield and their clear advantage was of no use. After 26 minutes Paddy Keown chased down a through ball that he was second favourite to get but he outsped the visitor’s centre back to challenge for the ball and won a throw in, clearly frustrated by this the Raceview player kicked out at Paddy in full view of the referee and was promptly red carded. For some reason he was amazed at the decision, but the last time I looked violent conduct was a sending off offence. Cue derision from the opposing sideline who were on the ref’s back for the rest of the match. 2 minutes later it got worse for the visitors when Keown turned provider and his through ball saw Stevie Trainor again outpace the defence and he slotted home with consumate ease. Cue more protests for which the Raceview sweeper was booked. Despite playing well below par the home team went 2 up just on half time when Ruairi McArdle arrived late to power in a fine header from Corrigan’s cross.
If the management at half time encouraged more width from the town it fell on deaf ears, yet again their wide midfield players refused to stay wide and stretch a team that was there for the taking. 10 minutes into the second period Castlewellan put the game to bed with the best goal of the game. Donagh Steele’s clever backheel negated three defenders releasing McArdle and his cross was thumped into the top corner by Nial Toner.
Paddy Keown eventually got his name on the scoresheet with a header after 82 minutes but it was a frustrating afternoon for him. There was masses of room on either wing which just wasn’t utilised nearly enough. When the town did play down the wing they got in behind Raceview almost every time.
Castlewellan really miss the injured Dean Anderson so all the more reason to stretch the opposition – something to work on I think. Also, unfortunately some of the away support were less than gracious with some of their comments throughout the game, I thought all that was a thing of the past, seemingly not but it should have no part in the game.
Ruairi arrives unannounced to head home after 45 minutes.
