The town moved to within three points of league leaders Killough with a reasonably comfortable victory on Saturday. At this stage it’s all about maximum points and although this game didn’t reach any great heights once the town gained control there was only going to be one winner.
Carryduff couldn’t have got off to a better start however when after only 5 minutes the home defence fell asleep momentarily the visitors took the lead. With conditions deteriorating rapidly Castlewellan tried to keep the ball on the ground as much as possible and were almost rewarded after 19 minutes when Toner’s rasping drive from the edge of the area was expertly tipped over by the Carryduff keeper. They didn’t have long to wait for an equaliser when Steele (pictured) headed home a left wing cross on 25 minutes. Most of the football was being played by the home side and after 37 minutes Keown’s free kick on the right was flicked home by Anderson. Carryduff retaliated and Watson had to be down smartly to prevent them from equalising just before half time but with the whistle imminent a quick break scythed through the visitors defence and saw Ruari McArdle slide in at the back post for a third.
The second half was an endurance test as much as a football match with driving rain and a biting wind making decent play almost impossible. Castlewellan should really have added to their lead though but complacent finishing saw the score remain at 3-1.
Still all to play for in the league and it’s in our own hands plus a cup final to look forward to.
