Square denied in 10-goal thriller
SQUARE UNITED KENTSTOWN ROVERS 5 5
A DISPUTED stoppage-time penalty denied Square United all three points as visitors Kentstown snatched a draw in a remarkable game that put home supporters through a rollercoaster of emotions.
The Ardee side, playing their first game on the club’s fantastic new pitch, remain unbeaten and maximum points from their three remaining games will secure the Division 1 title.
Yet despite starting brightly the hosts quickly went 2-0 down after a mix-up in the defence allowed the Kentstown striker to pounce to open the scoring. Kentstown then doubled their lead when Square failed to clear a corner and a cross found its across the box for a tap-in at the back post.
Square rallied and played some excellent football and they got one back when Trevor Matthews and Kian Moran combined well before Matthews calmly rounded a defender in the box and slotted home.
Moran then levelled the game when more good play from Square resulted in a ball played square across the Kentstown box for Kian Moran to slot home - 2-2 at half-time.
Kentstown started the second half stronger and for the second time in the game they went two goals ahead, both coming from long-range efforts.
However, Square showed resilience to come back yet again and they deservedly got a goal back when Kian Moran was quickest to pounce on some confusion in the Kentstown defence.
Moran then completed his hat-trick when a cut-back found him around the penalty spot and he showed a cool head to roll the ball into the corner.
The momentum was with Square and the large crowd really got behind them, and it was Moran yet again who sent the sidelines into chaos when he put Square 5-4 ahead, completing an impressive individual display.
Just as it seemed that the Ardee side were on course for all three points, Kentstown were awarded a controversial injury-time penalty which they converted the penalty and the referee ended this thrilling encounter.
SQUARE UNITED: Mark Levins, Marty Duffy, Killian Murray, Paudy Clarke, James Clarke, Johnny Sheridan, Eamonn Callaghan, Aaron Kerley, Stefan Halpenny, Kian Moran, Robbie Leavy, Trevor Matthews, Brian Corcoran, Mark Quinn.