Draw is enough to qualify Killorglin B for Division 2A final

DENNY DIVISION 2A Ballymac Celtic 1 Killorglin B 1

AFTER an unbeaten league run Killorglin qualified for the league final at Mounthawk Park on Sunday with a draw against Ballymac Celtic good enough to bring them to the Promised Land.

This was a game in which Killorglin only needed a point to qualify for the final while Ballymac had to win to keep their outside chance alive.

Consequently it was a tight competitive game that was delicately balanced right up to the final whistle.

It looked as if Ballymac were heading for a win when they held a 1-0 lead going into the final six minutes of the game but there was late drama with Killorglin equalising in the 84th minute.

The score was shrouded in controversy with Ballymac feeling very aggrieved that it was allowed as they claimed it was blatantly offside.

Ballymac went ahead in the 35th minute when Dwyer Tobin scored from a 30 yards free kick and they had opportunities to extend their lead but it remained 1-0 at half time.

Killorglin were much more creative in the second half but as the half progressed Ballymac felt like they were going to clinch the three points.

However Killorglin equalised in the 84th minute with a fine strike by their leading goalscorer Ryan Riordan with Ballymac seething that the goal was allowed.

Ballymac had a couple of late chances to get a winner but they could not make the breakthrough they so desperately sought and Killorglin held out to claim the point that has earned them a place in the final probably against Classic FC.

Ballymac felt they done enough to win the game but it was not to be and they will have to wait another season before they can challenge for a league title again.

However, I am sure Jonathan Keane will psyche up his side to try and make a serious challenge for the Tommy Healy Cup title.

As for Kilorglin they can look forward to the final in their first season in Division 2A.

Manager Mike Griffin has done an excellent job with the side and it was a great achievement to get his side to the final with two games to spare.

They now can look forward to the decider with realistic aspirations of going all the way.

Classic FC will join them in the final if they win their last game of the season next Sunday against relegated Clanmaurice.

However, if they don’t win the game Ballymac have a slim chance of coming in the back door if they win their games in hand but that looks very unlikely.