Kilcullen lose in Aldridge final
Leixlip 0-12, Kilcullen 0-8.
Kilcullen’s winning run in the competition came to an end when they were beaten by Leixlip by four points in the final of the Aldridge Cup played at the County Grounds in Newbridge today.
In light of the fact that this was the final of a prestigious competition, the support for the Kilcullen team was disappointing. As to the match itself, Kilcullen took an early lead when Alan Murphy pointed a long range free after five minutes. However Leixlip were quick to reply with a point shortly afterwards and then scored a succession of points from play which put them into a comfortable lead.
Kilcullen’s attack threatened, especially through Shane Lambe, but a lack of finishing power meant that the potential was not realised on the on the scoreboard. The Kilcullen backs worked hard but found it difficult to contain the Leixlip attack. Kilcullen’s agile goalkeeper Paddy Maher produced an excellent save at a crucial stage to keep the scores to reasonable proportions.
Cormac Aspell, who was unlucky to be pulled down when through on goal kept Kilcullen in touch with two pointed frees. A converted free from Alan Murphy just before the break left the halftime score showing Leixlip ahead by four points.
Kilcullen were unfortunate when, early in the second half, they had a goal disallowed for an infringement in the square. Despite the fact that Leixlip dominated the play for long periods in the second half, Kilcullen stood firm and remained very much in contention right to the end, mainly through the free taking of Alan Murphy who scored all of Kilcullen’s second half points.
Kilcullen Scorers (all frees): Alan Murphy 0-6; Cormac Aspell 0-2.
Kilcullen Team: P. Maher, I. Barker, J. Burke, B. Fox, K. O’Brien, F. Aspell, G. Shanahan, M. Kelly, R. Aspell, B. Bell, S. Lambe, A. Murphy, C. Howard, W. Kilsella, C. Aspell. Substitutes used: N. Timmons, D. Phelan, A. Corcoran and M. Dooley.
The Leinster Leader Senior Football League Division 1 starts on Saturday 5th March when Kilcullen play hosts to Round Towers at the G.A.A Grounds at 4.00 p.m.
— John Martin.
