CK United fight back to earn a point
CK United's Emmet Nugent celebrates opening the scoring for his side with teammate Raveli Kilonda during the FAI National League clash with Villa FC at the SETU Sports Campus in Carlow. Photos: Noel Browne
CK United produced a stirring late comeback to rescue a share of the spoils after battling back from two goals down in an entertaining 3-3 draw with Villa FC in the FAI National League played at the SETU Sports Complex in Carlow on Saturday last.
The visitors appeared to be cruising towards victory when Calum Flynn completed his hat-trick early in the second half to hand Villa a commanding 3-1 advantage. However, CK United refused to surrender and goals from Dean Denieffe-Kelly and substitute Timi Adeleye ensured the points were shared.
The home side suffered an early setback when left-back Daniel McGrath was forced off injured inside the opening three minutes. A minute later, goalkeeper Gavin O'Brien was called into action, producing a fine save to tip Aaron O'Connor's effort over the crossbar.
Despite that bright Villa start, CK United edged in front after seven minutes. Raveli Kilonda burst down the right flank before delivering a cross into the area where former Villa player Emmet Nugent fired a first-time finish beyond Craig Dunphy.
Villa responded positively and O'Brien again came to the rescue on 14 minutes, getting down smartly to save a powerful long-range strike from Flynn.
The Waterford side drew level in the 22nd minute. A long ball from defence caused problems and after Dean Walsh helped the ball into Flynn's path, the striker unleashed a superb left-footed finish into the corner of the net.
CK United nearly restored their lead six minutes later when Kilonda and Mark Imiren combined well on the right, but Dean Denieffe-Kelly's close-range effort was blocked by Dunphy.
Villa finished the opening half strongly and grabbed the lead in first-half stoppage time. Shane O'Sullivan released Flynn down the right and while O'Brien saved his initial effort, the striker was quickest to react and converted the rebound to make it 2-1.
The visitors extended their advantage nine minutes after the restart with an excellent flowing move. O'Sullivan surged clear down the left before crossing into the area where Dean Walsh cleverly stepped over the ball, allowing Flynn to drill home and complete an impressive hat-trick.
CK United needed a response and found one on 64 minutes. Craig Dunphy will be disappointed with the concession as Denieffe-Kelly struck from the edge of the area and the ball slipped through the goalkeeper's legs before crossing the line.
Villa remained dangerous and almost restored their two-goal cushion on 73 minutes. O'Connor's corner found Tony Ebhonuaye, whose powerful downward header was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by O'Brien.
The game became increasingly scrappy as tensions rose, but CK United's persistence was rewarded four minutes from time. Kilonda once again turned provider, setting up Adeleye on the right side of the penalty area and the substitute drilled an excellent finish across Dunphy and into the far corner.
It ensured CK United completed an impressive comeback and denied Villa what had looked like being a well-deserved victory after Flynn's second-half strike.
O'Brien; Kilonda, Imiren, Doumbia, Carmody (Foley 65), McGrath (McDonnell 3); Sherlock, Denieffe-Kelly, Emmanuel (Coyne 46); Nugent, Adeogun (Adeleye 77).
Dunphy; Conway (Griffin 77), Ebhonuaye, Browne, Tamen; Whittle, L Walsh, O'Connor (Dube 77); O'Sullivan (Kennedy 66), D Walsh (Kilgannon 60), Flynn (O'Dwyer 77).
Eoghan McAuliffe (Wexford).
