CK United start with a win
Callum Warfield is congratulated by team-mates after scoring CK United's first National League goal in their 2-1 win over Newbridge Town at SETU Sports Complex in Carlow. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
CK United recorded a famous win on an a historic afternoon for the club as they recorded their first competitive senior victory. Tom O'Connor's side began a new era for the club, and soccer in the region, by defeating local rivals Newbridge Town in the opening game of the new FAI National League at SETU Carlow Sports Campus on Saturday.
Nine years on from the club's foundation, first-half goals by Callum Warfield and Ethan Boyle helped the club to three well-deserved points in the new third tier of the League of Ireland.
The final scoreline suggests a closely fought contest, but CK were the superior side for much of the encounter and will feel they should have won by a more comfortable margin.
After an evenly contested opening 15 minutes on a wet surface, CK began to take control. Isaiah Phillips was Newbridge's most threatening outlet and worked tirelessly to create openings, but the CK defence remained solid and restricted the Kildare side to few clear-cut chances.
Goalkeeper Gavin O'Brien was rarely troubled, while at the other end CK repeatedly tested Mark O'Connor. The Newbridge netminder produced a series of fine saves, particularly from Dean Kelly free-kicks, to keep his side in contention.
Emmet Nugent found service limited up front, while substitute Shane Barnes caused problems after his introduction, drawing several fouls as he looked to exploit gaps in the Newbridge rearguard.
The breakthrough arrived after 13 minutes when former St Patrick's Athletic player Callum Warfield made history. Latching onto a crossfield pass from Dean Kelly, Warfield fired emphatically into the top corner to become not only the first competitive goalscorer in CK United's senior men's history but also the first player to score in the new National League.
CK doubled their advantage seven minutes later when Ethan Boyle managed to steer the ball home from close range under pressure in the penalty area.
Newbridge emerged with greater purpose after the restart and reduced the deficit following a spell of sustained pressure. After forcing a succession of corners, they finally made one count when Eric Bhung Munongo headed to the net in the 50th minute.
Despite that setback, CK remained composed and saw out the closing stages to secure a memorable victory.
The result gives CK the ideal start to life in the National League, while Newbridge will know there is little margin for error if they are to progress from the group stages.
Gavin O’Brien, Raveli Kilonda, Dan McGrath, Kyle Foley, Mamadou Doumbia, Cian Carmody (Liam McDonnell, 69), Ethan Boyle, Harry Sherlock (Mark Imiren, 81) , Callum Warfield (Shane Barnes, 65), Dean Kelly, Emmett Nugent (Feo Adeogun, 81). Unused subs: Darragh O'Neill, Robbie O'Toole, Timmy Adeleye, Alex Kelliher, David Imiren.
Mark O'Connor, Finn Cowper Gray, David Oduntan (Ethan Mills, h/t), Seamus Brown, Eric Bhung Munongo, Nathan McAuley, Noah Byrne, Ruairi Brown, Conan Krüger (Lewis McKeon, h/t), Alex Akinrintoyo (Darragh Bolton, h/t), Isaiah Phillips (Moses Alabi, 59). Unused subs: Sean Martin, Rodrigo Milton Benitez Lirio, Shane O’Keeffe, Connor Duggan.
Patrick Sinnott assisted by Darren Keating and Phil McGrath (Wexford)
