New Oak’s young guns secure first trophy of new era
Brian O’Reilly, Honorary Secretary Carlow and District Football League, presents the KCLR Shield to New Oak captain David O’Shea.
New Oak secured their first trophy of the new era as they reclaimed the KCLR Carlow Shield under the lights in their temporary new home of St Pat’s on Friday night.
Trophies have not been a rarity in the Burrin Road over the last five years but when Gavin Dowling stepped down as manager at the end of last season, and four players departed for CK United, there would have been a fear that perhaps those extraordinarily high standards might dip.
However, a New Oak side boasting just five players that started last season's final managed to get over the line in a tight battle as new manager Jamie Lawler claimed the first title of the new era.
In front of a packed house at The Meadows, it was a game that had all the hallmarks of being a classic between two of last season’s top three, but it turned out to be a game that will not live long in the memories of those present.
It was a game of the defences and who made the fewest mistakes. There was very little to separate the two sides with neither side finding it easy to break down the other, with chances very limited. It was two defensive mistakes that cost Burrin and they will know that there is plenty to build on as they go into the upcoming league season.
New Oak went closest early on as David Doyle struck his effort over the bar. Cian Cleary saw his effort from outside the box palmed over the bar by the Burrin goalkeeper Craig Doyle.
Burrin went close midway through the half through a Joe Gordon free from the left that found new Burrin captain Corey Kelliher up front but his header was caught by Corey Harmon in the goal. Harmon was found off his line and Burrin tried to capitalise with an effort from the right but it was cleared off the line.
New Oak took the lead through a defensive lapse where the ball wasn't cleared in the Burrin defence and Conor Carew on debut took advantage and from the edge of the box launched a shot towards the bottom left hand corner. Carew has played with Wexford underage and has spent the last couple of years playing in Limerick with Aisling AFC.
Kelliher put an effort wide on the right for Burrin with 20 minutes gone in the second half. Four minutes later, Dylan O’Reilly almost levelled things when he struck an effort from the right but his effort just missed the far bottom corner.
With 20 minutes to go, it was 2-0 as a Conor Carew ball wasn't cleared and a Burrin defender played the ball into the path of Josh Brady who put the ball into the bottom right hand corner to put the game beyond the Ballon side.
Charlie Clarke whipped in a ball for Kelliher but he could only steer his header over the bar. Kelliher could have pulled a goal back in stoppage time but saw his effort from close range saved. Luke Ramsbottom struck an effort over the bar to bring the game toa close.
Craig Doyle, Dylan O'Reilly, Charlie Clarke, Ryan Hollick, Frankie Fitzgerald, Ryan Clarke, Daniel Turet, Joe Gordon, Corey Kelliher, Joe Sunderland, Cillian Fagan
Jamie Wall, Jamie Fitzgerald, Freddie Gibson, Evan Kelliher, David McHugh, Adam Fitzgerald, James Dowling.
Corey Harmon, Ben Lawler, Killian Barry, Owen McCormack, David O'Shea Stars, Conor Carew, Cian Cleary, Luke Ramsbottom, Scott Lawlor, David Doyle, Eoin Carolan.
Roy Byrne, Conor Dooley, Josh Brady, Cialan Brady, Kacper Zarzycki, Dylan Keightley, Joseph Byrne.
Mick Monaghan assisted by Shane Farrell and Artur Bienko.
