Narrow win for Kells side

There was plenty of entertainment on offer as Kells/Blackwater defeated Enfield Celtic in this NEC 13 Premier encounter at The Grange on Saturday morning. The decisive goal was scored midway through the second-half when Brian Byrne fired to the net from the out on the right for what proved to be a worthy winner. Not that Kells/Blackwater had it all their own way especially in the first-half. The Enfield side were unlucky not to go ahead after 10 minutes when Bernard McInerney went close following a scintillating run. Kells/Blackwater also enjoyed a spell of sustained pressure, but it was Enfield who took the lead after a flowing move. Luke McNally delivered a fine pass to McInerney, who in turn, flicked the ball to sharpshooter David Maher. His shot was deflected and the ball ended up in the Kells/Blackwater net. Enfield were unlucky not to go two up following a succession of corners although Kells/Blackwater also created chances. The visiting goalkeeper Oran Smullen rescued his team with fantastic saves from Niall Williams and Ben Anderson who found themselves in one-on-one situations with the Enfield goalkeeper. At the other end Cian O'Hare and Oje Oifoh caused the Kells/Blackwater defence plenty of problems as they looked for openings. Then just before the interval Kells/Blackwater struck when they were awarded a free just outside the Enfield Celtic penalty area. Up stepped Oisin Smith to direct the ball to the top corner of the net with a superbly-struck effort. The second-half was a test of endurance for the two sides who both created chances. Smullen again rescued Enfield with a couple of fine saves to deny Williams, Smith and Ben Anderson. Midway through the half Kells/Blackwater took a decisive step towards victory when Byrne unleashed his shot from the right wing, the ball ending up in the net for what proved to be the dramatic winner. Enfield pushed forward late on and created chances with Philip Clifford and Cian O'Hare almost finding the range. Instead of the visitors netting the equaliser they so eagerly sought Kells/Blackwater held out for a deserved, if narrow, victory. Kells/Blackwater - S Collier; C Lynch, B Byrne, C Fagan, O Smith, C McManus, K Hendrick, N Williams, B Anderson, S Reynolds, K Dardis. Subs - C McConnell for Dardis, B Greer for Anderson, J Smith for Reynolds, E Doogan for McManus. Enfield Celtic - O Smullen; N Kearney, S Rafferty, D Devine, C Flynn, C O'Hare, L McNally, S Coffey, O Oifoh, D Maher, B McInerney. Subs - K Coffey for Devine, P Clifford for Coffey.