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12th March 2011 - NAFL D1A

Nortel 3 - 1 Crumlin

Crumlin travelled to Nortel for the tough task of attempting to avoid two defeats in a row. It  was also to be done with no less than 7 first team players unavailable. This was to be a big challenge for manager McCorry against Jamsie Kirk's promotion chasing Nortel team.
The Game started at a frentic pace, with both teams showing a great determination to get the upper hand and show their dominance on the game. The United team settled well with a different approach than usual due to the players out and other players playing out of position. The defence and midfield in particular were working hard to close down the Nortel men and as a result there were few chances in the opening 30 minutes. Both teams were playing it cagey and weren't wanting to give the first goal away. Despite some good wide play from Kirk's men, they could not penetrate the well organised Crumlin back line with Fletcher winning the physical battle and Wall standing in at the back for the absent McCullough and with Maxwell and Burke also defending hard from the full back areas United were comfortable going into the break at 0 - 0 with no real chances of note for either side.
Half - Time: Nortel 0 - 0 Crumlin United.
The second half started well for United. Still strong in the tackle and disciplined on the field,  the Referee was more to the fore than the opposition. United players seeming to be picking up bookings at almost every challenge. It seemed like it had been declared a non-contact sport at times. This left the Mill Road men unable to challenge for the ball without fear of a 2nd yellow.  The deadlock was eventually  broken on 58 mins.  A Nortel corner was delivered and keeper Mckeown had the situation under control when he came to collect. He clearly had two hands on the ball when he was bundled to the ground by at least 2 Nortel players. As he was pushed  into the back of the net,  the loose ball followed him. Much to the disbelief of everyone on the pitch  along with staff and supporters from both sides, the ref somehow awarded the goal to give Nortel the lead.
 United's response was top class as they went straight for the equalizer and were not going to lie down and roll over. On 72 mins from a free kickout  wide, the ball broke in the box and Micky Scannell scuffed a shot low into the corner to deservedley draw United level. This would set up a tense remaining 20 mins. Crumlin seemed to draw great confidence from this and were on top for the next 10 mins, with the Nortel team running out of steam. However, against the run of play Nortel took the lead again when the ball broke in midfield  and some sharp passing from the home team sent them through on goal. The Nortel winger was cool with a classy finish low into the bottom corner going into the final ten mins.
This goal seemed to deflate the United team and in the remaining ten mins the game seemed to quiet down and the pace slowed until Crumlin captain Pat Wall was shown a second yellow for a late challenge which was harsh to say the least. He was previously booked for contesting the decision on the first goal which was clearly a foul and it made the remaining minutes hard to sustain. Nortel wrapped up the win in injury time with a breakaway goal to give them a hard earned win in what was a very even game and a harsh scoreline.
 United manager McCorry was clearly disapointed after the game as his players put in a great effort and had this to say after the game. '' I was very proud of my players today , we wanted to bounce back after a disappointing result last week at home. The game was a great advert for the league and considering the amount of men we had out before the game then to lose Oloalou Malomo-Paris in the warm up to an ankle injury further hit our plans. Having said that the lads today that came in were superb and I can ask for no more and gave a very good Nortel team a good game and on another day we would have got the draw we deserved. I also think it was clear to everyone apart from the referee that there was a clear foul on Big Mark who claimed the ball with both hands for their goal but thems the breaks I guess? Maybe we will start getting them at some stage this season? But Nortel are a top side and played some good stuff at times and good luck to them, but we will keep fighting every week to keep the pressure on them as we have a great spirit in the camp as the players showed today and we will need to knuckle down and get back to winning again with another tough away game to Bryansburn on Saturday''.
 Full - Time: Nortel 3- 1 Crumlin United
 Team Selection: Mckeown, Burke, Flecther, Wall, Maxwell, Deveraux, Scannell, Murray, Grogan, Galway, Gorman.
Subs: Mallon for Grogan, 60 mins, Oneill for Galway 75 mins. Burns not used.
 

5th March 2011 - NAFL D1A

Crumlin United 0 - 1 Grove

Crumlin hosted Grove United on Saturday knowing that a victory would propel the home team to 3rd in the league table and continue their recent superb form. Grove, however, are a stern team with a hard work ethic and plenty of grit as Saturday again proved. The away team had much the better of the opening exchanges which saw them take the lead on 7 mins after a looping cross to the back post evaded a static home defence. Grove's centre forward gratefully headed goalwards and although McKeown got down to make a good save the United defence were punished for being second best to the rebound which was prodded into the net. The worst possible strat for the home side.
 
This sparked United into life and they were to improve as the game went on. McQuillian dribbled past 2 defenders and thenghosted past a 3rd, when he was hacked down when clear on goal on 18 mins which left the referee no choice but to produce a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity to leave Grove down to 10 men. From the resulting free kick Ferghal Burke just missed the top corner with his effort leaving the Grove keeper beaten. It was a narrow miss and a great effort. As the half drew to a close United having the massive majority of possession but couldnt' find that elusive goal to draw level before the break so it was a disapointing 45 for the home team.
 
Half - Time Crumlin United 0 - 1 Grove United
 
The second half started with manager Mccorry making a double change which reflected the poor efforts of the first. On came Davy O'Neil on the left wing  and new signing Stephen Murray into the heart of the midfield to try and improve things. After the opening 10 mins of the half things were looking better for cCumlin with much sharper passing. Grove were defending on their own 18 yard line and trying hard to run the clock down and hold on to what they had. After O'Neill was sent through clear on goal his shot was poor and saved by the Grove keeper when he seemed certain to score.
 
With a rare Grove break United were found short at the back and a shot from 20 yards out clipped the outside of the post although McKeown seemed to have it covered. This very nearly doubled the away teams lead on 65 mins. United carried on pushing forward and there was great chances for the impressive Murray with a header on goal and McQuillian blasted over the bar twice when well placed to score to further frustrate the home team bench and supporters. It maybe had people thinking this just wasnt going to be our day? That fear was confirmed when after some excellent work from Gorman he slid a lovely pass for late sub Campbell who when through on goal somehow blasted over the bar from 10 yards. It was surely the easiest chance of the day to draw level and at least get a point that was more than deserved on the day. But it was not to be and United dropped 3 vital points for the 2nd time this season. Poor finishing yet again being the culprit.
 
Final Score: Crumlin United 0 - 1 Grove United 
 
Team Selection: Mckeown, Longstaff, Mccullough, Fletcher, Wall, Scannell, Burke, Malomo - Paris, Mcquillan, Maxwell, Gorman.
Subs: Murray, Campbell, Oneill.

26th February 2011 - NAFL D1A

Drumaness Mills 1 - 3 Crumlin United

Crumlin travelled to Drumaness on Saturday for their first big 6 pointer clash with one of their promotion chasing rivals knowing that a win would make the challenge a real long shot for the Mills men. The visitors had a steady start although playing into to a strong wind gave the Mills a massive advantage. Their long ball tactics made for a difficult game but both McCullough and Fletcher at the centre of the defence more than coped with the many long balls played up to them.
 
United went behind on 15 mins when a seemingly harmless cross from the right wing seen the usually reliable McKeown come to collect. He was too slow off his line and the Mills centre forward nipped in to nick the ball free from the United keeper and tap into an empty net to open the scoring. But United have shown time and again that they are made of hard stuff and responded fantastically. Despite being a goal down and playing into a stern wind the Mill Rd men continued to play some excellent passing football. Burke was pulling the strings in midfield and it was from a quality delivery from his corner kick that Micky Scannell powered a magnificent header into the net to draw United level on 23 mins.
 
As the half progressed United began to dominate possession. Pat Wall and Brian McQuillan were giving the Mills defence a real workout with some excellent wide play. Maxwell, Scannell and Burke were controlling the midfield and it looked as if Crumlin would get the lead before the break but the Drumaness team held out to leave it game on for the second half.
 
Half - Time Score: Drumaness Mills 1-1 Crumlin United.
 
The second began with the home team being the more forceful and United were on the back foot. After a shaky ten minute spell Crumlin again upped their game took a firm grip on proceedings. After a mazy run from in-form McQuillan he cut inside from the right wing and unleashed a super effort only to be palmed out by the Mills keeper with oncoming Malomo-Paris just missing out on the rebound for what would have been a tap in. Again the impressive Malomo-Paris was to burst through the Mills defence only for the keeper again getting lucky with gettin a foot on the ball as Malomo - Paris attemped to knock the ball past him.
 
As the game progressed it seemed only a matter of time before they took the lead as the Mills team looked to be tiring and getting increasinly pushed further and further backwards. The tackles were mounting up and the referee was more than lenient on several occasions with McQuillan and Malomo-Paris in particular getting some heavy treatment although Michael Longstaff was also in no mood to hang around and was also lucky to stay on the field with some meaty challenges.
 
It was one such Mills foul just outside the box that lead to the moment of the match when Ferghal Burke curled the resulting free kick over the wall and into the top corner leaving the Mills keeper a mere spectator with a superb piece of individual class on 65 mins. From there on United pushed on for another goal and yet another free kick in dangerous area wide on the right was again delivered to perfection from man of the match Burke and Brian McQuillan scored a fantastic headed goal into the bottom corner to leave the game safe on 81 mins and put a more realistic scoreline on the game. In the final minutes sub Davy O'Neill should have made it 4 only for the Mills keeper sticking out a leg to deflect the ball narrowly wide when it could have easily creeped into the far bottom corner.
 
Overall another superb display and making that 6 league wins in a row a delighted Keith McCorry said after the game '"This was another fantasic display by my team. It also shows the quality and depth in our squad considering we were missing Chris Campbell,Ian Curry,Hugh Downey all injured and recent new signing Stephen Murray unavailable so I'm delighted that we now have a squad that can compete for this title charge right up to the end of the season. With the efford and hard work that is being put in on the training field now really coming across on the matchday it also shows that this young team is maturing and playing the style of football that I demand from them. This was a real tough test for us here today and we passed with flying colours being much the better team on the day.''
 
Next week will be another superb game as United take on Grove at the Mill Road with a 2pm Kick off for another massive 3 points to play for as the race for the title heats up.
 
Team Selection: M.Mckeown, M.Longstaff, S.Fletcher, A.Mccullough, P.Wall, M.Scannell, F.Burke, E.Maxwell, B.Mcquillan, O. Malomo - Paris, R.Gorman.
Subs: K.Deveraux for M. Longstaff. D. Oneill for R. Gorman. A.Longstaff (not used)
 
Scorers: M.Scannell, F. Burke, B. Mcquillan

19th February 2011 - NAFL D1A

12th February 2011 - NAFL D1A

Crumlin United 5 - 3 Saintfield

 
United continued to press the game and with McQuillan on fire on the right wing and the midfield in dominance it was only to be a matter of time before the lead was extended. On 22 mins a great move and then a superb cross from McQuillan saw Gorman headed home from 12yrds to finish off a fantastic move. Five mins before the break United again stamped their authority on the game with Ferghal Burke finishing well low into the corner. With the Saintfield lads being totally outplayed,their prospects looked gloomy. Both Gorman and home debutant Oloalou Malomo - Paris looked very sharp and in the mood to cause serious damage.
 
Half Time: Crumlin United 3 - 0 Saintfield United
 
If the first was fantastic the second was to be anything but for the home team. Despite a sluggish restart there was another cool finish by Burke on 52 mins which gave United further comfort. This was begining to show as complacancy with the Mill Road men totally taking their collective foot off the gas and a midfield which had been so impressive in the first half had totally stopped functioning in the second. The only remaining positive in the second half was for Malomo - Paris to score the goal his excellent performance deserved on 58 mins with a fantastic right foot drive into the top corner from the edge of the area to leave United 5 - 0 in the lead.
 
Then Saintfield scored a heavily deflected shot which cannoned off Mccullough on 64 mins which would surely only be a consilation goal? Gorman was put clear on goal but wanted too many touches rather than going for the killer finish prevented a 6th United goal, and directly from the build up Saintfield were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area which the Saintfield player exellenty curled into the top corner to leave McKeown rooted to the spot. At this stage the score was 5 - 2 .
 
It was then more calamity defending by United that gifted the Saints there 3rd goal and make the scoreline look respectable. After a passage of poor passing from the United midfield and defence, the ball came to keeper McKeown who mis-kicked his clearance and left the Saints striker clear on goal. He rattled his shot off the post and followed up the rebound with a easy finish. United then had to play out the final 5 mins thinking what should have been a heavy victory was overshadowed by a scrappy poor second-half display.
 
Manager McCorry was in visual shock at what had been witnessed on the day. ''What a stange game football is! We played some fantastic stuff in the first half and scored some great goals, but then the silly bad habits which weve worked so hard on in training to delete from the team came back.Concentration and workrate were totally surrendered and the players completly switched off. Again it shows that in this league if you don't work to the final whistle at your elite level you will be punished, so I just hope these players learned a valuable lesson here today. We certinaly will not be getting away with that type of attitude at the Diamond on Saturday against a very hard-to-beat Rathfern team.
 
Final score: Crumlin United 5 - 3 Saintfield United
 
TEAM SELECTION: Mckeown,Deveraux,Curry,McCullough,Downey,Scannell,Burke,McQuillan,Mallon,Malomo-Paris,Gorman
Subs: O'Neill for Mallon 45mins, M. Longstaff for Downey 60 mins, Maxwell for Malomo-Paris 65 mins.
 
Scorers: Burke x 2 , Gorman, Scannell, Malomo-Paris.

29th January 2011 - NAFL D1A

Crumlin United 3 - 0 Holywood

 Crumlin finally got back to the long awaited business of the league after nearly 2 months passing by since the last game in 1a. The visit of Hollywood to the Mill Road was to be a massive game and 3 points were essential. With so many games in hand a winning run is vital in order to make a realistic promotion charge.
 
The game started with United setting an excellent high tempo which the Holywood team really struggled to cope with. In particular the midfield 3 of Burke, Curry and Scannell controlling the passing and leaving the away side helpless in their efforts to contain the excellent movement throughout the wide areas. Captain Wall led from the front with some blistering runs from right back which the opposition again had no answer to. 
 
After the opening 15 mins of total control from the United men the opening goal was delivered with some style. After a fantastic crossfield ball from Brian McQuillan young gun Geffro Mallon burst from the wing, took one touch to control and calmly slotted a right foot shot low into the bottom corner with a super finish to give united the deserved lead. United continued to press with a header from a corner being cleared off the visitor's goal line with the keeper beaten on 25 mins. Again United continued to dominate and, with some excellent passing play, a delightful pass from Ian Curry was matched by the control and pass across the goal line from hard working Gorman only for somehow the oncoming Brian McQuillian missing from a yard out and the Holywood team yet again got another let off.
 
The pressure continued with the defence of McCullough and Fletcher in control of the experienced ex-Irish league striker Anto Crawford who was growing into an ever increasing frustrated figure while United was surely going to add to their lead before the break. Gorman again had a good chance that was blasted high and wide from a Burke through ball, and indeed Burke showed his true class with a fantastic turn, beating 2 defenders and unleashing a powerhouse of a drive which nearly broke the frame of the goal, adding to the frustration of the home dugout as the score at the break was somehow only 1-0 to McCorry's men.
 
Half Time: Crumlin United 1 - 0 Holywood
 
The second half started the same as the first with the midfield of United in control and the defence on top of any counter attacks from McAless men. Holywood defended hard and United were finding it difficult to break them down. However, on a rare counter attack from the home team McQuillan showed fantastic pace to leave the away defence in his wake on the right wing. He delivered a excellent cross for Mallon who made a great run from deep. He picked up the ball and finished with another piece of individual class to give united the crucial second goal on 55 mins, sidefooting into the bottom corner when other older heads would have panicked, .
 
Davy ''Disco'' O'Neill replaced Gorman on the hour to add further pace to the front line but not before Gorman again being put through on goal only to see his chip unluckily sail past the post.  It just wasn't to be his day.  With O'Neill playing wide it gave McQuillan the chance to show qualities as front man and he didn't disapoint with some great forward play linking well with Mallon, O'Neill , and rampaging full back Wall who after some nice interchanges in midfield saw his powerful drive on 75 mins deflected into the bottom corner to make the points safe and give the skipper the goal his performance deserved.
 
The game then drew out with United putting together some nice passing moves. Overall, a good team display, a comfortable afternoon and a welcome win. Manager McCorry had this to say after the game. '' I thought we played some nice stuff with the midfield in particular being very impressive. I don't like to praise individual players but Michael Scannell has shown a great attiutude all season and trained hard, even when he wasnt in the team. His recent performances have been top class, along with the continuing development of young Mallon who done fantastic today, besides his two goals. Mallon has also showed a great reaction after being left out earlier in the season. He waited his chance and I'm pleased and proud of them both. With injuries and players unavailable its great to see the squad so high in depth and quality. And with the hope of another new addition next week which is ongoing, it bodes well for the run in.''
 
Full - Time : Crumlin united 3 - 0 Holywood.
 
Team Selection: McKeown, M. Longstaff, McCullough, Fletcher, Wall (c), Mallon, Burke, Scannell, Curry, McQuillan, Gorman.
Subs: O'Neill for Gorman. 60 mins
         Galway for Fletcher 75mins
         A.longstaff for McQullian 75 mins
 
Scorers: Mallon 15 & 55 mins., Wall 74

22nd January 2011 - Clarence Cup

Immaculate 5 - 0 Crumlin United

Crumlin United made the visit to Immaculata and their difficult 3G pitch surface on Saturday for what was one of a few games played due to the majority of pitches across the country being frozen for the 1st round of yet another cup tie for United in a season which has only seen the Mill Road men play 7 league games so far.
 
This was reflected in the performance and indeed the team selection with the squad being tested with several players missing from the starting line up. The opening exchanges were evenly contested but it was more difficult for the United palyers to get to grip with the artifical surface that the home team were used to playing and training on weekly. Although the Mac team did look sharper and brighter in the midfield and in wide areas both United full backs struggled to contain the Mac teams passing and movement as the half progressed.
 
United should have taken a lead on 30 mins when from a Burke free kick Galway headed over from 8 yards when unmarked, and impressive debutant Olalou Malomo-Paris made a blistering run from the half way line leaving the Mac defence in his wake only for the home keeper to deny him from an acute angle on 35 mins. The Mac then took the lead on 43 mins when from a forward pass (which Ian Curry will be disapointed not to clear) was latched onto by the threatening Kevin Hughes up front and he finished with a nice chip over McKeown who had no chance having previously made a couple of good saves but was helpless on this occassion.
 
Then within a minute the Mac doubled their lead when from the right hand side it was from a cross to the back post which should have been cut out was left for the Mac winger to get a free header at the back post with both O'Neill and Longstaff watching on to give the Mac man the freedom of the area to head into the net frm 6yards on the break to give United a massive task.
 
Half Time : Immaculata 2 - 0 Crumlin United
 
The second half saw the introduction of both Gorman and Scannell for O'Neill and Campbell but further misery was heaped on Mccorry's team on 48 mins when from a heavily deflected free kick which gave McKeown again no chance left the game over as a contest and was fastly becoming a damage limatation exercise. Mallon was introduced for the injured Malomo-Paris and McQuillan hit at the keeper when clear on goal which further more frustrated the away side but with the game drawing to a close The Mac added two more goals in the final 5 mins to leave the United team totaly outplayed and with much to ponder for manager McCorry after the display of his team.
 
 He said after the game ''I decided to shuffle the squad today with 19 league games still remaining at a stage were this time last year there was only 8 games left. So its important to keep players fresh and the Clarence Cup was not a top priority for me this season after the amount of cup games already. However the display today was awful and the guys on the pitch will have to massively improve their level to be considered for the big games to come and everyone here needs to realise that this type of effort and performance is totaly unacceptable. The club deserves better than that. But I know we will be back and prepared to face Holywood at home on Saturday for what is the first of 19 cup finals and our season starts on Monday night at training in order to prepare for each game that is to come.''
 
Full Time Score:
Immaculata 5 - 0 Crumlin United
 
Team Selection: M.Mckeown, K.Deveraux, A. Mccullough, G.Galway, M.Longstaff, D.O'neill, I.Curry, F.Burke, B.Mcquillian, O. Malomo-Paris, C.Campbell.
Subs: Gorman for Campbell, Scannell for O'Neill Mallon for Malomo-Paris.
 
Scorers: nil.

15th January 2011 - JJB Irish Cup 5th Round
Queens 1 - 0 Crumlin United

Queens vs Crumlin United
JJB Irish Cup 5th round
 
Crumlin, despite being drawn out of the hat as the home team, had to switch the tie to the Championship 2 side's home venue which they lease of the P.S.N.I. at New Forge Lane in accordance with cup rules therefore surrendering home advantage in the last 32 of the competition. The Queens team started the sharper and had some good possession although most of this possession was restricted to the defence and midfield areas. The main goal threat for the students was the pacy winger on the left, McAleese, who was a constant threat despite the close attention of United captain Pat Wall. The wide man managed to leave the defence on 15 mins and, after rounding McKeown in the Crumlin goal, he hit his shot at the gaping goal off the post and from the resulting rebound he went shoulder to shoulder with Wall.The Ref decided that was enough to point to the spot and give Queens a penalty kick. This decision seemed harsh, although Wall may have cleared the ball earlier, and it looked certain that the incident took place outside the area although the ref was having none of it and the Queens midfileder smashed home the penalty to give the students the lead on 17 mins.
 
Crumlin recovered well and played some lovely football at times and after a great run down the right side Wall made for the bye line and drilled across a fantastic ball which looked to be going into the net with United striker Gorman following in to make sure. Somehow from just a yard out, he managed to clear the ball off the line to give the students an unbelievable escape on the 30 min mark. United continued to attack the home side and Gorman again went close with his shot from just inside the box being very well saved by the feet of the keeper to keep him out and further frustrate United's top goalscorer this season to leave the Queens team somewhat fortunate to go into the break 1 nil up.
 
Half - Time
Queens 1 - 0 Crumlin United.
 
A tactical switch at half time by manager McCorry saw M.Longstaff being replaced by E.Maxwell in order to become more offensive. The change seemed to work with United being in total control for the whole of the 2nd half. With the ever-dangerous Campbell taking up a more forward role, he always looked to penetrate the championship side's defence. It seemed that he got his reward on 55 mins when he went clear on goal to slot a tidy finish under the keeper for what looked like a great goal to draw United level. It wasn't to be - once again the officals stepped in, with the linesman this time having a massive say on things, adjudging that Campbell was offside despite clearly making his run from behind the defender to be at least 5 yards onside in what was a massive individual error. Again Queens got off the hook. United were surely wondering was it going to be one of those days?
 
However this spurred the team on and the domination continued with Campbell again going close. From a fantastic cross from Ferghal Burke on the right side, Campbell's looping header hit the far left hand post with the keeper beaten. Campbell kept trying to get Crumlin back in it, he followed up with a great run and right foot shot from the edge of the box which just whistled by the post with the home keeper rooted to the spot on 81 mins.
 
Then 1 minute later, United were reduced to 10 men when Fletcher was dismissed rather harshly for a tackle that the referee deemed to be a straight red card to further frustrate the massive traveling support and the MILL ROAD BOOT BOYS showed their dismay from the stands with yet another decision going to the higher ranked Championship team. United were left with 10 men for the remainder of the game. Even despite this the Crumlin men kept trying to get the goal that they deserved in order to force a replay and it looked for the world that in injury time sub Davy 'Disco' O'Neil smashed a super effort form 20 yrds of the underside of the crossbar with the keeper beat again for the 4th time on the day only for lady luck once again to shine on him and his teamates to leave United gutted to be exiting the competition despite playing so well and fully deserving of the victory. And to further rub salt into the wounds the massive draw that all junior clubs would have wanted was to be the prize of Manager McCorry's former club Glenavon F.C in the next round.
 
Manager McCorry was surprisingly upbeat after what was such an unlucky defeat to exit the competition. ''The players were fantastic today and we done more than enough to win this one but it wasn't our day. The Queens players & staff know they were very fortunate today but good luck to them in the next round and I wish them all the best for their big day out at Mourneview park. On another note I would like to give a special mention to the supporters that turned out here today in amazing numbers and gave us such great support and in particular the ever-growing Mill Road Boot Boys fanbase and support was something else. I'm just disappointed that we couldn't give them the victory that we all deserved, but its a good performance and hopefully sets us up well for the league campaign which is of course out main target this season.''
 
Final Score:
Queens University 1 - 0 Crumlin United
 
Team Selection: M.Mckeown. M.Longstaff, P.Wall,A. McCullough, S.Fletcher, M. Scannell, F. Burke, C.Campbell, B.McQuillan, I.Curry,R. Gorman.
Subs: E. Maxwell for M.Longstaff ( 45mins)
         D. Oneill for I.Curry (60 mins)
         G. Mallon for R.Gorman (75 mins)
Scorers: none

11th December 2010 - JJB Irish Cup 4th Round
Armagh City 2 - 3 Crumlin United

Crumlin United travelled to Ladbroke's Championship side Armagh City on Saturday for the 4th round of the JJB Irish Cup tie in what was to be the most eventful game of the season so far. United started well with total domination and forcing the home team to long balls up the field and with the more possession United looked very comfotable and thought they had taken the lead after 14 mins with Chris Campbell having his effort ruled out for offside.
 
After that United continued to press hard but it was Armagh stunned the away team with a breakaway goal very much against the run of play. A hopeful long ball bounced for their forward who finished well from the edge of the area into the bottom right corner on 15 mins. Further misery was piled on the United players when the Referee deemed that Anto McCullough had made contact with the City forward just inside the box. It seemed harsh on the big defender but the resulting penalty was slotted into the bottom right corner to double the advantage for the Armagh men and leave United with a monster challenge ahead of them.
 
However this did not dishearten McCorry's players and if anything it made the team more determined. For the remainder of the half they continued to outplay the Championship team. After an excellent right wing cross from Davy O'Neill, Chris Campbell controlled well in the box and finished superbly to halve the deficit and give United a boost on 38 minutes. Things were further improved right on the half time whistle when the Armagh centre half was shown a straight red card for high challenge on the ever-threatening Davy O'Neill to reduce the home team to 10 men and give United more hope going into the break.
 
Half - Time: Armagh City 2 - 1 Crumlin United.
 
United changed tactics at the break in order to attack the 10 men of Armagh, moving captain Pat Wall from right back into the centre of midfield and bringing on Kenny Deveraux in his place, sacrificing Big Hammer in order to go for broke. It certainly helped the team control the tempo and pace of the game. With every player in full attack mode it looked only a matter of time before United got on terms. Some fantastic chances were being created. Ryan Gorman ran from inside his own half and left 5 Armagh defenders in his wake only to see his shot from 12 yards saved by the keeper when the goal looked to be certain. Campbell also had two good chances before Gorman suggested that he had left his shooting boots at home with a bad miss, despite his fantastic link play and work rate which completley destroyed the home team at times.
 
The game was eventually levelled up on 70 minutes when a fantastic solo run from Michael Scannell saw him somehow managed to cut the ball back from the bye-line and into the far back post to leave the keeper no chance and give United the deserved goal that they for so long looked like scoring. At this stage there was only one team in the game with Crumlin's keeper McKeown being a mere spectator. The quailty of the football at times was of such a high standard the Armagh men simply couldnt cope with wave after wave of attacks. With full backs Deveraux and Downey playing as wingers and the midfield of Scannell and Wall in total domination and also with the pace of both McQuillan and O'Neill there was plenty of supply to both strikers Gorman and Campbell. For all that, the winner seemed like it was never going to come. Chance after chance was wasted or saved by the City keeper (who was fantastic on the day). A mazy, electric run and shot from the very impressive Hugh Downey seemed destined for the top corner, but the City keeper somehow managed to get fingertips on it to deny the big left back of what would have been a fantasic winner.
 
As time ticked away the game seemed to be heading for extra time until the last minute of injury time Downey made yet another galloping run down the left flank and delivered a fantastic cross into the box. Cometh the hour and cometh the man. Christopher "HELLBOY" Campbell rose high to guide a fantastic looping header over the keeper and into the top corner for a fantastic goal to send the equally fantastic Mill Road Boot Boys, fans, players and bench into complete hysterical celebrations and send the Championship team crashing out of the competition and leave McCorry's men with the chance of a glamour tie come Wednesday's 5th Round draw and keep the winning run going for the team.
 
Manager McCorry was quick to heap the praise on his players after game saying "The guys were amazing today and to be honest, I think that is the best football we have played since I took over the team. We were on top the whole game and even at 2 down I felt we would win it. Every player was fantastic on the day and the traveling fans were like a 12th man. I would like to also thank them for their amazing support all season and this victory is dedicated to the Boot Boys. We've another massive game next Saturday away to drumaness so we will have to build on this and focus totally on that game. The availability of Ian Curry, Fergal Burke and Emmanuel Maxwell coming back from suspension will only further improve the squad for the games ahead."
 
Full Time Score: Armagh City 2 - 3 Crumlin United
Scorers: Campbell, 35 & 90(+4) Scannell 70
 
Team Selection: M.MCKEOWN, P. WALL. (C) A.MCCULLOUGH. S.FLETCHER. H. DOWNEY. G.GALWAY. M.SCANNELL. C.CAMPBELL. B.MCQUILLAN. D.O'NEILL. R. GORMAN.
SUBS:K. DEVERAUX FOR G.GALWAY (45)
         M. LONGSTAFF FOR B.MCQUILLAN (75)
         C. BICKERSTAFF (NOT USED)
         P. FLYNN (NOT USED)
 

27th November 2010 - NAFL D1A
Crumlin United 5 - 2 UUJ

Saturday saw the visit of 3rd placed and in-form UUJ to Mill Road for a vital league game for both teams if they wanted to challenge at the top end of the table this season. The terrible snowy conditions were to make playing the passing game difficult for both sides but surprisingly both sets of players managed to make the standard very good on a tricky surface which was just given the go ahead after a late pitch inspection by the referee after a long morning of fantastic work by committee and volunteers to make the pitch playable.
 
The opening exchanges were to be tight but the visitors had the better of the opening 20 mins with United starting poorly, and they were caught cold from a corner on the 16th min when, from a front post delivery, the United defence collectivley stood still to let the unmarked UUJ player head into the net from 6yards.  United then woke up and slowly began to play a little better. On the half hour in-form Christopher Campbell drew level after a excellent right wing cross from Pat Wall. Campbell controlled the ball on his chest before nicely volleying the ball into the corner of the net from just inside the area.
 
It was Campbell yet again this season who drove United on.After another surgeing run from midfield he somehow managed to smash a right footed pile driver into the top corner from the right corner of the penalty area, all of 25 yards out, leaving the student's goalkeeper stranded. On a bitterly cold day, this provided the spark for some wild celebrations and United had the lead at the interval.
 
Half - Time : Crumlin United 2 -1 UUJ
 
With the second half only 5 mins old the vital third goal came and who else but that man Campbell completed his hat trick with aplomb. After a fantastic late run behind the defence he ran onto a through pass from captain Wall and after the keeper had stopped the initial shot well, the big man followed up to smash home the rebound and give United a two goal cushion. To their credit UUJ continued to play some nice stuff and after changing their formation to 3 front menm they had some significant dominance for a 15 min spell which was rewarded with another goal from another dead ball situation. A corner was only half cleared by the United defence and a deflected right foot drive ended up in McQuillan's top corner, leaving the stand-in keeper with no chance. Game on! The students were back in with a shout with 20 mins still remaining.
 
However Crumlin are determined to put together a decent league run and to convert their games-in-hand into points and once more upped their game. Ryan Gorman has been in electric form in recent weeks and he got the goal that his afternoon's shift deserved. It was a nice finish following a great left wing run and cross from Galway. The gloss was put on the performance with another classy finish from Gorman after he dribbled past two defenders and then rounded the keeper before finishing with a lovely right foot flick into the top corner.
 
A good day all round for the club and well-deserved win against a very good Jordanstown team with birthday boy Christopher ''HELLBOY'' Campbell stealing the headlines with a superb hat trick.
 
Manager McCorry was delighted with yet another win to keep the momentum on the team's promotion charge.''The players started very poorly, which was not good enough, but once we settled, we played well in stages thereafter. However, I still believe there is room for further improvement. A special mention to everyone that helped get the pitch suitable for playing on and I'm glad we could repay their fantastic efforts with a good win against a very good UUJ team. We have another tough league game against an improving Rathfern team at home this week so were going to be in for another tough game.''
 
Team Selection:
C McQuillan, P Wall, A McCullough, S Fletcher, H Downey, C Galway, M Scannell, C Campbell, B McQuillan, D O'Neill, R Gorman.
Subs: C Bickerstaff for C Campbell ( 75 mins ) M Longstaff for D O'Neill (85 mins) P Grogan (not used)
 
Scorers: Campbell x 3 , Gorman x 2 

20th November 2010 - JJB Irish Cup Rd 3
Malachians 1 - 2 Crumlin United

United travelled to Shore Road for the second time in three weeks in the 3rd round of the JJB Irish Cup to take on Premier League opponents Malachians. The game started well for the away team in the opening 20 mins with United winning the physical battle on a tight pitch and the game was played at a very quick tempo with both teams showing some great team play and movement which Crumlin seemed to be shading in the early exchanges.
 
Crumlin came close to opening the scoring on several occassions with 2 efforts being cleared off the line by the Mals defenders from 2 seperate Gorman corners which both Campbell and Scannell shots being cleared off the line to prevent the deadlock being broken. The Mals themselves had a couple of good efforts also. From a right wing cross thier centre forward headed narrowly wide of the goal with his free header from 10 yards. Five minutes later from the edge of the area the Mals winger cut inside and curled a fantastic shot which looked destined for the top right hand corner only for McKeown in the United goal to somehow tip the ball over the bar - a vital save at a time when the Mals team were showing some dominance in the game. United then regrouped and and had some more chances of their own with a hard driven shot from fully 30 yards The Hammer seen his effort well saved by the Mals keeper.
 
United were to open the score on 35 minutes after a great solo effort from the in form Chris Campbell. He surged from midfield and powered past 2 Mals players before unleasing an thunderbolt left foot shot that flew into the top corner giving the Mals keeper no chance and Crumlin a deserved lead. That lead should have doubled right on the stroke of half time when after a fantastic right wing cross from Davy 'Disco' O'Neill found Micky Scannell unmarked at the backpost only for him to head his effort wide of the target from 6 yards.
 
HALF - TIME
 
Malachians 0 - 1 Crumlin United
 
The second half resumed with United having the better of the possession and controlling the midfield. After a cagey 25 minutes the game was looking good for the away side and so it proved with the vital 2nd goal on 75 minutes. After some great interchanging passes down the right flank, the hard working Gorman produced a fantastic cross from the right and after a superb run to the front post by O'Neill he brilliantly flicked the ball into the bottom right hand corner to give United a two goal cushion with 15 minutes remaining. As expected the Mals team pushed hard to get back into the game going with 3 strikers and 2 wingers on the pitch the United team were fantastic in defence right from the front striker back to the goalkeeper. Every player was working hard to stop a determined Mals team. Deveraux cleared fantasticly off the line from a Mals corner that was headed for the top corner but the wee man got up high enough to clear off the line.
 
Mals did pull one back on 85 mins after a poor lapse in concentration from a free kick which wasnt cleared properly it came straight back over the top of the defence and the Mals forward finished well low into the bottom corner to make for a tense finish.  But United stood firm and kept the Mals team at bay for another fantastic result against another Premier League team to send United into the 4th round of the competition and the hope of a championship team in the draw.
 
Manager McCorry was delighted with his teams display saying "Of all the Premier League teams weve played this season I believe this result to be the best one. Gerard's team is very rarely beaten at home as they are a excellent side and the way my guys played today was top class. Add to that losing our captain Pat Wall late this morning due to injury was potentially a massive blow to add to the other players still out. But in fairness the lads response on the pitch has been fantastic. As a manager you can't ask for any more really. Its nice to be in the hat again of another fantastic competition but we all know here that the next game at home in the league to UUJ will be massive for us to improve our standing in the league and hopefully be able to keep winning and then after Xmas put ourselves in a position with so many games in hand to mount a charge up the table and fight for a promotion spot, because we all want to be playing at this level every week and not just in cup games''.
 
FINAL SCORE:
MALACHIANS 1 - 2 CRUMLIN UNITED
 
TEAM SELECTION:
MCKEOWN. DEVERAUX.MCCULLOUGH,FLETCHER,DOWNEY,GALWAY,CAMPBELL,SCANNELL,ONEILL,MAXWELL,GORMAN.
 
SUBS: BICKERSTAFF FOR GALWAY (80 MINS) CURRAN , MAHONEY ( NOT USED )
SCORERS: CAMPBELL. 35MINS. ONEILL (75 MINS)

13th November 2010 - NAFL D1A
Barn Utd 1 - 4 Crumlin United

Crumlin United travelled to Carrickfergus on Saturday to play Barn United in the league in the hope of getting the badly needed 3 points in order to make a surge up the league. With so many games in hand due to cup games already played every game between now and xmas would be like a cup final to apply pressure on the teams above them.
 
United made the trip to Carrick with no less than 8 first team players unavailable for selection to McCorry so the task ahead couldn't have more difficult against an oppostition that already gave United their only league defeat so far this campaign.
 
Crumlin started the game very well with the spine of the team being dominant with both McCullough and Fletcher controlling the backline - despite both men playing whilst injured due to the lack of numbers available,also Campbell and Gareth (THE HAMMER ) Galway bossing the midfield and Gorman both looking dangerous up top. The tempo of United unsettled the home team and their frustration was being vented several times with some dangerous tackling and indeed their no 7 in particular was more than lucky to remain on the field inside the first 20 mins due to several bad fouls and 1 in particular that the referee was incredibly lenient with and only deemed punsihable with a yellow card.
 
United took the lead on 26 mins with a long ball played forward to red hot striker Gorman who controlled the ball lovely before executing a fantastic lob over the keeper from 30 yards into the net and show yet again what high quality he can produce on the big occassion to give him his 11th goal in 13 games so far this season.
 
United continued to dominate the game, with McKeown in the United goal being a mere spectator in the opening half. More chances were to come with both Wall and Gorman missing good opportunites to add to the scoreline. Wall followed up a spilled shot from the Barn Keeper and seemed certain to score but somehow from six yards out let the keeper kick away his tame effort on the 30 min mark. Gorman also had a great chance when from a Wall pass he hit the crossbar when a goal seemed certain from 12 yards.
 
The vital second goal finally did come when, from a Gorman corner, The Hammer rammed the ball home from 8yrds out with a piledriver right foot shot into the top corner to leave the keeper no chance to give United a much deserved 2 nil advantage going into the break.
 
HALF - TIME. BARN UNITED 0 - CRUMLIN UNITED 2
 
The second half continued much to the pleasure of the large away support in the same fashion of the first with Crumlin remaining in total dominance and kept battering at the home team's defence with their disipline continuing to help United impose their high tempo on the game. The 3rd goal came on 58 mins when pass squared to Chris Campbell he unleased a right foot drive that powered into the bottom corner to give the Barn kepper no chance and he certinaly enjoyed his superb effort in his celebrations to silecne the home crowd and make their day a bleak one.
 
United contined to create further opportunities, with Gorman providing some good long throws on the small pitch and with the midfield in total control. The Barn team were dead on their feet at this stage and it was from another Gorman corner that the ball broke to the impressive Brian McQuillan to score from close range to make the game in danger of becoming a rout with 20 mins still to play and United being 4 up was impressive stuff indeed.
 
Crumlin then seemed to take the foot off the gas and the manager made 3 changes which was more about keepin players injury-free than any performance issues. The Barn team were increasingly losing their cool at every given opportunity. It was a momentary loss of concentration that cost United a deserved clean-sheet when, in the final minute, a right wing cross was headed into McKeown's nettaking some of the gloss off what was a great team performance and a fantastic away win.
 
Happy manager McCorry said after the game '' we were excellent against Grove last week and I felt we were so unlucky not win there. To come here and put that right was fantastic for the boys that played in both games. This and last week's performance also shows that despite the top quality players we have out we have a superb squad of players and it will be great for me when hopefully everyone is available in the near future and we can continue to improve and climb the table with the games in hand we can still challenge for promotion this season. If we continue to work hard in training and keep up the fantastic team spirit and togetherness that we have here we have the confidence and the quality to perform at the highest level as today has proved.''
 
United next week travel to yet another premier league ground this Saturday for the Irish cup 3rd round tie against Malachains with a 1.30 k.o.
 
TEAM SELECTION: MCKEOWN,DEVERAUX,MCCULLOUGH,FLETCHER,BURNS,MAXWELL,GALWAY,CAMPBELL,WALL,MCQUILLAN,GORMAN.
SUBS: BICKERSTAFF FOR WALL 70 MINS, MAHONEY FOR MAXWELL , GROGAN FOR GORMAN 75.
SOCRERS: GORMAN,GALWAY,CAMPBELL,MCQUILLAN.

6th November 2010 - NAFL D1A
Grove 1 - 1 Crumlin United
Unitedfinally got back to league business after the Intermediate Cup defeat to Abbey Villa last week and the club was keen to get off the mark in the difficult away game to 3rd placed Grove United at their Shore Road home on Saturday. Despite United missing no less than 7 players due to suspensions and injuries McCorry was confident that the Mill Road men would have a deep enough squad to be able to take the points here and get the season up and running after 3 straight draws in the league to date.
 
The game started well for the away team and all the early possession and endeavor came from the Crumlin lads. The makeshift backline was being well marshalled by Captain Pat Wall and the midfield was in total control in particular with Michael Scannell and debutant Chris ''THE HAMMER '' Galway impressing with winning their tussles in the main part of the park. United thought they were to given the chance to go ahead in the opening 5 mins when Gorman was hauled down in the box from behind when clear on goal but to the amazement of everyone in the ground the ref somehow waved play on Grove were well and truly let off the hook by the man in black on this occasion.
 
United continued to dominate and after a great right wing cross from Scannell, Davy O'Neill nipped in to the front post area to head brilliantly at goal only to be denied by a fantastic one handed save from the Grove keeper. Gorman was also to have a good chance on the half hour, but his chip was underhit and the Grove keeper again made the save. It was surely only to be a matter of time before United made the breakthrough? From a fantastic Gorman corner Scannell raised the highest to head powerfully into the top corner and give United the deserved lead on 37 mins.
 
Crumlin continued to push forward and Grove had no answers and again with Gorman being denied by the keeper when his shot was pushed over to keep the score at half time somehow only 1 nil to the away team.
 
Half- Time Grove united 0 - 1 Crumlin United
 
The second half started well again for United and their work rate and tempo was excellent with some great closing down and good organisation kept the grove players quiet. There was not much of note to report as the game became quite dogged and the United players were up for the task in hand. Unfortunately, as has been the case this season more often that not, the ref seemed to become the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons. On 75 mins ,after a meaty challenge on Kenny Deveraux in the right back area, the ref seen fit to show a straight red much to the surprise of everyone to the Grove player when surely a yellow card would have been the more obvious outcome.
 
That decision then seemed to change the game with the Grove bench and players then beraiting the ref at every opportunity and therefore putting his every action under severe question. It was of no surprise that after what can only be described as a terrible piece of playacting from one of the Grove subs, pretending to be struck by Michael Scannell when clearly no contact was made, the ref (who was not in a position to even see the incident) ran the 50 or so yards to brandish yet another red and even up the score on the players on the park due to the earlier mistake. From the resulting free kick the ball was headed across goal and the Grove number 9 overhead kicked the ball into the top corner with McKeown getting a hand to the ball but it was to no avail as the Grove team somewhat controversially going level with 10 mins remaining.
 
United then tried to get the winner and for some scrappy play by both teams the game then seemed to destined for a draw but not before the ref again reached to his back pocket this time for Davy O'Neill for asking a question which the ref seemed neccessary to book the player for the 2nd time on the day leaving 3 players off the pitch in what was not a dirty game.
 
Final Score: Grove United 1 - 1 Crumlin United.
 
Team Selection: Mckeown, Curran, Wall, Fletcher, Deveraux, Grogan, Scannell, Maxwell, Galway, O'Neill, Gorman.
Subs: Tohill for Grogan 75mins. Bickerstaff for Fletcher 80 mins. Trolan not used.
Scorer: Scannell 35 mins.

30th October 2010 - Intermediate Cup Rd 1
Abbey Villa vs Crumlin United

Crumlin United were to be paired against Abbey Villa in cup competition for the second time in only a matter of weeks.The long trip down to Millisle home ground, Adams Park, this time was in the Intermediate Cup and with a much changed team from the last encounter.No fewer than 7 players were unavailable, and it was going to be a massive task to try and replicate the performance and victory in the previous encounter in the Border Cup back in September.

Villa started well and went ahead on 5 mins giving United the worst possible start. The United team seemed unwilling to adapt to the conditions early on, and lost possession cheaply in the midfield area several times. After a right wing cross the Villa striker was unmarked to hammer home from inside the area. United rallied and tried to make some impact in the game, but it was Villa who had the clearer chances with United continuing to lose possession in dangerous areas and make the game more difficult for themselves. United keeper McKeown was on top form to stop a couple of chances for the Villa and kept the score at 1-0 going into the break. Actually, United had a chance just before half time to draw level through Colin Bickerstaff with a free header from 10 yards at the back post which was well headed downwards to the corner only for Villa kepper Munn to keep it out .
 
HALF TIME. ABBEY VILLA 1 - 0 CRUMLIN UNITED
 
United came out for the second half and again started slowly and it was more sloppy play that led to the 2nd goal for Villa in the 55th minute. As is too common for this team, it took the  2nd goal to spark some life into the United players. Pat Wall led by example, taking the game by the scruff to inject some endeavor and fight into the team, an effort shared with his midfield partner Brian McQuillan. Wall pulled a goal back on the hour mark with a tidy finish inside the box into the bottom corner. United were now dominanting and the Villa team seemed to be tiring badly with them making 3 changes from the bench in order to halt the onslaught that was now camping out  in the final 3rd of the Millisle pitch. After a lovely through ball, Gorman sold the defender a fantastic dummy and fired into the bottom corner across the helpless Munn to level the score and send the strong away support into wild celebrations. However those celebrations were to be short lived as almost directly from the kick off Jardine lost possession of the ball yet again in a dangerous area and the Villa winger was in full flow and headed for the dead ball line and then hooked a great cross to the back post for the unmarked VIlla stiriker to fire into the back of the net in what was a total smash and grab breakaway which yet again came form some very slack United play whilst in possession.
 
With 10 mins remaining Villa then had a player sent off for a tackle from behind on Deveraux. United continued to try and push for the equaliser and went with 3 strikers on the pitch. Munn saved brilliantly form Gorman and Scannell both and despite the best efforts Abbey Villa were to hold out for the win in what would have been a great contest for the neutral but a disapointed McCorry had this to say after the game. ''It was always going to be a difficult task to win this tie with the amount of key players out but it gave the chance to other squad players to impress. Some of them done a great job, but on the whole there were too many players not working hard enough on the day. That is why we conceeded 3 goals here as opposed to the single goal the last time we were here. Although I am disappointed with consecutive Cup exits, I am glad that we are finally getting back to the business of the league on Sat with a very hard game away to Grove United who have been doing really well this year. We will want to be going there and playing to our highest level and hopefully get our league campaign back on track.''
 
Final Score: Abbey Villa 3 - 2 Crumlin United.
 
Team: Mckeown, Maxwell, Fletcher, Downey, Deveraux, Wall, Mcquillan, O'Neill, Jardine, Gorman, Bickerstaff.
Subs: Scannell, Curran, Mahoney. Scannell for Maxwell- (80mins)
Scorers: Wall: 60 mins Gorman: 78 mins.

16th October 2010 - Steel & Sons QF
Larne vs Crumlin United

Crumlin United travelled to Inver park to face the test of the season to date against Larne in a Steel And Sons cup quater final. With the disapointment of a home defeat to Crumlin Star the previous week in the last 16 of the Border Cup along with the abject performance of many of his players in that game still fresh in his mind, United's manager Keith McCorry knew the importance of a much better display on this occassion. This was particularly so in front of the fantastic away support in attendance to cheer on the team and enjoy the day out.
 
The game started well for the visitors and United competed well  in what was a cagey and physical opening 20 mins. There were some choice tackles in particular from the Larne team which saw both Micky Longstaff (ankle) and Antony McCullough (eye gash) both needing treatment following some very hard play indeed which the ref deemed to be non punishable. It was particularly disapointing for Longstaff who had to be replaced after 22 mins following a terrible series of challenges in the space of 5 minutes which left him with an injury which looks like it will keep him out of action for some time.
 
Crumlin adjusted very well and coped fantasticly with the one-dimensional long ball tactics from Larne. Long throws and set pieces definitely seemed to be the focus of the home team's gameplan. It was actually the away side who tried to get the ball down and play on what was a very difficult surface, but despite the decent footbal, they offered little by way of attack in the opening 45 minute. Larne certainly had the more clear-cut chances with McKeown forced into a fantastic stop on 35 mins with a superb one-handed reflex save to keep the game scoreless at the break.
 
Half Time Larne 0 - 0 Crumlin United
 
As the 2nd half got underway it couldn't have started any worse for United when after 3 mins, and yet another long throw, a scrappy melee in the box wasn't cleared and the ball was hooked back across goal and seemed to bounce on a divet in the turf and deflect the ball goalwards and onto the post and spinning into the net to break the deadlock. A big disappointment so early in the 2nd half. However the United players continued to push and try to get the equaliser and although Larne had a few more chances which went wide and 'keeper McKeown also making a couple of decent saves, United still looked strong. It was on the hour mark that the most controversal moment of the game occurred. After a cross into the box from the wide left area and a steaming run into the penalty area from skipper Pat Wall, he was abruptly brought down right in front of the referee as he was about to stike the ball home. To the amazement of everyone in the ground he somehow waved away the clear-cut penalty that would have gave United the opportunity to draw level. This however didn't stop Crumlin from trying to create more opportunities, with the introduction of McQuillian on the wing proving more than a handful for the Larne defence. It was from his cross that United's big defender Fletcher found the goal at his mercy, but the recurring theme of recent weeks seen a United player miss when it seemed easier to score.
Larne pressed to get the killer 2nd goal and they had the opportunity, when from a coming-together on the edge of the area the referee decided to award them a penalty kick when somehow not being able to give the clearer foul at the other end only mins earlier. This added to the mounting frustration of the sizdeable visiting support. However McKeown in nets was solid and saved well to his right to keep out Davy Larmour's spot kick to keep United in the game. Ferghal Burke came close yet again for Crumlin only to be superbly denied by the right hand of the Larne keeper to keep his team in the contest. Then came the sucker punch with 12 mins remaining. Once again from a long throw the ball bounced around the edge of the area, only to be toe-poked into the net below Mckeown to give Larne the breathing space of the 2nd goal.
 
The game then started to be played out with United still fighting to the end and everyone at the club must have been impressed with the effort the players put into the game but on the day it just wasn't to be.
 
Crumlin continue in the Cups on sat with a 2nd Round Irish Cup tie at Mill Road against Bloomfield F.C. with a 1:30pm ko. and hopefully the team can get back to winning ways and give the fantastic supporters and the Mill Road Boot Boys something to cheer about this week.
 
TEAM: McKeown,Longstaff,McCullough,Fletcher,Wall,Maxwell,Burke,Curry,O'Neill,Jardine,Gorman.
Subs: Burns for Longstaff, McQuillan for O'Neill, Campbell for Maxwell,Bickerstaff, Deveraux. not used.

9th October 2010 - Border Cup Rd4
Crumlin United vs Crumlin StarCrumlin Star were the visitors to Mill Road on Saturday in the last 16 of the Border Cup and with a place in the last 8 at stake there was much to play for, United started the game poorly and couldn't get going despite having a strong wind behind them. Although Star began the better it was United who had the best opportunity in the opening exchanges, with Chris Campbell being put through on goal after a great long ball from Pat Wall that took out the whole Star defence.Campbell, after taking a good first touch, fell over when clear and the chance was gone. That was to be the tone set by the home team for the remainder of the half.  After a few half-chances and the bulk of possession the Star took the lead on 28 minutes. The impressive young striker Gormley nipped in to flick the ball past the oncoming McKeown after a scrappy passage of play.
 The Star team doubled their lead 5 minutes before the break when a difficult backpass on a windy day didnt help McKeown who hesitated to clear and Gormley yet again was the sharpest man on the pitch to get his second and give the Star a comfortable advantage at the break.
 
Half time score: Crumlin United 0 - 2 Crumlin Star
 
The second half saw 2 changes with both Maxwell and Mallon being replaced by Jardine and Burns to try and change the shape and urgency of the team. For short periods thereafter, United improved slightly in certain areas of the field, but had only a good shout for a pen and a goaline clearence to show for their efforts. Not so for the Star when Gormley, who was stealing the show, raced in after a free kick which rebounded off the bar and got in in front of Davy O'Neill to head in when the defender looked clear favorite to clear the ball. That was game over as a contest and towards the end Star added another with the United defence all at sea. Campbell did get a late goal back to make the final score an embarrsing 1 - 4 home defeat.
 
This was a big reality check for everyone at the club and the manager in particular was scathing in his assessment of the players level of performance commenting ''There was maybe 2 or 3 players at best that can say they played anywhere near their potential and that sort of performance will not be accepted here. Fair play to Star, they deserved it and are a very good side, although an under 10 team would have beat us with that display. So its back to basic's for a fantastic game in the Steel & Sons Cup away to Larne and if player's cant raise their game for a contest of such magnatude they really need to have a good look at themselves. But I am confident we will all bounce back from what has been a very dark day indeed''
 
Final score: Crumlin United 1 - 4 Crumlin Star
 
Team: Mckeown, Longstaff, Fletcher, Mccullough, Wall, Maxwell, Curry, Campbell, O'neill, Mallon, Gorman.
subs: Jardine, Burns, Deveraux ( not used )

2nd October 2010 - NAFL D1A League
U.U.J. vs Crumlin United

Click here for match photos

Crumlin United travelled to play U.U.J. in a much-welcomed return to league duty following a run of cup games in recent weeks. That run has seen United slipping down the league table through no fault of their own, indeed the Mill Road side have had only one defeat in all competitions so far this season, but their last league game was a midweek fixture way back in August!
 
The game started with United keeping good possession and, despite 5 changes to last week's starting line-up due to a combination of injuries and suspensions, it looked like the United players were sharp and determined to take the game to the home side. However, early pressure and exciting build-up play wasn't matched with quality in front of goal. The bright Crumlin start started to fade and the students started to find their feet, including some long range efforts at the United goal without really troubling the away keeper, McKeown.
 
It was then with 3 mins until the interval the home team took the lead. After a clearance upfield from McKeown, the UUJ number 8 found himself unmarked and in acres of space in the centre circle. He made no mistake with the present he was gifted and executed a terrific lob over the halpless keeper.
 
Half Time UUJ 1 - 0 Crumlin United
 
Crumlin's manager, Keith McCorry, was heard administering some serious half-time instrructions, demanding a much higher tempo and work rate in order to press the game in the home teams final third. Although the team seemed to heed the instructions and did start much the better after the break, it didn't save three players from McCorry's sheperd's hook. A brave triple substitution in the 51st minute saw the attacking flair of Mallon, Jardine, and McQuillian inject some much needed pace and movement in order to get on level terms.
 
After a good spell of possession and a clever clipped ball into the chest of Christopher '' Hellboy'' Campbell, an excellent first touch sent him clear on goal. With great confidence he assuredly drove the ball past the keeper and into the back of the UUJ net to level the game with 25 minutes still remaining. United kept pushing and there were further excellent chances for the visitors. Gorman had the best of them when he was left unmarked when the ball broke for him in the box. However he only managed to flick the ball wide of the target from 8 yards with only the keeper to beat. A great cross from Mallon seen Jardine head the ball down and it looked like a goal all the way, only to bounce onto the crossbar with the keeper well beaten. Attacks were fewer but still dangerous at the other end and UUJ had a goal ruled out the very death  when, from a corner kick, their big defender clearly fouled Anto McCullough and the referee had called the decision well before the ball hit the net.
 
Overall, it will seem like a defeat for United. The chances were there to take three points from a tough away game. With the next 4 games all involving cup ties it will be another long break between league games for McCorry and his men, but with a place in the quarter finals of the Border Cup at stake on Saturday against the very fancied Crumlin Star at Mill Road it will surely be another fantastic game for the supporters to enjoy and lets all hope the good form in the cup competitions continues over the next month.
 
Final Score: U.U.J. 1 - 1 Crumlin United.
 
Team Selection: McKeown, Burns, McCullough, Fletcher, Wall, Deveraux, Scannell, Campbell, O'Neill, Gorman, Bickerstaff.
 
Subs: Mallon for Deveraux 51mins, Jardine for Bickerstaff 51 mins, McQuillan for Scannell 51 mins.

25th September 2010 - Steel & Sons Round 4
Crumlin United vs Derrighy CC FC

.......Click here for match photos......

Derriaghy CC FC were the opponents in the last 16 of the Steel & Sons cup, with both clubs in unchartered territory having never been this far in the competition in their respective histories. As expected there was a good crowd at the ground and both clubs were well represented to make for a fantastic atmosphere. As the game started it seemed that the United team had settled much the better and were playing some fantastic quick passing football that the Derriaghy team were no match for in the first 15 mins. That lead to great chances for Gorman, Wall and in particular O'Neill, who missed a golden chance from 6 yards out. With the goal gaping he managed to shoot wide.
 
United continued to press hard for the opening goal and a string of fine saves from the Derriaghy keeper somehow managed to keep the game scoreless. What followed next set the tone for the rest of the game. After a nasty takle on him, Ian Curry reacted in front of the away dugout and the ref wasted no time in waving out the red card to leave United down to 10 men for the remaining 75 mins. Amazingly, this only encouraged the home team, and they continued to dominate and should have went into the break with the contest all but over. In the run up to half time there was a shocking tackle on Micky Longstaff, which drew large displeasure from the spectators, but which was only deemed a yellow card by the referee. Longstaff had to be subbed at the break and a later scan would reveal a chipped bone in his ankle which will keep him out for some weeks. So the game went into half time scoreless but not without incident.
 
HALF TIME : CRUMLIN UNITED 0 - 0 DERRIAGHY CRICKET CLUB F.C.
 
The second half was to continue as the first with United still pressing and trying to make the breakthrough. With a free kick on the left side Burke delivered a telling cross and big Anto McCullough rose at the front post to power the header towards the top corner. The Derriaghy keeper was, for once, powerless with the quality of the delivery and the execution, and United took a much deserved lead on the 70th minute mark.
 
United continued to press, with goalkeeper McKeown little more than a spectator. Some fantastic work from Brian McQuillan, a constant threat throughout the game, saw him provide an excellent cross and O'Neill should have done better than fire over the bar from 12 yards. The second goal at that stage would have surely seen the game over with only 8 mins left. The Cricket Club tried to get back into the game late on and deep into injury time, with the striker going away from goal, a very controversial penalty was awarded by the referee when he went down very easily. The penalty was converted and extra-time loomed.
 
The first period of extra time started with energy and after just 3 mins "Maxi" Maxwell was dismissed for his 2nd yellow card with little protest from the home team. It certainly was to make the task of winning the tie for United even more difficult, down to 9 men for the remainder of the game. But with 2 mins left of the 1st half of extra time the impossible happened. The fresh legs of substitute Geffro Mallon danced around two away defenders and glided into the box to provide a neat pass to Davy 'Disco' O'Neill. He made no mistake with his finish and blasted the ball right footed into the top corner to send the home crowd and bench manic, with the prospect of a Quarter Final place only 10 mins away.
 
The second half of extra time was to be stuff of legend. The referee had a hard day at the office and was maybe a little caught up in the moment when he decided that Fergal Burke, who was just fouled and picking himself up from the ground, was called to the ref and dismissed for what the referee adjudged "afters" following the incident. The whole ground was in shock and couldn't believe what was unfolding in front of them. It was then a case of United trying to hold out with 8 men in what became a 4-2-1 formation. With some of the most heroic team defending ever seen at the Mill Road, Fletcher,McCullough and Wall in particular made some important challenges and McKeown in nets was his usual cool self to see off any advances from a well beaten and dejected Derriaghy team. Despite the almost 5 mins of injury time somehow added the home team held on to put themselves in the quater finals and keep the dream alive of the possibility of an Xmas morning final at Seaview.

Lurking just around the corner on the 16th October are Championship side Larne in the Quarter Finals.
 
Team: Mckeown. Longstaff, Fletcher, Mccullough, Wall, O'neill, Maxwell, Burke, Curry, Mcquillan, Gorman.
Subs: Burns for Longstaff, Mallon for Mquillan, Bickerstaff for Gorman, Scannell , Deveraux not used.
 
Scorers: Mccullough 76, Oneill 103.
 

18th September 2010 - JJB Irish Cup Rd1
Mossley vs Crumlin United
Crumlin United travelled to Mossley YM in the 1st round of the Irish Cup in what was potentially a very tricky cup tie against the 1c opponents. The game started as would be expected on a wet and zippy surface with both teams trying to adjust to the conditions. The home team mastered the conditions better and were on top in the opening exchanges without pressing home any advantage. United did manage to settle into the game thereafter and the midfield of Burke, Campbell and Maxwell started to pull the strings. The central defensive pairing of McCullough and Fletcher were as solid as they come. For all of that, it wasn’t until the 32^nd minute that United had their first real shot at goal, but what a shot it was! After a quick throw, the ever-alert Fergal Burke hit the ball on the half volley and smashed a cracking shot over the helpless Mossley keeper and into the top corner of the net to give the visitors the lead.

The home team had a great chance to go into the half time break on level terms, but the Mossley striker was brilliantly denied by an excellent point blank save from McKeown when presented with a one on one situation, and so United went into the changing rooms with the lead.
 
Half Time: Mossley 0 - 1 Crumlin United 
 
The second half saw United play much better and they controlled the tempo. It looked as if they would add to the scoring but with chances for O’neill,  Burke, Bickerstaff and impressive debutant Brian McQuillan all going begging it was to be a nail-biting finish. The home team were throwing everything at United, trying to get the goal to take the game into extra time, but the United defence is a different proposition these days and with McCullough and Fletcher in particular both being right on top of their game, the goal never really looked likely and United held out for an excellent away win and put their name into the next round of yet another cup competition this season. It also keeps the winning streak going and bodes well for the massive visit to

11th September 2010 - Steel & Sons Rd 3
Crumlin United vs Barn United

Saturday saw the second visit of Barn United to Mill Road this season, and McCorry's men were determined to put that 1-0 defeat on the opening day of the league season well and truly behind them. This was a huge Steel and Son’s cup game and, once more, Barn proved to be a tough and willing opponent.
 
The game started with plenty of hard play from both teams and from the off it looked like the team that would be the more organised and disciplined were going to have a greater chance of winning the encounter. Crumlin tried to get their customary passing game going, but it wasn’t really happening for them in the early stages. There were only a handful of chances created by either team in the first 20 minutes, notably a great solo run from in-form Ryan Gorman who danced round four Barn defenders only to scoop his shot over the bar from inside the box! A few minutes later and it was Gorman again who had a half-chance, latching on to a fantastic through ball from Campbell. Once more his finish didn’t match the effort and the keeper comfortably denied him on this occasion.
 
The breakthrough when it did come was slightly unexpected. A mix up between the Barn defender and his goalkeeper resulted in both players missing the ball and their subsequent collision gifted Gorman an empty net. He gladly accepted and gave United the lead with 34 minutes on the clock.  This misfortune seemed to rattle the Away team and their discipline deserted them in the subsequent period with foul tackles beginning to mount up. When Pat Wall embarked on a mazy dribble through the Barn rearguard in the 40^th minute, he was unceremoniously up-ended in a fashion that left the Referee no option but to produce a straight red card.
 
Half - Time Score: Crumlin United 1 - 0 Barn United
 
Against a 10-man Barn side, it might have been expected that Crumlin would up the tempo of the game in the opening period of the second half, but much to McCorry’s frustration it didn’t immediately materialise. Despite this, the team did look particularly solid at the back and kept the ball well. With both Curry and Burke impressing in the midfield, they were kept honest and on their toes by a Barn team who were not for giving up. Barn showed why they have also been taking some great results this season with serious spirit and endeavour, Sharples in particular up front always looking dangerous. United’s Fletcher constantly shadowed his every move made sure it was not to be his day to ruin the party atmosphere at Mill Road.
 
That atmosphere was to be further lifted when, from 20 yards out, Fergal Burke chipped the keeper with fantastic skill and precision only to see his effort rebound of the bottom of the crossbar with the keeper clean beat. Burke was not to be denied however, and with 5 minutes remaining he was to have the last big say in this cup tie.  With a free-kick awarded on the corner-edge of the penalty box, and a tiring Barn team retreating, he motioned to the Referee to take a “quick one” and then he simply chipped the ball beautifully into the top corner of the net! A superb piece of individual skill and quick thinking on the part of the 19 year-old that capped of a fine display from him and the team to put Crumlin United into the last 16 of the competition for the first time in their history.
 
The draw for the next round gives United a home tie against Derriaghy Cricket Club. F.C. on the 25th September (2.30pm K.O.). Manager, Keith McCorry, spoke of the draw on Monday night and remarked ''This will undoubtedly be a tough game for us against a very good team assembled by a very good manager in Michael Lamont. With his contacts in the game he will have added a lot of quality to his squad since last year and their results are proving that to be just the case. So with a place in the 1/4 finals at stake the rewards are massive for both clubs.''
 
Final score Crumlin 2 - 0 Barn United
 
Team: McKeown, Longstaff, Burns, Fletcher, Deveraux, Wall, Campbell, Curry, Burke, O’Neill, Gorman.
Subs: Bickerstaff for Campbell. Mallon for Deveraux. Maxwell (not used)

4th September 2010 - Border Cup Rd 2
Abbey Villa 1 - 4 Crumlin United

....Click here for match photos....

Crumlin took the long and difficult journey to Millisle to play Premier League opposition in the shape of Abbey Villa. The Adams Park ground features a particularly difficult playing surface which must be an advantage to the home team used to playing on it. The pitch is very different to the Mill Road ground and it would certainly make playing any fast flowing football very difficult for United. Villa, like United, were previous winners of this prestigious competition and both teams were eager to emulate their clubs' successes of yesteryear.

The game started with the home team well on top. The United centre-back pairing of Fletcher and McCullough were bombarded with plenty of long balls and pressing play from the Villa, and it wasn't a good start to the game for McCorry's men. Villa went close on 6 mins with a long distance shot after some slack defensive play. The strike hit the outside of the post although it did look like McKeown in goal may have had it covered. This early scare didn't provoke any real response from United and Villa kept pressing. After a succession of corner's, some slack marking left a Villa attacker to nod home from 6yrds to give the home side a deserved lead.

United finally got going after that and began to look dangerous. Davy O'neill was looking to have the better of his marker, and after good work from him, the keeper spilled a shot right in front of Chris Campbell. The big man is on form, but he somehow managed to scoop the ball over the bar from 5 yrs out to really let Villa of the hook and leave everyone scratching their heads as to how he didn't score.
 
Villa then had an excellent chance from distance, but United keeper Mark Mckeown made the save of the game with a fantastic tip onto the crossbar and away to safety. Indeed it would prove to be a defining moment of the game.
 
Half - Time
Abbey Villa 1 - 0 Crumlin United.
 
After some stern words at half time, some tactical changes and with United playing down the hill it looked like there was team on a mission that reappeared from the Away dressing room. Bickerstaff came on up front for midfielder Maxwell at the break and United really took the game to the opposition. They didn't have long to wait for their equaliser. It was the in-form Ryan Gorman who stuck the ball in the net from close range after a supberb O'Neill corner. After that it was all one way traffic. United looked strong at the back, with Fletcher in particular providing the confidence that the rest of the players could feed from. The midfield were ably marshalled by Curry who was pulling the strings and it was looking like a massive cup shock could be on the cards
 
It was then on 65 mins, after some good play out wide and a great ball into the box from Kenny Deveraux, that Davy O'Neill smashed the ball home to give the lead to United. From here on, there was only going to be one winner. The 3rd goal was not long in coming. More fantastic hold up play from Colin 'Bert' Bickerstaff seen him remain cool as ever before picking a beautiful through ball for Gorman who was ice cool with a fantastic finish to give the Villa keeper no chance.

As can often happen, that goal killed the game as a contest and the Villa team were showing signs of tiredness and looking for the final whistle. The last thing they needed was for McCorry to introduce the speedy Geffro Mallon on the right wing whose fresh legs got him immediately involved in several good moves down the right wing.
With 3 minutes of regulation time left on the clock, another O'Neill corner seen the ball break to Mallon on the edge of the area and he hammered the ball goalwards. With the aide of a deflection, the ball  found the bottom corner of the Villa goal. We are sure young Mallon will be claining it nonetheless. The United players and bench were sent into hysterics with the final whistle and yet another Premier League scalp has been claimed in the cup competitions.
 
The win will be a real confidence booster (not that confidence is short around the sleepy Co. Antrim village) as United progress to the Steel & Sons tie to be played at Mill Road against fierce rivals Barn United. It promises to be a very good encounter as Barn themselves progressed to the next round of the Border Cup with a win over Dunmurry YM. Kick Off next week is at 2pm.

Back to today, and this will be remembered as a fantastic performance and manager McCorry who spoke after the game said ''This was a massive test of the players both physically and mentally; to go behind and show such character, and to do so without our missing quality players such as Pat Wall ( injured ) and Fergal Burke (suspended) it shows that were taking the right steps forward. OUr team now have the full belief that we have the squad to compete at the top level of amateur football. We have proved over the last 2 games, both home and away''
 
Team:
McKeown, Longstaff, Fletcher, McCullough, Deveraux, Curry, Maxwell, Campbell, Scannell, O'Neill, Gorman.
subs: Bickerstaff for Maxwell, Mallon for Scannell, Burns for Longstaff.
 
Full time : Abbey Villa 1 - 4 Crumlin United
Scorers: Gorman 51, 75.  O'Neill 65  Mallon 87.

28th August 2010 - Steel & Sons Cup Rd 2
Crumlin Utd. 3 - 1 Killyleagh YC

It was with dreams of a possible giant killing in mind that Crumlin entertained Killyleagh YC at Mill Road in the 2nd round of the prestigious Steel & Sons cup competition on Saturday 28th August.

It was to be a big question asked of Keith McCorry’s men, and one that they would answer in a resounding fashion. Not that it looked that way as early as the 1st min when, after a mix up in defence between Deveraux and Maxwell in the Crumlin defence, an opportunistic Killyleagh forward stole the ball and finished nicely into the bottom corner. United were off to the worst possible start.

However, United settled after the early mishap and started to put together some nice passes and there was much to be admired about their movement off the ball. They firmly got to grips with the game and spent much of the following period pressing the visitors into the final third of the pitch, and much to the manager’s delight, they importantly started to win the midfield battle. While they were unable to find the equaliser before the break, they certainly looked the more promising of the two sides when it came to who looked more likely to find the back of the net.

Half – Time: Crumlin united 0 - 1 Killyleagh YC

The second half saw Crumlin come flying out of the blocks and it was looking like it was only going to be a matter of time before the home team drew level. And so it was on 55 minutes that the impressive Chris Campbell broke through with a fantastic burst on the edge of the box to hammer home the equalizer. This really lifted the home side and their supporters, and deservedly put them back into the cup-tie.

United didn’t have to wait long for the opportunity to take the lead. After a brilliant solo run from Ryan Gorman he was upended in the box. He dusted himself off to smash the resulting penalty into the back of the net, sending the Killyleagh keeper the wrong way in the process. It was now all United and after more good work from Campbell, he flicked on a long pass for Gorman to run onto and from 35 yards he lobbed the keeper to perfection to give Crumlin a two goal cushion going into the final 20 minutes.

Crumlin kept playing with spirit and hard work with a great team ethic, There was also plenty of flare from the midfield combination of Burke, Curry and Campbell. The only downside to the game was a very harsh 2nd yellow card in the final 10 minutes for Fergal Burke that saw him dismissed. After another solid game for him it will be a disappointment to have been so harshly sent off and miss another game.

Although Killyleagh never stopped trying to get back into the game, the solid looking United back line along with the controlled and calm goalkeeping of McKeown made sure the result wasn’t in doubt.

Speaking to McCorry after the game, he commented “This was a massive boost for everyone at the club, especially with Killyleagh being former cup winners. We are hoping for a good run in the cups before resuming the more important business of the league.” With tough successive cup games to come versus Abbey villa (Away), Barn United (home) and Mossley (away) in the first 3 weeks of September, we wish them every success.

Full - Time Score: Crumlin United 3 - 1 Killyleagh

Team: McKeown, Longstaff M, Maxwell, Fletcher, Deveraux, Scannell, Burke, Curry, Campbell, O'Neill, Gorman.

Subs: Mallon for Scannell. : Grogan, Longstaff A. not used.

Scorers: Campbell 55, Gorman, 60(Pen), 68.