League Report: Kerry FC 1- 1 Treaty United
After appearing with Treaty last season, Kerry native Matt Keane skippered his home side to a draw against his former side Credit: Gerry Shanahan (ETPhotos)
Kerry FC picked up their first point of the season with a one all draw against Treaty United in the second Munster derby of the season held at a sold out Mounthawk Park. Ex Cork City winger Sean Kennedy's strike was cancelled out by Enda Curran's effort for the Limerickmen in the battle of the division's newest clubs.
Despite a brace of defeats coming into Friday night's game, Kingdom boss Billy Dennehey's selection showed faith in the performances shown in the campaign so far. At 38 years of age, the experienced defender Shane Guthrie lined up in front of his brother Wayne who occupied the netminding position for the third game in a row. His opposite number Shane Hallahan was making his league debut for Treaty United, almost a decade after first lining out in the league in the colours of Cobh Ramblers.
Another who had previously plied his trade in the Rebel County was the first to make his mark on Friday's encounter- ex Cork City attacker and Annascaul native Sean Kennedy finding the net on ten minutes after good persistence on the wing by Leo Gaxha to force the ball into the Treaty danger zone.
The Kerry defence negotiated a couple of close calls from the Treaty attack shortly after- Dean George heading narrowly over the bar before Guthrie denied the Dubliner following a swift counter attack.
Tommy Barrett's men weren't to be thwarted for much longer however and the ever threatening Enda Curran converted Conor Barry’s deflected cross on the half hour to settle the difference between the sides. Buoyed by the equaliser, the visitors continued to dominate proceedings and Kerry needed the experience of Spillane and Guthrie to see them through on a number of occasions.
The home side’s cause wasn’t helped by the dismissal of Andy Quaid on a second yellow with a third of the match left to play. However, despite having to rely on their impressive netminder, they had chances to snatch all three points themselves- most notably when the ever willing Gaxha narrowly slipped skipper Keane’s pass beyond Hallahan’s post.
At the other end, Kevin Williams produced a goal stopping clearance while that man Guthrie denied Martin Coughlan in injury time as the green and gold held on for a point, much to the appreciation of their fans.
Next up for Kerry is a trip to Galway United while Treaty United host Cobh Ramblers at the Market’s Field.
Kerry FC: Wayne Guthrie; Shane Guthrie (Graham O'Reilly 63), Sean O'Connell, Kalen Spillane, Kevin Williams; Nathan Gleeson (Cian Brosnan 77), Matt Keane, Sean Kennedy, Andy Quaid; Leo Gaxha, Sean McGrath (Ronan Teahan 67).
Subs not used: Aaron O'Sullivan, Samuel Aladesanusi, Jonathan Hannafin, Alex Ainscough, Ryan Kelliher, Steven McCarthy.
Booked: Andy Quaid (16), Nathan Gleeson (32), Sean O'Connell (58), Andy Quaid (60), Matt Keane (90).
Sent off: Andy Quaid (60).
Treaty United:Shane Hallahan; Marc Ludden, Anthony O'Donnell, Ben O'Riordan (Colin Conroy 45), Andy Spain; William Armshaw (Alec Byrne 66), Conor Barry (Martin Coughlan 82), Lee Devitt Molloy, Mark Walsh; Enda Curran, Dean George (Success Edogun 76).
Subs not used: Joshua Coady, Colin Kelly, Josh Quinlivan, Darren Collins.
Booked: William Armshaw (28), Mark Walsh (45), Lee Devitt Molloy (90).
Sent off: None.
Referee: Eoghan O’Shea
Attendance: 1200
extratime.com Player of the Match: Wayne Guthrie
