Results

Naas United 2 - Kingstown 3.  Thursday 13-8-09 @ 7pm. (League)

This was the one everyone was waiting for.  A capacity crowd flooded into Donnelly Mirrors old factory grounds to witness a game of football truly worthy of the overused term 'epic'.  It was one of those rare derby matches that surpassed all the hype and provided entertainment, skill, graft and a million other clichés that I won't bother listing.  When people ask where you were on the 13th August 2009 you'll have no trouble remembering.  From the kick-off, the match was played at an unbelievable pace.  Both teams started attacking immediately with Naas trying to bypass the Kingstown midfield with balls over the top and Kingstown trying to keep the ball on the deck and play it through.  It was the visitors who broke the deadlock though with Dave Saunders scoring from the spot on 10 minutes after what can only be called a generous decision from the referee.  Naas fought back bravely and got just rewards with a well-deserved equaliser just before half time.  They didn't have long to celebrate though as Kingstown drove forward from the resulting tip-off and Eoin Doyle found himself on the edge of the box.  Where most players would have looked for a teammate, Doyle had only one thing on his mind and unleashed an absolute belter of a shot into the far top corner that gave the Naas 'keeper no chance.  In fact, if there were 5 'keepers they still wouldn't have stopped it!  This gave Kingstown a 2-1 lead at half time and everyone started to believe that a win was a real possibility.  As expected, Naas came out strongly in the second half and it must be said that they dominated the first 20 minutes of the half.  They piled forward and were unlucky to see 2 fine efforts come back off the woodwork.  Kingstown held out as long as possible with centre back pairing Brian Lynch and Mick Murphy immense in soaking up the pressure.  Naas persevered though and found the back of the net again to level the game at 2-2.  The Kingstown management team of Thomas Deans & Stephen Bolger picked the perfect moment to introduce the ever-dependable Shane Cahill who helped turn the tide in the visitors favour.  The pendulum duly swung and Kingstown got back in control of the game.  Inspirational captain Joe Moore sat back in front of the defence allowing the likes of Doyle, Saunders (x2) & O'Connor to pile the pressure on Naas.  A remarkable leap from O'Connor in the 80th minute saw the ball drop to Saunders who somehow managed to find the space to get a shot on target.  When the ball hit the net the crowd went wild and Kingstown had the lead once again.  Naas came back hard but some heroic defending from Kingstown saw them through to the final whistle and a win that will be talked about in the K.J.F.L. for some time to come.  Huge credit must be given to Naas United for their part in a classic encounter, but it was Kingstown who left with all three points.  The sides have to do it all again in the cup on Sunday but until then there's no harm in relishing in it a bit, is there?

Kingstown 1 - Sundays Well 0.  Thursday 30-7-09 @ 7pm. (Friendly)

Special thanks to guest pundit David Donegan for the (modest) match report!  If anyone else feels like posting a match report let me know in the blog as I'm running out of cliches!
The match was a good run out for both teams.  A warm night and a sticky pitch didn't help the players, but both teams tried to play ball!  Jonny pulled off some great saves during the first half to keep the score at 0 - 0.  Kingstown had some good chances, the best falling to Davey Saunders up front, but the Sundays Well keeper made a good save.  The kingstown defence were made to work in the first half , but the four lads and Jonny in goals held out well.  Midfielders played well too, as did the two boys up front!
   In the second half, Kingstown upped the tempo and started to create more chances.  Jimmy and Joe got a hold of midfield and started to press the S. Well midfield and defence.  Kingstown were now on top and going for the win.  The defence was now solid for Kingstown with Baz Junior, Big Mick, Bigger Brian, and Man of the Match, Ruairi (playing at left back) playing the offside trap to great effect.  Kingstown wingers Bob and Rob,  put in a good shift supplying our forwards with as much ball as possible.  It was only a matter of time!!  S. Well were still a threat but were snuffed out each time they tried to get beyond our defence - too good!  With only fifteen minutes left, it was time for the one and only sub to come on.  It was this move by Manager Tom Deans that changed the game for Kingstown.  On came David "Lonnie" Donegan, up front alongside a now three man forward line, with Ruairi and Dickey. A great call by the manager to change from 4-4-2 to 4-3-3. S. Wells defence was now under pressure.  Midfield continued to give good ball into the box and when Davey Saunders tried to turn and pass to one of his team mates, he was carelessly taken down.  Penalty!!  Up stepped the M.O.T.M., and cooly planted the ball into the top left hand corner.  Keeper had no chance. Two minutes left and that was that. Referee blew up soon after.  A good display by the lads and another clean sheet!!!!!  
TEAM : Jonny 9 (Goals), Baz 9, Brian 9, Mick 9, Ruairi 10, Rob 9, Bob 9, Joe 9, Jimmy 9, Dicky 9  and Burgers 9.  SUB : Lonnie 9.

Kingstown 5 - Liffey Celtic 0.  Sunday 19-7-09 @ 11am. (League Cup)

Another fine display from Kingstown saw them breeze past Liffey Celtic in the first round of the league cup.  The front line of O'Connor, Doyle and Saunders again proved too much to handle for the visitors.  A smart header from Ruairi O'Connor set Kingstown on their way before the on-form Eoin Doyle added a second.  This sent the home team in two - nil up at the break although it could have been four as they had two seemingly perfect goals ruled out by the referree.  In some previous games, Kingstown have found it hard to capitalise on an early lead but not so here.  Dave Saunders added a third early in the second half before inspirational captain Joe Moore opened his account for the season with a fine strike from the edge of the box.  Even at four - nil Kingstown still looked hungry for more.  Eoin Doyle tormented the Liffey defence with his tireless running into space and put the nail in Liffey's coffin with a fifth with ten minutes to spare.  Defensively, Kingstown's back four are starting to look like a very solid unit and this carries through to the midfield with Jimmy Saunders meriting praise for his contribution.  Only a spectacular save from the visitor's keeper denied Doyle his hat-trick late on but if Kingstown can build on recent performances the future looks very bright indeed.

Kingstown 6 - Coill Dubh 2.  Thursday 16-7-09 @ 7.30pm.

Kingstown returned to form with a fantastic home win against Coill Dubh.  After a number of close calls (and some not so close), they finally produced a display worthy of their collective talents.  The ageless Ruairi O'Connor, in his fourteenth year with the club, opened the scoring early on to set Kingstown on their way. Eoin Doyle, at the opposite end of the age spectrum, added a second and it looked like the home team were cruising to victory.  Credit to the visitors though, as they stunned Kingstown with a soft (albeit well converted) penalty quickly followed by an equaliser in a chaotic ten minutes for Kingstown.  This, however, was as good as it was going to get for Coill Dubh as Kingstown put the foot to the floor and drove the game home in considerable style producing some of the best football played in the division all season.  Dave Saunders restored the lead with a cracking effort with Doyle adding another to put Kingstown 4-2 up and help steady the proverbial ship.  Shane Cahill, a half-time substitute, added to his fine contribution with a real contender for goal of the season - smashing the ball into the top corner after some superb build-up play.  Coill Dubh could not deal with the pace of Saunders and Doyle up front and Saunders had the last word adding the sixth late on.  Credit must be given to the management team of Thomas Deans and Stephen Bolger whose tireless work with certain players is really starting to show dividends.  While the whole squad performed magnificently, special mention must be given to Jimmy Saunders, man of the match Mick Murphy and Brian Lynch, who really took hold of the game when it was needed.  If Kingstown can build on this result and continue to perform at this level, they may yet have a say in the outcome of Division 1.

Coill Dubh 5 - Kingstown 2.  Sunday 5-7-09 @ 2pm. (Lumsden Cup)

A cracking cup tie that finished with a scoreline that more than flatterred the home team.  Kingstown got off to a great start taking an early lead through a great strike from Tommy Feane.  As is often the case, Kingstown went to sleep after scoring and gave away the advantage almost immediately, with Coill Dubh scoring on the break.  Kingstown fought back and a fine header from Brian Lynch saw the away side go in at half time with a well deserved 2-1 lead.  Coill Dubh stepped it up a gear in the second half, equalizing soon after the break, and put the game beyond the visitors with some fine flowing football although it has to be said they were helped on their way by some questionable deffending.  Out of the cup at the first hurdle but still plenty to play for this year and signs that there may yet be good times ahead for Kingstown.

Kingstown 1 - Liffey Celtic 2.  Sunday 14-6-09 @ 11am.

A beautiful morning in Naas welcomed a capacity crowd for this clash with Liffey Celtic. Kingstown completely dominated the first half but could not find the finishing touch to give themselves the lead at the break.  It seemed like only a matter of time until their early work paid off.  Liffey came out stronger after the break but it was the home side that took the lead through an Eoin Doyle header ten minutes into the second half.  It looked like Kingstown would build on that but instead they conceded a few minutes later after a series of defensive errors.  The visitors went on to have the stroke of luck required to separate the sides when a horribly deflected free kick went past keeper Steven Bolger.  Kingstown had several chances to level the match late on but the goal never came and Liffey went home with all three points after a match that really could have gone either way.  Anyway, it sets up a fascinating encounter at Liffey in the cup next week.  Here's a video for no particular reason aimed at no-one in particular...

Kingstown 4 - Naas 2.  Sunday 5-4-09 @ 11am.

So another Kingstown campaign begins and what a start to the season!  From Leandro Souza in goal to tireless veteran Ruairi O'Connor up-front there was a renewed spirit and sense of belief in the Kingstown side that could be the difference between last year's solid but unfruitful season and capturing some silverware this time 'round.  Manager Thomas Deans has blended old and young to finally have a Kingstown side that really looks capable of upsetting a few of the more traditionally successful teams in this division.  A few crucial signings in the off-season, together with head coach Stephen Bolger's training regime, have strengthened the team in key areas giving Deans the type of selection headache that every manager desires.  Instead of picking out individuals and goal scorers for praise, this was a terrific squad performance, the only downside being that it was 'keeper Leandro Souza's final appearance for the club.  We wish Leandro all the best on his return to Brazil and thank him for his dedication and commitment to the Kingstown cause.  Any volunteers for goals next week...

Newbridge Town 5 - Kingstown 1.  Sunday 26-10-08 @ 2pm.

The cup run didn't go as well as we'd hoped!  Can't say any more than that.

Moone Celtic 1 - Kingstown 1.  Sunday 19-10-08 @ 11am.

A windy day in Moone made it difficult for both sides but Kingstown left with a well deserved point.  Moone took the lead just before half time after a good spell of pressure.  Kingstown started brightly in the second half and Dave Saunders scored his second in as many games on 65 minutes.  Saunders started the move well inside his own half when he released Owen Doyle on the right wing.  Doyle skipped passed a couple of players before crossing for the oncoming Saunders who struck a thunderous volley past the home 'keeper.  Another outstanding performance from Brazilian goalkeeper Leandro De Souza and fine contributions from centre half Darren McBride and goalscorer Dave Saunders meant Kingstown got their second away draw in a row.  Kingstown season ticket holders must be wondering what they spent their money on this season as the team seems to be on the road out of Naas every Sunday, including next weeks trip to Newbridge in the cup.

Newbridge Town 2 - Kingstown 2.  Sunday 12-10-08 @ 2pm.

To quote the old cliche, this certainly was 'a game of two halves'.  Kingstown were played off the marvellous astroturf pitch in Newbridge in the first half, trailing 2-0 at the break.  Whatever manager Thomas Deans said at half time obviously worked as it was a much improved Kingstown that came out for the second half.  A missed penalty early on from captain Richard Sarsfield was not enough to dampen the spirits of a rampant away team.  Owen Doyle pulled one back after a long spell of pressure as Kingstown stamped their authority on the game.  A break from Newbridge led to a penalty which was superbly saved by man of the match Leandro Souza.  This lifted spirits and Kingstown threw attack after attack at a stubborn home defence.  Finally substitute Dave Saunders scrambled the ball into the net to set up a frantic finish.  Both sides had chances late on but when the final whistle blew a draw seemed a fair result.

Kildare Town 1 - Kingstown 3.  Sunday 5-10-08 @ 11am. (Cup Match)

A great performance by Kingstown led to a well deserved 3 - 1 win against Kildare.  Goals from Johnny Edmund, Tommy Feane and an absolute belter from captain Richie Sarsfield were enough to put Kingstown through to the next round.  Goalkeeper Leandro Souza, Shane Cahill and man of the match Wayne Fitzpatrick were outstanding in another turn around in Kingstown's fortunes.

Kingstown 1 - Liffey Celtic 6.  Sunday 28-9-08 @ 11am.

We got 1 they got 6 'nuff said.

Kilcock 1 - Kingstown 1.  Sunday 21-9-08 @ 11am.

Having fallen behind after only three minutes, a spirited fightback from Kingtown was enough to quash the demons of last weeks shambolic affair.  A curling Shane Cahill free kick led to a towering header from centre half Richard Sarsfiled to earn Kingstown a valuable one all draw against a strong Kilcock side.  Both goalkeepers perormed well to ensure there was no further scoring but Kingstown will feel there were two points left behind rather than one gained.

Portlaoise 6 - Kingstown 1.  Sunday 14-9-08 @ 11am.

Don't want to talk about it.

Kingstown 4 - Town House 0.  Sunday 31-8-08 @ 11am.

Kingstown continued their strong start to the season with a fantastic 4 - 0 win against local rivals Town House.  The home team were always in control enjoying a 3 - 0 lead at half time.  Mick Murphy opened the scoring early in the first half after fine work on the wing from man of the match Tommy Feane.  Eoin Doyle added a second ten minutes later with a towering header from a Bobby Cahill corner.  Padraig Coady chipped in for a third shortly before the break.  Kingstown were cruising in the second half with a further goal from Murphy and a missed penalty from Cathal Ryan on his last appearance before leaving for the sandy dunes of Dubai next week.  All of us at the club wish Cathal all the best on his travels and thank him for his great service to the team over the years.

Player ratings - Leandro Souza - 7, Phil Mahon - 8 , Richie Sarsfield - 8, Ken Gralton - 7, Carlos Santos - 8, Tommy Feane - 9 (Star Man), Cathal Ryan - 8, Bobby Cahill - 8, Padraig Coady - 7, Eoin Doyle - 8, Mick Murphy - 8.  Subs - Wayne Fitzgerald - 6, Brian Burns - 6, Darren McBride - 6.

Straffan 0 - Kingstown 2.  Sunday 24-8-08 @ 11am.

Kingstown got their league campaign off to a winning start with a great 2-0 win against Straffan.  Two first half goals from Ruairi O'Connor and Eoin Doyle won it for the away team.  Both goals were scored from set pieces provided by Bobby Cahill.  A strong start by Straffan in the second half put Kingstown under pressure but they held out for a well desevered win.

Player ratings - Leandro - 7, Sully - 8 , Richie - 7, Ken - 7, Baz - 7, Tommy - 7, Rhino - 7, Bob - 8, Philly - 7, Ruairi - 8, Doyler - 7.  Subs - Cormac - 6, Jose - 6, Macca - 6.