AOH Cup: GLENTHORN CELTIC 3 KILLOWEN 2 NO shame in defeat for AUL 2A side Killowen as higher ranked Glenthorn Celtic advance in the AOH Cup following a 3-2 victory in this 4th round tie played on Saturday.

The city based side started brightly and forced visiting 'keeper Brian Kane into action after five minutes as he reacted superbly to block a close range effort. The premier division side scored in their next attack after eight minutes, a swift exchange of passes in midfield created the shooting opportunity which was duly despatched into the bottom corner.

Killowen put a nervous start behind them and proceeded to create a couple of early chances with Declan O'Brien shooting over from a good position after 10 minutes. Top scorer O'Brien then tested the home keeper with a well struck free kick as Killowen grew in confidence. The visitors early efforts were rewarded with an equalising goal after 15 minutes, Dave Lynch's shot was handled in the area and O'Brien stepped up to convert the resulting penalty.

However, Glenthorn regained the lead after 25 minutes as a move instigated from defence was finished with another powerful drive hitting the target. The home side applied maximum pressure but were finding it hard to break down a determined Killowen side for whom Eoin O' Sullivan and Kieran Casey were rock solid in defence. Glenthorn had a let off after half an hour as Owen Braun's cushioned header landed invitingly in front of goal but there was no Killowen player in position to take advantage.

Glenthorn were not as wasteful and their third goal arrived two minutes later. Killowen failed to close down in midfield allowing Glenthorn to work the ball to the edge of the area resulting in another stunning strike past Kane in the visitors goal. It was Kane's heroics in the 40th minute that prevented a fourth goal as he got down smartly blocking a close range shot.

Despite the deficit Killowen continued to create opportunities, Owen Braun saw his powerful header tipped over the bar after 62 minutes following Patrick Bermingham's excellent delivery. The margin was reduced in the 65th minute as Killowen were awarded a second penalty following a foul on Antoine Guy. Once again Declan O'Brien was entrusted with the responsibility and he made no mistake from 12 yards.

Glenthorn continued in their efforts to make the game safe and despite going close from a succession of corners they failed to add to their tally. O'Brien was seeking a hat-trick as he combined with impressive midfielder Declan O'Donoghue after 76 minutes, but the Glenthorn custodian was equal to his effort. Both sides kept pushing forward right to the end with Kane again showing his class with a reflex save after 80 minutes and substitute Brian O'Sullivan going close at the other end as Killowen battled desperately for an equaliser. However, it was not to be for a gallant Killowen side who can now concentrate on the title race in AUL league 2A.

KILLOWEN: Brian Kane; Eoin Scannell, Eoin O' Sullivan, David McCarthy, Kieran Casey; Dave Lynch, Declan O' Donoghue, Owen Braun, Antoine Guy; Declan O' Brien, Paul Lynch Subs: Denis O' Regan for Scannell, Patrick Bermingham for Paul Lynch, Brian O' Sullivan for Braun