A FOUR goal blast from Killowen ended Millstreet Celtic's title aspirations following an entertaining AUL 2A clash at the Millstreet. An assured defensive performance combined with some clinical finishing contributed to Killowen's victory. Killowen showed a number of changes to the starting line up, Kevin Collins resumed at left back and the versatile Dave Lynch also returned forming an impressive partnership with Owen Braun in the centre of defence.

Killowen's attacking prowess was evident in the opening minutes as Braun and Patrick Bermingham worked a clever routine from a corner kick that caused panic in the home defence. This was followed by Denis O'Regan's incisive run and shot that drifted just wide of the upright.

Nine minutes had elapsed before Millstreet's first attack; a dangerous cross from the right was headed behind by Paul Lynch at the expense of a corner. The resulting flag kick forced Brian Kane to deflect a goal bound header over the bar. Kane was now the busier of the two 'keepers and was well positioned to smother a powerful drive after 16 minutes. At the other end, Declan O' Brien was narrowly off target with a free kick from distance before Kane again denied Millstreet with a timely block after 21 minutes.

Millstreet kept pressing and visitor's full back Eoin Scannell was well positioned to take a header off the line from another attack. However, Killowen absorbed the pressure and struck for the opening goal after 25 minutes. Brian O'Sullivan's pass released Bermingham on the left wing and his cross was tapped in by the inrushing Declan O'Brien.

Millstreet refused to yield and tested Kane on a number of occasions before Donal O'Sullivan set up John Lehane to equalise on the stroke of half-time.

The game turned in Killowen's favour early in the second half. The lead was regained with less than a minute played, Paul Lynch netting from close range after Bermingham's clever flick had created the opportunity. Millstreet were then thrown a lifeline in the 52nd minute as the referee awarded a penalty following an infringement in the area. A powerfully struck Tadgh Collins kick was brilliantly tipped over by Kane as the momentum swung towards the visitors.

Another Killowen attack saw O'Brien turn provider as his diagonal pass was headed narrowly over by Bermingham. The home side fought valiantly and looked dangerous in attack as Scannell was again on hand to take a goal bound effort off the line after 62 minutes. Killowen had a two goal cushion four minutes later as O' Brien converted from the spot following a foul on Braun in the area.

The visitors refused to sit on their lead as the hardworking Brian O'Sullivan worked a neat one-two with O'Regan before firing a shot across the face of goal after 76 minutes. Killowen's fourth arrived with nine minutes left, impressive midfielder Declan O'Donoghue notching his seventh goal of the campaign with a neat turn and finish inside the area.

Despite a generally poor performance Millstreet were well served by John Lehane and Danny Hickey.