Ballina suffer at Schlingermann’s hands

Mayo Super League

Kiltimagh/Knock United 2
Caulfield 2, O’Connor 47 pen

Ballina Town 1
Shally 56

A GOAL two minutes into each half — and a penalty save by Mayo News man of the match, Micheál Schlingermann — were enough to seal the three points for Kiltimagh-Knock Utd on Sunday.
The loss almost certainly ends any chance of Ballina Town catching Castlebar Celtic at the top of the table, and it looks like they will have to settle for yet another runner-up spot in the Super League this season.
This was a well contested match, higher on enthusiasm than quality.
The Sunday morning Knock rain cleared off and conditions were ideal for the stylish football both sides normally play. But when Cormac Caulfield capitalised on some confusion between Ballina defender Andrew Shally and his goalkeeping colleague, Lee Cording, to put KKU ahead on their first attack on two minutes, the dynamics of game changed dramatically. Ballina Town needed a win to stay in sight of Celtic, and KKU wanted to beat them – Town being the only Super League side they had not beaten since their return to the top flight last season.
The goal fired up the homeside and simultaneously rattled the visitors.
On another day, against another ‘keeper, Ballina might have equalised or indeed gone in three or four to the good. But Schlingermann was in top form and made a string of fine saves to deny Benny Lavelle, Jamie Cawley, Oisin Tighe, Danny Gorman and Rafael Cretaro.
KKU went further ahead two minutes into the second half when Jack O’Connor fired his penalty past Cording, after Danny Gorman handled in the box.
Andrew Shally nipped in at the near post to head a corner home on 57 minutes to give the visitors a lifeline they were unable to add to. Benny Lavelle’s saw his penalty saved by Schlingermannon the hour and Town’s misfortunes continued when substitute Lee Corcoran saw a straight red for a foul near the end.
“It was a tough game and we were under pressure for a lot of it,” Schlingermann told The Mayo News afterwards. “We dug in and held on for the win.
“The timing of the goals gave us a good foothold in each half and gave us something to hang on to, and we did that.”
The ex-League of Ireland man said he got a late call up for the game and had little time to prepare for the match. “I was happy to help out today.”
Regarding the penalty save, Schlingermann admitted that he doesn’t know Benny Lavelle all that well. “I decided to hold my ground as long as possible and react off him, and I was lucky to make the save.”
Most people wouldn’t call it luck. It was just another example of the quality of the player.
His positioning, reflexes and command of the box were exemplary.
Mattie Leadbetter was excellent for KKU too. I saw him last season and wasn’t sure about him, but on the occasions I have seen him this season he has been excellent.
Rafael Cretaro, another ex-League of Ireland man, alongside his cousin Danny Gorman, were both excellent for Ballina.
“It shows we can compete with the best teams,” said James Costello, the KKU manager.
“Our league form hasn’t been great this season; we have to win on a more consistent basis. “Micheál Schlingermann was a big difference today. He made some big saves to keep us in it. “The penalty save was massive as well. The rest of the lads put in a good shift too.”
Ballina Town manager, Alan Henry was disappointed at the result.
“They caught us with an early goal and a penalty in the second half. Other than that they didn’t really hurt us too much,” he told The Mayo News.
“We created a whole lot of chances but we couldn’t hit the net. But to be fair to them, they dug in and got the win.”
Alan said it is going to be difficult to catch Castlebar Celtic now. “We needed a win after they won last night, but there’s still five games to go and we’ll keep fighting to the end.”

KKU
M Schlingermann; M Leadbetter, D Duffy, C Finn, B Gallagher. C Caulfield, J McGrath, R Mallee, O Carroll, A Cunnane, J O’Connor. Subs: S Niland, L McCormack, D Hanlon.

Ballina Town
L Cording, D McCracken, C Moore, A Shally, S Melvin, D Gorman, R Cretaro, N Brennan, O Tighe, B Lavelle, J Cawley. Subs: R Gorman, D McKee, L Corcoran.

Referee: D McGrath