Newbridge Town fall to defeat in first National League game
Eric Munongo of Newbridge Town, centre, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the FAI National League against CK United Photo: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
Newbridge Town fell to defeat on a historic day for the club at the SETU Carlow complex. They put up a good showing in the second-half of their first ever senior League of Ireland game but the damage was done by conceding two goals inside the opening 20 minutes.
Martin Russell's team and CK United had the honour of kicking off the first game new FAI National League and it was the home side who took the points thanks to goals from Kilcock man Callum Warfield and Ethan Boyle.
After an evenly contested opening 15 minutes on a wet surface, CK began to take control. Isaiah Phillips was Newbridge's most threatening outlet and worked tirelessly to create openings, but the CK defence remained solid and restricted the Kildare side to few clear-cut chances.
Goalkeeper Gavin O'Brien was rarely troubled, while at the other end CK repeatedly tested Mark O'Connor. The Newbridge netminder produced a series of fine saves, particularly from Dean Kelly free-kicks, to keep his side in contention.
Emmet Nugent found service limited up front, while substitute Shane Barnes caused problems after his introduction, drawing several fouls as he looked to exploit gaps in the Newbridge rearguard.
The breakthrough arrived after 13 minutes when former St Patrick's Athletic player Callum Warfield made history. Latching onto a crossfield pass from Dean Kelly, Warfield fired emphatically into the top corner to become not only the first competitive goalscorer in CK United's senior men's history but also the first player to score in the new National League.
CK doubled their advantage seven minutes later when Ethan Boyle managed to steer the ball home from close range under pressure in the penalty area.
Newbridge emerged with greater purpose after the restart and reduced the deficit following a spell of sustained pressure. After forcing a succession of corners, they finally made one count with their own moment of history when Eric Bhung Munongo headed home their first goal at this level in the 50th minute.
Newbridge pressed well after that but despite their best efforts could not find a way through to an equalising goal. They will turn their attentions to a first home game at this level at Station Road next Saturday against Waterford side, Villa FC.
Gavin O’Brien, Raveli Kilonda, Dan McGrath, Kyle Foley, Mamadou Doumbia, Cian Carmody (Liam McDonnell, 69), Ethan Boyle, Harry Sherlock (Mark Imiren, 81) , Callum Warfield (Shane Barnes, 65), Dean Kelly, Emmett Nugent (Feo Adeogun, 81). Unused subs: Darragh O'Neill, Robbie O'Toole, Timmy Adeleye, Alex Kelliher, David Imiren.
Mark O'Connor, Finn Cowper Gray, David Oduntan (Ethan Mills, h/t), Seamus Brown, Eric Bhung Munongo, Nathan McAuley, Noah Byrne, Ruairi Brown, Conan Krüger (Lewis McKeon, h/t), Alex Akinrintoyo (Darragh Bolton, h/t), Isaiah Phillips (Moses Alabi, 59). Unused subs: Sean Martin, Rodrigo Milton Benitez Lirio, Shane O’Keeffe, Connor Duggan.
Patrick Sinnott assisted by Darren Keating and Phil McGrath (Wexford)
