CK United got their FAI National League campaign off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over Newbridge Town.
The Kilkenny/Carlow outfit took the lead through Callum Warfield, before Ethan Boyle doubled their advantage.
Newbridge pulled a goal back and put CK under pressure late on, but Tom O’Connor’s side held on to secure all three points.
Speaking to Harry Shorthose after the game, O’Connor was pleased to get the result but admitted the performance could have been better.
“It’s great to get it over the line, happy with the win. Not overly happy with the performance, but the occasion, the weather, first time on the pitch in a match, we did OK.”
Warfield was delighted to get his name on the scoresheet but admitted he was nervous during the closing stages.
“I was a nervous wreck on the bench, for the last 10 minutes hoping we get over the line and get the three points, because that’s the most important thing.”
The attacker says he was pleased to contribute on CK United’s historic first National League outing.
“Obviously it’s pleasing to get off the mark for myself. As an attacking player you want to score goals, contribute to the play, get assists.”
Warfield believes CK could have won by a more comfortable margin, despite Newbridge also creating chances.
“I thought we could have won by a few more, there was glaring chances there. I think we created enough to win the game comfortably.”
He admitted the game became an end-to-end contest towards the finish.
“Newbridge also had a few chances, they’re probably going home thinking how did we not score more than one goal in that game. It was a bit of a ping pong match in the end, so delighted to get the three points.”
CK United will now look to build on their opening-day success when they travel to Celtic Park in Kerry to face Killarney Celtic on September 12th.
