Another draw as Treaty share spoils with Kerry in SSE Airtricity League First Division

Treaty United’s winless run stretched to four games on Friday evening as Tommy Barrett’s side were forced to settle for a 1–1 draw against Kerry in their SSE Airtricity League First Division Munster derby clash at Mounthawk Park.

The Shannonsiders remain rooted to the foot of the League of Ireland First Division after ten games, sitting one point behind Kerry, with their only victory so far coming against Athlone Town in Round Six. Next up for Treaty is a difficult home fixture against second-placed UCD at the Markets Field.

Kerry created the first opening of the contest when Vincent Borden volleyed Jack Brady’s punched clearance first time, but his effort drifted narrowly over the crossbar. However, Treaty took the lead soon after, just before the quarter-hour mark. 

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A long delivery from Brady picked out Ben Feeney on the left flank, and as the former Athlone attacker drove into the penalty area, he was clipped by Samuel Aladesanusi. Referee Daniel Murphy pointed immediately to the spot, and Cian Curtis made no mistake from 12 yards, burying his effort beneath Harvey Mangan for his fourth goal of the season.

Curtis almost doubled his tally moments later as Treaty pressed for a second. Mangan first saved well from Steven Healy’s snapshot before reacting sharply again to deny Feeney from close range on the rebound.

Kerry responded approaching the half-hour mark when Cian Bargary tried his luck from distance, but Brady gathered comfortably. At the other end Curtis again threatened, only for Mangan to parry his strike away.

Curtis had two further chances from free-kicks in quick succession just before the interval after winning both set-pieces himself. The first flashed narrowly past the left upright, while the second sailed over the crossbar as Treaty went in at the break, still holding a slender advantage.

The hosts equalised within 90 seconds of the restart. Ryan Kelleher was left completely unmarked inside the Treaty penalty area and rose highest to power Sean O’Connell’s inswinging corner into the roof of the net.

Treaty looked to respond quickly. Raphael Ohin produced a strong run and cross toward the back post, but Feeney was unable to generate enough power on his header to trouble Mangan. Moments later Feeney came inches away from restoring the visitors’ lead with a curling right-footed effort that drifted just wide of the top corner.

Chances continued at both ends. Ben Lynch fired over after being picked out by Jason Oyenuga, while Kerry substitute Cian Murphy forced a sharp save from Brady after turning Eric Yoro and striking low toward goal.

Yoro then surged forward down the right and delivered a dangerous low cross that Oyenuga controlled well inside the area, but Mangan again reacted quickly to smother the chance.

Kerry increased the pressure in the closing stages. Brady produced an excellent reflex save to deny substitute Sean McGrath when his powerful effort looked destined for the top corner before the Treaty goalkeeper again came to his side’s rescue late on to prevent a certain goal from close range from Bargary.

Ryan Kelleher came closest to snatching a dramatic winner in the final moments, but his late header drifted agonisingly wide as Barrett’s side held on for a valuable point.

Treaty now return to Markets Field next Friday to face UCD, while Kerry travel to take on Longford Town as both sides continue their push to climb away from the lower end of the table.

Kerry: Harvey Mangan; Samuel Aladesanusi, Killian Cantwell, Jonas Hakkinen, Sean O’Connell; Vincent Borden (Sean McGrath 46), Niall Brookwell, Arran Healy (Ewan Lee 60), Cian Murphy, Cian Bargary; Ryan Kelliher.

Treaty United: Jack Brady; Robbie Lynch, Eric Yoro, Darren Nwankwo, Ben Lynch; Steven Healy, Ben Feeney, Jason Oyenuga, Mark Murphy, Raphael Ohin; Cian Curtis.

Referee: Daniel Murphy