Rossglass County secure the League Cup
The Newcastle and District Amateur Football League,
League Division 1,
Venue: Dunleath Park, 10th May 2025,
Downpatrick FC IIs xa02xa0xa0xa0xa02xa0Rossglass County FC
This was a major game for both Downpatrick FC and Rossglass Cunty to decide the league title.
For Downpatrick they needed a win and for Rossglass a draw would see them win the league for the very first time writes Cyril McKinney.
Dunleath Park was bathed in sunshine and the game was played in front of a large crowd and from the first whistle both sides were competitive and combative especially in a crowded midfield.
In the opening exchanges forward Harry McCarthy for Downpatrick fired over after 4 minutes before the hard working Rossglass player Chris Hamilton drove forward and despatched a fierce low drive from 18 yards past the helpless Murphy in the Downpatrick nets to put Rossglass in front on 9 minutes.
Then Rossglass striker Ciaran Morrisson made it 2-0 with a great shot from distance on 17 minutes.
Downpatrick responded almost immediately and pulled one back on 20 minutes from Connor Rogan who found himself in space in front of goal to slot home after some good approach play from Declan Dowie.
Both sides tried their best to unlock the opposition defences but some great defending and wayward passes kept the score at 2-1 to Rossglass at the break.
It was a tense second half but Downpatrick kept pressing and eventually got on level terms on through their left winger Morgan McCoubrey who fired home from close range to level things up on 66 minutes to set up a nervy ending.
Both sides had half chances but neither could find a way through and Rossglass held firm with dogged determination and when the final whistle went the Rossglass party started.
It was a pity that there had to be a loser as neither side deserved to lose this game but never-the-less Rossglass deserve this league title and cup double.
And spare a thought for Rossglass supporters, twins Ollie and Noel Burke, who watched on proudly at this first title success – just rewards for their efforts in the club’s early years.
Downpatrick FC IIs: Ruairi Murphy, Shea Holland, Nathan McAlister, Conor Moore, Connor Campbell, Aaron McGarry, Barry Treacy, Harry McCarthy, Connor Rogan, Declan Dowie, Morgan McCoubrey.
Rossglass County: Philip Annett, Darragh Gordan, Conor Watterson, Ryan Tumelty, Barry Mageean, Cormac McLaughlin, Stefan Paryag, Declan Curran, Ciaran Morrison, Ben Lennon, Chris Hamilton. Subs: Ryan Gordan for Ben Lennon, Gavin Grant, James Cusack for Conor Watterson
