NADFL Division 2
Sat 27 October
Killough 2nds 1 – Downpatrick 2nds 2
Downpatrick 2nds travelled to neighbours Killough 2nds for this Division 2 league match. Having played in an entertaining 3-all draw earlier in the season, both teams were looking forward to this game.
Manager Ryan Doyle decided to change his formation before the match from a conventional 4-4-2 to a 3-4-3 formation. It took a while for the Downpatrick players to adjust to the new formation and during this time Killough capitalised. After a mix-up in the Downpatrick defence the Killough centre forward steered the ball past the hapless Downpatrick keeper Robbie Hagan to give them the lead.
After this mix up the Downpatrick defence of Michael McGeown, Vincey Perry and Barry Fitzsimons began to exert their experience on the match, allowing the midfield to start to get a foot hold in the game. Downpatrick’s midfield of Shane Matheson, Neal Cunningham, Paul Brady & Paul Digney came into the match the more as the game wore on, with Digney producing a Man of the Match display. Downpatrick were unable to get back on level terms and went in at the break 1-0 down.
In the second half Downpatrick showed more urgency and started to create a few more chances for strikers Jamie Kelly, Sean McMahon and Conor Killen. Downpatrick’s equaliser came from McMahon after some good work by Digney on the wing.
As the game entered into the final twenty minutes Downpatrick continued to push for the winner. A number of chances came Downpatrick’s way but they were unable to put any of them away before McMahon got his and Downpatrick’s second with a fine shot from just inside the box.
Best for Downpatrick were Digney, McMahon and Brady.
Downpatrick: 1) R Hagan 2) M McGeown 3) B Fitzsimons 4) V Perry 5) N Cunningham 6) S Matheson 7) P Brady 8) S McMahon Jnr 9) J Kelly 10) P Digney 11) C Killen 12) J Kent 13) J MacNabb 15) R Moore
