Ardglass FC retain the Harry Clarke Cup in a duel with Downpatrick FC
The Newcastle and District Amateur Football Club,
AJC Electrical Harry Clarke Cup,
Venue: Meadowvale, Monday 6 4 25,
Final Score: Downpatrick FC 0 3 Ardglass FC.
A Ryan McKinney brace of goals put Ardglass on the road to retaining the AJC Electrical Harry Clarke Cup after a challenging match against Downpatrick FC at Meadowvale writes Jim Masson.
The teams started off for the first 10 minutes sounding each other out and not making any mistakes that would give away an early goal.
Downpatrick’s first real effort came from a free kick taken by captain Josh Montgomery, but although it was on target it was well held by keeper James Crangle on 5 minutes. Then Morgan McCounbrey crossed to Morgan Fitzpatrick but he was caught off-side.
As Downpatrick pushed forward again, making the most of Ardglass’ caution, they were hoping to open the scoring. Ardglass had made few challenges to the Downpatrick goal but were defending well containing the crosses from the wings.
Caolan Deegan tried a blast at the Ardglass goal from outside the box but keeper James Crangle held it well.
But after 20 minutes, Ardglas weathered the storm and pressed back against Downpatrick, and the game got to a new level and a bit more physical with tempers spilling over. as heavy tackles increased.
Defender Malachy Crangle sent the ball upfield to Ryan McKinney who in turn fed the ball to Pabhraoh O’Shea in the back of the Downpatrick box but keeper Ruairi Murphy was on it quickly.
On 25 minutes, Jordan Finnegan in midfield who was having a good run put the ball through to Aidan Watson who tested Murphy again.
Then on 28 minutes, a long ball to Michael Magee saw him beat the offside trap and run on to face Murphy and hammer the ball low past him into the Downpatrick net to open the scoring for Ardglass.
Downpatrick fought back quickly and Morgan Fitzpatrick hit over the Ardglass top bar. Townpatrick raised their game and delivered some scything attacks but could not get the ball in the net.
McCoubrey had a few good runs down the left and enjoyed a couple of shots at the Ardglass goal but to no effect.
Ardglass, however, were quick on the beak and were a constant threat to the homeside.
Magee won a free kick around the half-way line but Pabhraig O’Shea ran into off-side on his attack. Ardglass were pressing more as the first half progressed looking for a second goal but Downpatrick were resisting their efforts well.
Jordan Finnegan made a fine run trying to weasel through a knot of defenders and almost made it to the goal to shoot.
The second half started with Aaron Carberry taking the initiative as Downpatrick pressed forward early. But defender Caolain O’Shea had other ideas and cleared the ball up-field. Then Ardglass were on the prowl again.
Then Michael Magee surged forward and won a free kick outsid ethe Downpatrick box. He too the kick well but keeper Murphy made an equally great save denying him a goal putting the ball out for a corner.
And again Ardglass pressed with Aidan Watson making a strong run winning a free kick at 40 yards.
After a short stoppage as Ardglass keeper James Crangle received a knock, Josh Montgomery almost scored close in clipping the ball towards the Ardglass net but Crangle made an excellent reflex save.
Ardglass’ midfielder McKinney put the ball through to Watson, who just missed a contact for an almost certain goal… a lost opportunity Arrglass had been working towards.
Then Downpatrick were on the up as both sub Declan Curran and Niall Gilchrist both having solid attacking runs.
But with a quick Ardglass counter-attack Ryan McKinney scored close in to put the seasiders two ahead.
With the minutes running out, Ardglass had the advantage now and it was a tall shout for Downpatrick to pull back 2 goals. with around 10 minutes left to play… but not impossible.
Downpatrick came back strong and Carberry struck a sound volley low at the Ardghlass goal but keeper Crangle saved it well.
Then in the dying embers of this competitive game, Ryan McKinney who had been making some great runs and creating excellent passes flew forward and faced Ruairi Murphy and confidently slipped the ball past him to put Ardglass in control.
Ardglass had come on stronger towards the last quarter of the game which had become more physical. Downpatrick started to look a bit jaded as the clock ticked to the final whistle.
Ardglass retained the Harry Clarke Cup and there was not much between the teams. Downpatrick had missed a few opportunities they will have regretted and that may have been the deciding factor at the end of the day.
Peter O’Shea, Ardglass FC co-manager with Aaron Beattie, said: “Downpatrick gave us a real good game and credit to them. They are a young side getting stronger each season and we never came here today thinking that we were going to win the Cup once again. We knew it was going to be a tough contest.
“Ardglass were well disciplined and played as a team and myself and Aaron are proud of the lads for what they have achieved.
“Downpatrick were quite formidable, and it’s just a matter of time before they get their turn to win the silver and be at the top table. Downpatrick played well… we must give them credit for that.
“We’d just like to thank Drumaness Mills for again hosting the match at Meadowvale, Frank McClean and his team at the Newcastle and District Amateur Football League for their efforts in managing the competition and also our thanks to AJC Electrical who sponsored the Harry Clarke Cup competition.”
Downpatrick FC: 1 Ruairi Murphy 2 Nial Gilchrist 3 Ben Hynds 4 Shea Holland 5 Conor Cambell 6 Aaron Carberry 7 Nathan McAllister 8 Josh Monthomery (C) 9 Caolan Deegan 10 Morgan McCoubrey 11 Morgan Fitzpatrick. Subs: 12 Shea Vaughan 13 Ronan Cope 14 Declan Curran 15 Anthony Carson 16 Jack Hynds.
Ardglass FC: 1 James Crangle 2 Malacy Crangle 3 Dára O’Shea 4 Caolain O’Shea 5 John Beattie 6 Ryan McKinney 7 Jamie McDarby 8 Jordan Finnegan 9 Michael Magee (C) 10 Pabhraig O’Shea 11 Aidan Watson. Subs: 12 Karl O’Neill 14 Shea Dorrian 15 Matthew Rooney 16 LJ Holland 17 Corey Mahon.
