Ardglass FC and Downpatrick FC meet in league match before Boxing Day Bobby Dalzell Cup final
The Newcastle and District Amateur Football League,
League Match, Premier Division,
Venue: The Meadow, Saturday 16th December 2023,
Final Result: Ardglass FC 1 0 Downpatrick FC
This was a league encounter played at the Meadow in Ardglass with both teams having one eye on their Bobby Dalzell Cup Final coming up on Boxing Day writes Cyril McKinney.
There was not much to choose between both teams and for long periods they cancelled each other out in this canny encounter. Both defences did not give much away and chances were few and far between.
But it was Ardglass who won many of the individual battles on a very uneven pitch especially in the first half.
The strength, power and sheer persistence of Ardglass ‘s Mick Magee caused problems for Downpatrick and it was a piece of individual brilliance from Big Mick on 37 minutes that was the difference between the teams.
He controlled a throw-in from the right wing and as he rolled the defender marking him he drilled a low shot past Downpatrick net minder Murphy into the right hand corner of his net.
Downpatrick enjoyed a lot more possession in the second half but with both sides closing each other down chances were limited and if anything Ardglass had the best of the chances and hit the woodwork twice in the closing stages.
Ardglass overall deserved their win on this occasion but both sides will go into the Bobby Dalzell cup final on Boxing Day with high hopes and all to play for. It will no doubt be a different match with fireworks from both teams from the whistle.
NFU Bobby Dalzell Cup Final,
Meadowvale, Drumaness,
1.30pm on Boxing Day
26th December 2023.
Don’t miss it! Come along and support the teams!
Admission is £5 for adults and £3 for Under 18’s. Cash only!!
Ardglass FC: James Crangle GK, Malachy Crangle, Martin Halpin, Corey Mahon, Shea Dorrian, Ryan McKinney, Aidy Watson, Jamie McDarby, Michael Magee, Karl O’Neill, Matthew Rooney. Subs: Owen Curran for Ryan McKinney, John Beattie for Martin Halpin, Michael Clarke for Karl O’Neill.
Downpatrick FC: Ruairi Murphy (GK), Ryan Cassidy, Shea Holland, Morgan Fitzpatrick, Con Farrell, Josh Montgomery, Anthony Carson, Nathan McShane, Sean Duggan, Dylan Kelly, Nathan McAlister. Subs: Adrian McCoubrey for Dylan Kelly, Andrew McCoubrey for Anthony Carson.
