DOWNPATRICK started Saturday’s match against Kilmore where they left of last week by banging in eight goals against a good Kilmore side. The opening goal came from Gary Ross who rose highest at the edge of the six yard box with a great header to the far corner, Downpatrick were still finding it hard to get going and could have been pegged back to 1-1 had it not been a great save by keeper Robbie Hagan from a penalty. The second and last goal of the half came from Sean McMahon from the penalty spot after he was pulled down by Murray in the box with the goal keeper being lucky not to see red.
Downpatrick made two substitutions early in the second half which seemed to spur them on a bit with the introduction of Conor Brennan up front and Eamon Vaughan along the back line, McMahon got his second when he tapped in on the line after good work from man of the match Michael Burns down the left wing and the fourth soon followed after the Kilmore sweeper sliced a cross from Ross into his own net.
Kilmore were now a beaten force and Downpatrick showed no mercy as they started to knock the ball about with ease and created some great openings. The fifth goal came from debutant Chrissy Mullan who played a great one two with Paul Brady in midfield before volleying in to the roof of the net from the edge of the box the sixth followed shortly after McMahon completed his 2nd hat-trick in two weeks from the penalty spot when he gave the keeper no chance high into the net.
The seventh goal came from a great individual effort from Brennan when he saw the keeper come of his line and lobbed him from just outside the box. The best goal was saved to last and came from Mullan who did not look one bit rusty after a spell away from football, the ball was cleared from Kilmore with the ball dropping from the sky Mullan met it with a great strike on the volley and hammered it past the keeper.
Downpatrick seem to be looking good as a unit and worked hard for each other off the ball and when they do have it they like to get it down and pass it about which at times is a real joy to watch. Next up is another local derby against Castleabbey.
Downpatrick: 1) R Hagen 2) C McGrady 3) Blaine Connolly 4) Gary Trueman 5) C McGarrity 6) P Brady 7) G Ross 8) C Mullan 9) J Kelly 10) S McMahon 11) M Burns 12) C Brennan 14) E Vaughan 15) C Kerr
Match Sponsors: Strangford Fuels, Downpatrick
]]>
