Downpatrick go on five goal blitz against under-strength Strangford
The Newcastle and District Amateur Football League,
NFU Harry Clarke Semi-Final,
Venue: Robert Adams Park, on Friday 11 4 25,
Final Result: Strangford 0 5 Downpatrick.
The long-awaited match kicked off with both teams committing early trying to steal and early goal and the pace of the game was at times quick frenetic as forward chased into the opponents halves.
First half chance was for Declan Dowie who just missed out as Strangford keeper Eoin Watterson came out to secure the ball.
Strangford won the first corner but the Downpatrick defence were on the ball in this match and cleared it quickly.
Conal Fitzsimons was making a few useful charges for Strangford but could not find that extra point where he could get a clear shot. He hit one early volley but is veered off course.
Downpatrick then steadied themselves knowing that Strangford were at least 4 key players short and ratcheted up their game. Nathan McAlister was making some excellent runs at the Strangford goal.
But Strangford made a break and Eoin Kelly volleyed on target but keeper Watterson made a fine save. Both teams were finding opportunities and it looked as though a goal was imminent.
Downpatrick winger Seanny Duggan made a great cross from the corner but the ball ran across the Strangford goalmouth and there were no Downpatrick takers to tap it in. Downpatrick were edging up the pace and the attacks.
Josh Montgomery crossed to Declan Dowie whose shot was blocked then Monthgomery ran in and won a corner.
The ball landed near the goal mouth and there were several efforts by Downpatrick players to get the ball in the net, then in the middle of the scramble, Duggan hit a short strike into the Strangford goal to open the scoring for Downpatrick in the 29th minute.
Downpatrick continued to harass Strangford with their fast passing and attacks. They were playing well as a team and their midfield was very effective.
And 6 minutes later William Taggart claimed the second goal from a long ball into the box.
Downpatrick were starting to dominate the game at this stage although Strangford were still making breaks when they could.
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In the first half, the Downpatrick forward line of Taggart, Dowie and Duggan looked very convincing and the second half proved even more positive for Downpatrick as Strangford were feeling the pressure and strarted to use up their reserve players.
Strrangford came out fighting, but after 10 minutes, Downpatrick has assumed a more controlling role again. Strangford’s Conal Fitzsimons made a useful chip over the Downpatrick defenders’ heads to winger Michael Shields staying onside but keeper Taylor Beattie read the move and came out quick to snuff it out.
At one point Shields forced his way into the Downpatrick box but his shot hit the side net.
In the 57th minute, Nathan McAllister broke forward from the left for Downpatrick and ran into the box unimpeded and hammered the ball into the net making it 0-3 for Downpatrick.
Downpatrick revved up up the pressure on Strangford who were feeling the pace.
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Downpatrick were on a roll and just 6 minutes later, Declan Dowie received a pass through from McAllister and nailed it to the Strangford net.
The fizz seemed to come out of both teams around half way through the second half and there were a few injury breaks and substitutions. Strangford were indeed trying to make amends but Downpatrick were proving a handful with their quick tackles, fast pace, good passing and notable finishing.
The final coffin nail for Strangford came in the 76th minute from Declan Dowie who hit a long ball over keeper Watterson’s head to notch up another goal.
There was no way back for a beleaguered Strangford side, exhausted, and with 14 minutes to play.
Strangford were short of the two Owen Currans, James Mahoney, and Jack Fitzsimmons and this depleted their chances considerably.
Downpatrick go on now to face Ardglass FC in the final of the NFU Harry Clarke Cup… and it will be a cracker!
Get set for the Clash of the Titans: Downpatrick FC v Ardglass FC.
The Harry Clarke Final is on EASTER MONDAY at 1.30pm on 21st April 2025 at Meadowvale, Drumaness.
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Strangford FC: 1 Eoin Watterson (GK) 2 Stefan McGrattan 3 Fion McFall 4 Thomas Fitzsimons 5 John Polley 6 Aodhan Harney 7 Paul Donnelly 8 Shane Teggart 9 Conal Fitzsimons (C) 10 Eoin Kelly 11 Michael Shields. Subs: 12 David Shields Luc Tolan 15 Darren Black 16 Conall Black 17 Cole McGouran.
Downpatrick FC: 1 Taylor Beattie (GK) 2 Shea Holland 3 Ben Hynds 4 Andrew McCoubrey 5 Connor Campbell 6 Barry Treacy 7 Nathan McAllster 8 Josh Montgomery (C) 9 William Taggart 10 Declan Dowie 11 Seanny Duggan. Subs: 12 James Tumelty 14 Harry McCarthy 15 Anthony Carson 16 Morgan McCoubrey 17 Nathan McShane.
