Downpatrick U13s played strongly as a team against Clonduff FC
SBYFL Under 13’s Supplementary Cup.
Downpatrick FC 2 Clonduff FC 1.
Downpatrick FC U13s beat Clonduff FC 2-1 on Saturday morning to continue their fine start to the season.
After last week’s draw with Antrim Rovers the boys were focussed on another positive display. From the start they realised a tough match was in store with a powerful opening fifteen minutes from the East Belfast opposition.
But the determined Downpatrick defence held firm under pressure with Ciaran Shields, Joel Reynolds, Ben McCann and Matthew Boyd absorbing the wave of Clonduff attacks.
It was not long though before the Downpatrick midfield took hold of the game with captain Corey Kennedy and Darragh McAlinden taking the sting out of the Clonduff play and creating the platform for Downpatrick to build on. Jack Laird was a constant threat on the right wing. However, with Clonduff ever dangerous, goalkeeper Noah Hynds pulled off an incredible finger tip save from a well-taken free kick.
With the game goalless at half-time, Downpatrick came out strong after the break. Jack Blaney, Joe Rogan, Fionn Higgins, Matthew McCormack and Luke McKay all threatened, with the pace of their attacks leading to numerous dangerous situations. Shortly after the restart, a foul on Jack Blaney provided the Downpatrick midfielder with the chance to strike a brilliant free kick around the wall for the lead.
Five minutes later a sweeping counter attack started by the impressive Sean O’Neill set Conor Murphy free on the left. Murphy outpaced the Clonduff midfield and having beaten the closing defender, played the ball inside to Luke McKay who had the vision and technique to find Joe Rogan arriving unmarked from the right wing. Rogan applied a cool finish to put Downpatrick 2-0 up.
Clonduff rallied and Aaron Sinclair thwarted their breaks on the right wing. The Belfast team then earned a penalty that goalkeeper Noah Hynds calmly collected in both hands. However, Clonduff made the breakthrough with fifteen minutes to go in the game, finishing a clinical passing move with the result it deserved.
The Downpatrick boys were not for letting the result slip and went toe to toe in an enduring and physical end to the match that saw them come away with another positive result.
Well done everyone!
