NAFL Division 1A – Sat 10 August
Downpatrick FC 4 – Orangefield Old Boys 2
Downpatrick opened up their league campaign with a fine victory at home against Orangefield on Saturday. Right from the first whistle Downpatrick were on the front foot pinning Orangefield back with wave after wave of attacks.
Downpatrick’s opening chance fell to Barry Treacy who caught a through ball from the returning Blaine Connolly on the half volley which was comfortably saved by the Orangefield keeper. Five minutes later Downpatrick should have been in front but for another good save by the keeper. This time Stephen Galbraith was unlucky after a defence splitting pass from Treacy, Galbraith found himself one on one with the goalkeeper who managed to tip the ball away.
Completely against the run of play Orangefield found themselves leading after a long punt out of defence defence wasn’t cleared by Downpatrick, the Orangefield winger latched onto the ball to dispatch past Downpatrick custodian Conan Russell. Downpatrick didn’t let this minor set back affect them and within five minutes they were back on level terms. Downpatrick won a corner after good build up play between Sean McMahon & Conor McKenna, the corner was whipped in by Treacy and met with a thumping header from Connolly to give the Orangefield keeper with no chance.
At half-time it was level between the teams with Downpatrick FC 1 – Orangefield Old Boys 1.
The second period saw Orangefield start a lot brighter and in the opening ten minutes of the half they created a number of half chances which was dealt comfortably with by the Downpatrick defence of Barry Fitzsimons, Matthew Carson, Ciaran McGarrity & Connolly. However, with fifteen minutes gone in the second half Downpatrick found themselves behind again after a good finish from the Orangefield striker.
This goal seemed to spark Downpatrick back into life, and like the previous goal they had conceded Downpatrick hit back within five minutes. This time there was good build up play down the left hand side between Carson, Conail McGrady and Galbraith, who eventually crossed the ball for the inrushing Matthew McGarrity to tap into the net.
Midway through the second half Downpatrick were in front thanks to an impressive finish from Stephen Galbraith. The Downpatrick striker ran onto a long ball from Russell to lob the Orangefield keeper from a tight angle. Downpatrick doubled their advantage from a quick piece of thinking by their impressive winger Barry Treacy, from a free kick wide on the left hand side he set up as if he was crossing the ball but instead whipped the ball into the bottom corner leaving the Orangefield keeper stranded waiting for a cross.
Downpatrick can be very pleased with this opening performance especially with the contributions of Man of the Match Barry Treacy and the two McGarrity’s – Ciaran & Matthew. After a midweek game against East Belfast Downpatrick travel to Rathfriland in the league.
Downpatrick team: C Russell, B Fitzsimons, M Carson, C McGarrity, B Connolly, C McKenna, B Treacy, M McGarrity, S McMahon, S Galbraith, C McGrady, F Ward, G Trueman, C McGrady.
Match Sponsors: GM Mortgages
Club Notes
* Downpatrick travel to Rathfriland this Saturday in a league game with kick off at 2.00pm before they entertain Immaculata on Tuesday 20 August, kick off 6.30pm.
* Downpatrick Ladies are in league action tonight, they travel to play Banbridge Ladies in an important league clash, kick off is at 2.30pm.
* All players are reminded the membership money is now due.
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