NAFL Premier Division
Saturday 5th Novemberxa0
Malachians FC 0 xa0 Downpatrick FC 4
Downpatrick produced a great performance ahead of this week’s Border Cup semi-final when they travelled to played Malachians. On a cold and blustery Saturday Downpatrick went about their task of getting three points with great efficiency and a good all round performance.
In the opening half-hour Downpatrick controlled the game with wingers Barry Treacy and Aaron McGarry looking dangerous and capable of setting up chances for strikers Stephen Galbraith, Philip Traynor and Tony McIlhone at every opportunity. Central midfielders Andy Baggley and Ricky Kerr were the catalysts for the visitor’s attacks, breaking play up superbly and playing the simple passes when required.
Five minutes before half-time Downpatrick made the breakthrough, and forced a corner after a good save from Galbraith’s shot. Treacy swung in the corner and McIlhone timed his run perfectly to dispatch a right footed volley into the back of the net.
On the stroke of half time Downpatrick doubled their advantage. Treacy was again the provider and his inch perfect cross was finished off by Kerr who had made a run from midfield and headed the ball home at the back post.
Half Time: Malachians FC 0 xa0Downpatrick FC 2
Downpatrick started the second half in the same way that they had finished the first half, controlling the game. The Downpatrick defence of Neil Taggart, Barry Holland, Blaine Connolly and keeper Michael McKenna had very little to do but when the ball did come their way they looked assured and composed in possession.
Ten minutes into the second half Downpatrick secured all three points, Baggley regained the ball in midfield and passed it to midfield partner Kerr. Kerr turned provider, he spotted the run of Philip Traynor and with a sublime pass down the left hand side found Traynor inside the box and with a first time left footed shot he gave the Malachians keeper no chance.
Two minutes later McIlhone scored his second of the game, Barry Treacy took the ball down the wing before cutting inside and crossing the ball into the box. Tony McIlhone judged the flight of the perfectly and sent a full length diving header into the back of the net. The remainder of the half saw Downpatrick create a number of chances which they failed to convert but the management were more than happy with the performance and clean sheet going into the semi-final match on Wednesday night.
Downpatrick: 1) M McKenna 2) N Taggart 3) B Connolly 4) B Holland 5) T McIlhone 6) A Baggley 7) B Treacy 8) R Kerr 9) S Galbraith 10) P Traynor 11) A McGarry 12) J McLaughlin 14) C Holland 15) E Boyle
