Teams battled it out for the honours in the DYFL matches at Robert Adams Park in Crossgar
This was the last weekend of soccer for the Downpatrick Youth Football League and through Friday and Saturday teams battled for the silver in excellent weather conditions writes Jim Masson.
On Friday 8th May Celtic Bhoys U12 squad faced Ballynahinch Olympic Blues in a tight match that looked as though it was going to go to penalties given both teams were on form.
Celtic started off strongly but after five minutes Ballynahinch came back into the game well and play went to and fro.
There was a good charge from Celtic and a shot just went wide of the left hand post. Then a Celtic defender made a great intervention as a Ballynahinch forward almost got the ball over the line.
But it was Ballynahinch who opened the scoring on ten minutes with an excellent goal giving the keeper no chance.
The second half started with the Celtic right winger almost hammering in a ball to the top of the net but it went just over. Celtic piled on the pressure but Ballynahinch held up well.
The a low shot from Celtic crept past the keepers feet over the line to equalise.
Celtic started to play more attacking football and carved out another two goals putting them in the driving seat.
Ballynahinch Olympic Blues goalkeeper Kian won the Player of the Match award.
Final score: Celtic Bhoys 3 1 Ballynahinch Olympic Blues.
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Following this match, Downpatrick U14s faced Ardglass FC U14s in what was going to be another close encounter.
Ardglass were pressing from the whistle and a shot by the Ardglass centre was just held by the Ballynahinch keeper.
The seasiders won a few corners and kept up the pressure and were goal-less for 23 minutes until their centre forward tapped the ball in to put them in the lead.
Ballynahinch had defended well but their keeper was making some good saves.
Ardglass scored from a corner putting them 2 ahead, but Ballynahinch came back fighting. Ardglass keeper Sophia made a great reflex save.
As the second half progressed, Downpatrick started to attack more looking dangerous at times but Ardglass were not giving up and got in a number of useful challenges to the Downpatrick goal.
Then Downpatrick scored with a well-hit low shot to the right hand post and then it was match on as Downpatrick pressed on for an equaliser that would at least force penalties and give them a chance of the cup.
But the referee blew his whistle and it was Ardglsss who were celebrating but it was a tight match at times and could have gone either way.
Karl from Downpatrick FC U14s won the Player of the Match.
Final Score: Ardglass U14s 2 1 Downpatrick U14s.
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The U13 girls’ final between Newcastle FC and Kilmore Rec was another close affair with both teams giving their all and playing some great football.
It was Newcastle that took the initiative early and make several runs at the Kilmore goal. One shot came bouncing off the Kilmore posts… a let off Kilmore.
The Kilmore goal keeper made an excellent save as Newcastle closed in.
The KIlmore started to push back and a kick from the halfway line forced the Newcastle keeper into an error and a corner was awarded.
But Newcastle bounced back and the Kilmore keeper was forced to make a crucial save. On 13 minutes, a Kilmore forward chipper over the heads of the defenders creating a scoring opportunity but had to settle for a corner.
Then on 15 minutes, Kiimore scored against the run of play and held on to their narrow lead. But Newcastle equalised and neither side could score the killer goal despite attempts by both side sand the match then went to penalties.
Kilmore missed 4 penalties in a row and Newcastle had bagged two so the eighth kick of the match secured a win for Newcastle on their fourth kick and the celebrations commenced.
Clodagh from KIlmore U14s won the Player of the Match award.
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On Saturday morning, the U7s who normally play at Saintfield Leisure Centre enjoiyed. a football festival before the U13 girls cup final and they literally had a ball!
