Downpatrick Under 13’s came up short against the league leaders Coney Island in a much improved performance. Read more below to find out how…
Sunday 14th December – Downpatrick Youth League under 13’s
Coney Island 3 v Downpatrick FC 2
Downpatrick went into this game against the league leaders looking to improve on their first meeting earlier in the season. Although Downpatrick didn’t win this match they showed great character and composure on the ball with some good passing.
Five minutes into the game Coney Island opened the scoring, Downpatrick were on the attack when the ‘Island’ defence cleared the ball up field which allowed their striker to race onto the ball and slot past Dylan Connolly in the Downpatrick nets. Downpatrick responded well with Ethan Breen and Jack Fitzsimons in midfield controlling the game but the Coney Island defence were able to deal with everything that came their way.
Coney Island’s second goal was a carbon copy of their first, a long ball caught the Downpatrick defence of Colin Jones, James McKinney, Gregory Kelly and Conail Gardiner out and the Coney Island striker again got to the ball before the advancing Connolly and calmly put the ball in the net. Downpatrick got back into the game five minutes before half time, Breen played in Ciaran Glennon and the Downpatrick striker turned in the box before hitting a left footed strike into the bottom right corner.
Half Time: Coney Island 2 v Downpatrick FC 1
In the second half Downpatrick enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and totally outplayed the league leaders without being able to find the equaliser. Against the run of play Coney Island stretched their lead with another long ball over the top providing the opportunity for their striker to make it 3 – 1.
Downpatrick pushed for a goal to try and get back into the game and with five minutes remaining they gave themselves a chance to get a draw out of the game. Downpatrick won a free kick on the edge of the box and up stepped Jack Fitzsimons to send the ball into the roof of the net.
The last few minutes were frantic with Downpatrick trying everything to get an equaliser, Tom Savage had a glorious chance but pulled his shot wide of the target. Downpatrick can be heartened with how they played and running the league leaders so close and Ethan Breen they has the star performer, he covered every blade of grass and had the composure on the ball when it was needed.