The firsts returned to winning ways on Saturday with an impressive victory, click on the link below to read more including an inspired home debut for striker Conor McCarron…
Saturday 21st March – NAFL Division 1A
Downpatrick FC 4 v Orangefield OB 1
Downpatrick were looking to bounce back from last weeks disappointing defeat in the league and welcomed Belfast side Orangefield OB’s to Rosconner. Things didn’t look to good for Downpatrick when they fell behind inside the opening 10 minutes. Orangefield broke down the right hand side, their player pulled the ball back from the by line to their striker who scored from 10 yards giving Downpatrick goal keeper Robbie Hagan no chance.
Going behind gave Downpatrick the wake up call they needed and within ten minutes they drew level. Terence ball dribbled the ball from the right back position down the right wing and delivered a pin point cross for striker Eoin Boyle to rise and head a bullet header into the top corner. On the stroke of half time Downpatrick went in front, Andrew Telford carved the goal out for himself. He chased the keeper down and forced him into miss-kicking his clearance, Andrew then collected the ball and calmly finished into the bottom corner.
Half Time: Downpatrick FC 2 v Orangefield OB 1
Downpatrick controlled most of the game in the second half and substitute Conor McCarron bagged himself two goals in is home debut. Midway through the second half Downpatrick had a throw on the right hand side, Barry Treacy threw the ball to McCarron who dummied his way past the Orangefield defender and with only his third touch of the game he hit an unstoppable shot from 25 yards straight into the top corner.
Ten minutes later McCarron scored his second of the game. Orangefield were caught on the counter attack, a quick ball up to striker Eoin Boyle at the half way line and his deft flick allowed McCarron half the pitch to run into. The tall striker calmly drew the Orangefield keeper out of his nets before sliding the ball under him to make it 4 – 1. With only minutes remaining McCarron had a glorious opportunity to get his hat-trick when he found himself one on one with the keeper again but just as he was about to shoot the ball bobbled and he missed the target.
Downpatrick: 1) R Hagen 2) T Bell 3) C Holland 4) M Holland 5) B Connolly 6) A Baggley 7) B Treacy 8) N Walsh 9) E Boyle 10) A Telford 11) A McGarry 12) C McCarron 14) C McDowell 15) M Carson