The seconds bad luck continued on Saturday but there were signs of improvement which encouraged new manager Marty Murphy, click on the link to read more…
Saturday 17th September – NADAFL Premier Division
Downpatrick Athletic FC 1 v Carryduff Colts 2
Downpatrick suffered their third straight defeat when they were beat by Carryduff in Dunleath on Saturday. Despite the defeat there were signs of some improvement for Downpatrick especially from John Hill who was playing only his second senior game and the return to action of Ricky Kerr.
Downpatrick started the game well and created the first opportunity of the game when striker Paddy Kerr found himself through one on one with the Carryduff goal keeper, the Downpatrick number 9 tried to jink his way past the keeper but he was able to get a hand to the ball and thwart him.
Carryduff went one nil up on the half hour mark, a long diagonal ball wasn’t dealt with by the Downpatrick defence and Carryduff’s left back sent over a cross which was deflected of a defender into the path of their striker who mis-kicked the ball past Ronan Holland via the post. Five minutes later Carryduff doubled their advantage, they won the ball in midfield, it was played out wide to their winger and he crossed for his striker to head the ball into the net.
Half Time: Downpatrick Athletic 0 v Carryduff Colts 2
Downpatrick came out in the second half looking to get back into the game, Hill on the right wing was playing really well and providing support for the Kerr brothers. On the hour mark Downpatrick pulled a goal back, Shane Matheson was fouled about twenty yards out from the Carryduff goal. Conor McKenna took the free-kick and he expertly placed the ball into the back of the net giving the Carryduff goal keeper no chance.
Downpatrick started to get more opportunities and could have managed a draw, John Hill sent over a cross which found Shane Matheson but he shot just over when others were maybe better placed. Next up for Downpatrick is an away fixture at Newcastle Swifts.
Downpatrick: 1) R Holland 2) M Murphy 3) G Douglas 4) B Fitzsimons 5) N Young 6) C McKenna 7) J Hill 8) S McMahon 9) R Kerr 10) P Kerr 11) S Matheson 12) R Fitzpatrick 14) J Healy 15) C Holland