A Ricky Kerr inspired performance gives Downpatrick three points on the road, click on the link below to find out how…
Saturday 12th September – NAFL Premier Section
Derriaghy C.C 1 v Downpatrick FC 2
With so many cups being played at the start of the season it was important for Downpatrick to pick up league points when the league games come along, especially away from home. Against Derriaghy on Saturday Downpatrick started the game in confident fashion, both strikers were linking up well.
Downpatrick’s first chance came in the opening ten minutes, a superb through ball allowed Ricky Kerr to break past the home team defence and the striker found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Kerr decided to take his shot early but the Derriaghy keeper was equal to the shot and saved comfortably.
Midway through the first half Downpatrick were in control, Barry Treacy and Christian Holland were providing plenty of crosses but strikers Kerr and Stephen Galbraith couldn’t get on the end of any of them. At the other end of the park Downpatrick’s Michael McKenna and the other defenders had very little to do. Midfielder Andy Baggley missed a glorious chance to put his side ahead when he missed a chance which in truth it seemed harder to miss than score.
On twenty five minutes the visiting team made the break through, Kerr again found himself one-on-one with the Derriaghy keeper but this time he decided to go round the keeper and slid the ball into the empty net. The remainder of the half both teams failed to trouble the goal keepers, Christian Holland did have a 30 yard shot but his effort sailed just over the crossbar.
Half Time: Derriaghy C.C 0 v Downpatrick FC 1
In the second half Derriaghy came more into the game, sending more men forward and taking a few chances. With almost an hour gone Downpatrick doubled their advantage, again it was Kerr who was causing havoc for the Derriaghy defence. The Downpatrick striker was one-on-one with the keeper and attempted to go round the Derriaghy number one but the keeper fouled him giving Downpatrick a penalty. Stephen Galbraith placed the ball on the spot and confidently scored with the spot kick.
Within five minutes Derriaghy pulled a goal back, confusion reigned at the back for Downpatrick between McKenna and Mark Holland which allowed the Derriaghy forward to nip in and take the ball away before shooting into an empty net. Then five minutes later the home side had a perfect opportunity to equalise, left back Chris McDowell brought down the Derriaghy winger resulting in the referee awarding the second penalty of the match. Michael McKenna was more than equal to the spot kick, diving low to save the ball comfortably.
Downpatrick were comfortable for the remainder of the game and dealt with any pressure Derriaghy applied. Downpatrick could have had a second penalty when the Derriaghy goalie appeared to take down Galbraith in the box but the referee waved play on.
Downpatrick: 1) M McKenna 2) B Fitzsimons 3) C McDowell 4) N Walsh 5) M Holland 6) A Baggley 7) B Treacy 8) A McGarry 9) S Galbraith 10) R Kerr 11) C Holland 12) C McGrady 14) C McCarron 15) R Fitzpatrick
Match Sponsors: Petals & Pots, Downpatrick