A spirited performance by the under 13’s ultimately resulted in defeat by a strong Portaferry side, click on the link below to read more…
Sunday 9th March ’15 (Dunleath Playing Fields – Pitch 2)
Downpatrick FC 0 v Portaferry 2
First Half – Downpatrick 0 v 1 Portaferry
Downpatrick FC started the game very well; they were controlling the play in very difficult windy conditions. The emphasis for the team was to get the ball on the ground and play football.
Downpatrick kicked with the wind in the first half and were quick to get control of the ball. The boys showed great determination in playing football from the back line through the midfield and up to the front line. It was here that the boys met with a very good Portaferry defensive line. The forwards showed great endeavour, but, were not getting much reward for their play.
In the first half the boys had six attempts at goal, three off target and three on target.
Again, the boys were denied by the Portaferry goalkeeper who pulled off some good saves.
All the good creative play was undone when Portaferry scored from a counter-attack; they broke down the right hand side and cut inside where Dylan Connolly was unable to stop a hard low drive into the bottom corner.
Full-time – Downpatrick 0 v 2 Portaferry
The team set-up was changed at half-time and the boys kicked into the wind. The boys began where they left off from the first period; they got control of the ball and continued to play football. However, there movement of the ball at times was slow and this allowed Portaferry to get the ball and play football themselves.
It was an entertaining game of football with both sides creating goal scoring opportunities at both ends and both goalkeepers were playing exceptionally well, making numerous saves to keep their teams in the game.
Again, the boys were caught out with another counter-attacking goal. As the boys pushed on to get the equaliser, Portaferry broke and scored with two minutes to go.
The result did not represent the performance and display from the boys. So much so, the Portaferry Manager praised the boys for the play and how hard it was for them to get a result.
Showing well for Downpatrick FC were Dylan Connolly, Conail Gardiner, Ethan Breen, Ciaran Glennon, Liam Toner and Jack Fitzsimons (Star Player).
As pointed out to the team at the end of the match, all good play does not always bring the rewards and results needed to justify the team performance.
However, player development is the focus to improve the squad. With this in mind, as player development improves, the results will take care of themselves.