Larne Tech OB 1 v’s Downpatrick FC 6
Downpatrick returned to league action on Saturday with a tricky away trip to Larne Tech and came away with three points and an impressive performance. The ‘greens’ raced into an early three nil lead in the opening fifteen minutes.
Downpatrick’s first goal was scored by striker Andrew Telford, strike partner Chrissy Mullan attacked down the right wing before crossing to Telford who controlled the ball perfectly before scoring on off the post. Two minutes later Telford turned provider when he raced out to take a short corner with Barry Treacy, Andrew returned the ball to Treacy who hit an unstoppable shot past the home keeper to make it two nil to Downpatrick.
The third goal came form another corner, this time Treacy sent over an inch perfect cross which Mark Holland met and headed into the net giving the Larne keeper no chance. After the third goal Downpatrick were in control with Andy Baggley and Gerdie Collins in midfield orchestrating the play and allowing Treacy and Aaron McGarry the freedom to break down the wings.
Larne Tech had a brief ten minute spell before halt time were the put the visiting teams defence of Niall Walsh, Mark Curran, Holland and Chris McDowell under some pressure and on a number of occasions keeper Robbie Hagan had to make a few saves to keep the score at three nil.
Half Time: Larne Tech OB 0 v’s Downpatrick FC 3
Larne Tech started the second half just as they finished the first by pinning Downpatrick back in their own half. Five minutes into the half they gave themselves a lifeline when Downpatrick failed to deal with a long ball and the flick on which allowed the Larne striker to race through and give Hagan no chance to make it 3 – 1 to Downpatrick.
Downpatrick management of Trueman and McMahon made their first substitution 15 minutes into the second half bringing on Peter Telford who recently transferred from Ardglass for striker Mullan. It was Peter’s brother Andrew who scored his second and Downpatrick’s fourth midway through the half when scored from just inside the box after winger McGarry had won the ball back on the half way line and made an excellent run down the line and producing the cross for Telford to finish.
Downpatrick’s fifth came on the break and Peter Telford made a surging run through centre of the pitch before passing to brother Andrew who made no mistake in completing his hat-trick when he rounded the Larne keeper and finishing into an empty net. The visitors sixth came from a quick kick out from Hagan who found Peter Telford, his first time flick found Treacy who controlled the ball before passing to substitute Eoin Boyle who expertly lobbed the keeper finish of the scoring.
Downpatrick 1) R Hagan 2) N Walsh 3) C McDowell 4) M Curran 5) M Holland 6) G Collins 7) B Treacy 8) A Baggley 9) A Telford 10) C Mullan 11) A McGarry 12) E Boyle 14) A McCoubrey 15) P Telford