Hat-tricks all round as Downpatrick go on a goal scoring spree to secure their place in the third round of the Border Cup, click on the link to read more…
Saturday 17th September – NAFL Border Cup 2nd Round
Downpatrick FC 10 v Grove United 0
Downpatrick produced a comprehensive goal scoring performance in Rosconnor on Saturday to set up a mouth watering third round match against Ards Rangers at home on Saturday 8th October. Once Downpatrick opened the scoring after ten minutes they were never really troubled by Grove.
Teenager Jack McLaughlin opened the scoring on the ten minute mark when his powerful shot was allowed to squirm under the arms of the Grove goal keeper. Five minutes later Mark Holland continued his goal scoring with a powerful header from a Stephen Galbraith corner. Aaron McGarry got his name on the score sheet when he got on the end of a Galbraith pass to send his right foot shot into the back of the net.
Two goals inside five minutes from Phily Traynor ensured Downpatrick’s name was definitely in the next round of the cup, the ace marksman showed his predatory instincts with two fine finishes to give the Grove goal keeper no chance. Just before half time top scorer Stephen Galbraith got his customary goal with well taken shot.
Half Time: Downpatrick FC 6 v Grove United 0
The message at half time was to keep their concentration and keep passing the ball and the Downpatrick players carried that out perfectly, going on to score a further four goals in the second half. Jack McLaughlin scored his second of the game with a neat finish from just inside the box.
Traynor was now playing in a deeper roll but was still as dangerous in front of goal with some surging runs into the box and he timed one of these runs perfectly to drive into the Grove penalty area and fire a powerful shot past the keeper to complete his hat-trick. Minutes later substitute Conor McCarron scored a fine solo goal, the big striker went on a mazy run down the left wing before cutting back from the by-line and firing his shot in at the near post.
As the game entered the final five minutes McLaughlin capped of his man of the match display by making and completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot. The speedy midfielder jinked his way into the box before being taken out by the Grove defender. Credit to normal penalty taker Galbraith who passed over the ball for Jack to complete his first senior hat-trick for Downpatrick, making no mistake with a well drilled shot.
Downpatrick: 1) M McKenna 2) M Holland 3) M Carson 4) N Taggart 5) J McLaughlin 6) B Holland 7) B Treacy 8) A Baggley 9) S Galbraith 10) P Traynor 11) A McGarry 12) B Connolly 14) C McCarron 15) T McIlhone