Superb goals at crucial stages of the game helped the u14’s secure a victory in their first game of 2016, click on the link to read who scored the all important goals…
Saturday 23rd January – Lisburn Invitational Junior League under 14’s
Chimney Corner 1 v Downpatrick FC 3
Saturday’s match was the first match in many weeks and it showed. The players tried hard to get back to playing football as we would like, but, they had difficulty with the final pass. The pitch was small and tight, so the play kept breaking down and everything was played through the middle of the pitch.
It took the boys at least ten minutes to get into their stride, but, when they did Downpatrick played to some enterprising football going forward. In no time at all Jack Fitzsimons, Ethan Artt and McLean all had attempts at goal, but, the shots were wayward. Downpatrick were getting a lot of joy down the right channel, Ethan Breen & Conail Gardiner were linking up well and were a constant thorn in Chimney Corner’s side.
This led to the first goal, play came from the right side, and a switch pass from Breen allowed Fitzsimons to receive the ball, he looked up and hit a twenty yard shot straight into the top right hand corner. Downpatrick were dominating Conor Rogan and Tom Savage was seeing a lot of the ball, they kept breaking up the play of the opposition. Another attack from Downpatrick ended up with a corner. The delivery from Fitzsimons was fantastic; the ball came to Sean Og Burns who rifled home from close range.
Downpatrick were dominating now and with a little more finesse in the final third, the score line could be very different. Dylan Connolly, Og Burns, Nathan Maguire, Brian Kennedy and Gardiner were playing well and any attack Chimney Corner had was snuffed out. As game entered the final stages of the first half, Chimney Corner were themselves creating more opportunities and were pressing hard, but, the defence stood firm.
Colin Jones, Gregory Kelly and Eamon Gargan now entered the fray. Jones was immediately involved in the action and created some good link up play on the left hand side, Artt had a good run, but, the play petered out. Both teams were creating chances and both keepers were dealing with everything that came their way.
Half-time: Chimney Corner 0 v Downpatrick FC 2
A good chat at half-time and changes to personnel meant Downpatrick pressed from the first whistle. Gargan and Kelly were doing well in the full back positions and were providing good support for the wingers. On one play, Savage received a pass, took on a few players and hit a wonder strike, which eclipsed Fitzsimons goal in the first half.
The boys lost concentration and play broke down in attack. The ball was lost on the halfway line, and poor positional awareness allowed Chimney Corner’s centre forward to run onto the loose ball, Connolly was a little impetuous and raced off his line; he was beaten with a low shot. Chimney Corner began to dominate now and the defensive qualities were being undone on every attack. Downpatrick were happy to attack, but, showed indiscipline in defence. The midfield was being overrun and the defence were getting caught out.
Some direction was given and the Downpatrick weathered the play. Again, it was Downpatrick’s turn to attack, Maguire, McLean, Breen, Artt and Jones all had chances to score, but, their efforts were either saved or they missed the goal. Downpatrick were pulling Chimney Corner apart at every opportunity, but, could not take any advantage. Chimney Corner was creating enough chances of their own, but, they were unable to beat Connolly. The game ended with a victory for Downpatrick FC. This was an entertaining game by both teams which was played in a good spirit.
Managers Comments
”Good to be playing football again and to dust of the cobwebs. A lot of work needed for all the players to work on, but, a sterling effort by all. Fitness is a key element for all the players which needs to be addressed over the coming weeks and before our next game”.