The under 14’s secure a point in the dying minutes of an ene to end encounter with Chimney Corner, click on the link below to read more…
Saturday 13th October – Lisburn Invitational Junior League under 14’s
Downpatrick FC 2 v Chimney Corner 2
On Saturday the boys hit the ground running and totally dominated the football from the first whistle. It was wide expansive football which the opposition had difficulty dealing with and they could not get on the ball; only when we lost possession. The football played out from the back and created plenty of chances. The midfield and forward line of Ethan Artt, Oran Bolton, Jack Fitzsimons, Ethan Breen and Tom Savage were guilty of some wayward shooting. Yet, when they hit the target, the opposition goalkeeper was in scintillating form. He kept the ball from crossing the line. The defence was solid and were very good at breaking down the play, Conaill Gardiner, Savage and Connor Rogan were getting plenty of time on the right flank to play football, but, the final pass was missing. Sean Og Burns, Brian Kennedy and Andrew McGrattan were coping well and were providing good support both defensively and tactically.
A rotation of players allowed Liam Toner, Nathan Maguire and Colin Jones to enter the fray, but, again they had no joy in front of goal. However, the boys lost possession in midfield and Chimney Corner attacked the right flank, the ball came across the box and it was put passed Connolly, nothing he could do, but, pick the ball out of the net after 30 minutes. The opposition were winning the second ball now and another lapse in the defence allowed Chimney Corner to score right on half-time.
Half Time: Downpatrick FC 0 v Chimney Corner 2
In the second half the boys went at the opposition from the off. A poor kick and error in the first couple of minutes from the Chimney Corner goalkeeper put the ball straight to Tom Savage and he lobbed the keeper from 35 yards. The spirit in the team upped to another level, the determination showed in an attempt to a result from today’s match. The team began to make poor decisions, they also lost the control of their passing which made for a nervous passage in play; Chimney Corner were getting some play and Connolly needed to pull off some fine saves.
Gregory Kelly had come on and he was unable to have any effect along the flank. The team were trying to force the play, and were unable to break down a resolute defence in Chimney Corner who had a very good player in the sweeper and he was mopping everything up, the forwards were getting no joy whatsoever. Another change in personnel and a change in format pushed the forwards on. As a result Maguire somehow managed to get on the ball; he shot and scored in the dying minutes to secure a draw. A good result in the end and we were very happy with the performance and effort shown by the players. Well done to all!