Downpatrick under 16’s failed to build on their opening day victory as the suffer at the hands of TTBS, click on the link to read more…
Saturday 9th September – LYFL under 16’s
Downpatrick FC 0 v TTBS 4
The first early start of the season for the boys as they faced an unknown entity in TTBS at the Ballymacoss pitch. From the off, it was evident these opponents were disciplined and their passing accurate and effective, so the Downpatrick backline were going to be busy and had to be alert. A series of attacks and counter attacks at both ends were dealt with but play was nervous and undisciplined, the ball simply cleared.
Matthew Killen in goal was already making saves from a structured TTBS strike line and the Downpatrick defence of Peter Kearney, Liam Toner, Brian Kennedy and Colin Jones had to deal with many attacks. The midfield of Jack Fitzsimons, Ethan Breen, Connor Rogan and Andrew McClean were doing their best to hold the ball and create moves but the TTBS skills in accurate passing, side swiped the midfield and attacks petered out. Rogan for his part made a number of considered attacking plays on the wing, passing the ball to strikers Ethan Artt and Luke Shields who were trying to push forward and use the width of the pitch but the TTBS back line was strong and the target just couldn’t be found.
The boys were holding their own, but only just and a scoreless game was probably fair at this stage of the match. However, towards the end of the first half, an onslaught of TTBS attacks was wearing down the Downpatrick back line down and on 27 minutes they were duly rewarded from a corner to open the scoring.
Half Time: Downpatrick FC 0 v TTBS 1
A good talking to at the interval and some personnel changes Conail Gardner, Luke O’Rourke and Matthew Murray started the second half with a bit more gusto than the first half. The boys were unfortunately lethargic and TTBS strong and calculated scored another making it 2 and it was obvious they wanted more. The Downpatrick defence was doing their best and even with positional changes they couldn’t deal with the tight attacking. A further goal came on 54 minutes to make it 3 to TTBS. Downpatrick tried to get back into the game through McClean but his shot was saved and Artt had made a number of runs and attempts towards the end that were thwarted. TTBS sealed their victory with their 4th and final goal five minutes before the end.