Saturday 4th October – NAFL Division 1A
Downpatrick FC 3 v’s Barn United 1
Downpatrick came away with three points on Saturday thanks to a much improved second half performance. The opening forty five minutes on the other hand was a different story with the home side lucky to be only one nil down and that was thanks to goal keeper Michael McKenna who made three wonderful saves to keep his side in the match.
The opening exchanges of the match didn’t produce too many chances for either side but midway through the half Barn broke the deadlock. Downpatrick were pushing up to try and catch the Barn strikers offside, but the Barn central midfielder had other ideas and took the ball on his own unchallenged then went round the advancing McKenna and slotted the ball into the net.
Barn pushed on after going in front and had three glorious chances to go further in front but the home side’s keeper made three wonderful saves to keep Downptrick in the match.
Half Time: Downpatrick FC 0 v’s Barn United 1
Some stern words and encouragement to play football from the Downpatrick management had the desired affect as the County Town side controlled the second half. Within 15 minutes of the restart Downpatrick were level, the reliable Barry Treacy took a free kick from the left hand side, his whipped cross was met by Mark Holland who powered home a header to give the Barn Keeper no chance.
Downpatrick’s second goal game from the penalty spot but the phase of play which led to the foul was joy to watch. Andrew Telford and Conor McKenna played some lovely one touch passes before the ball was played through to striker Peter Telford who drew the Barn defender into fouling him. Treacy stepped up and scored the penalty in off the crossbar to put the home side in front.
Downpatrick increased their lead and sealed the three points with 15 minutes remaining, defender Mark Curran brought the ball out from defence and played a superb ball over the top for Peter Telford to run onto and the nig striker had the composure to lob the advancing Barn keeper. Next up for Downpatrick is a home tie against newly promoted St Pats YM next Saturday.
Downpatrick: 1) M McKenna 2) G Collins 3) C McDowell 4) M Curran 5) M Holland 6) C McKenna 7) B Treacy 8) A Baggley 9) C Mullan 10) P Telford 11) A McGarry 12) A Telford 14) N Walsh 15) E Boyle
