In blustery wet conditions Downpatrick continued their winning run with another fine performance when they made the journey to the Ormeau Road to play Rosario. The Downpatrick management were forced into making several changes due to player unavailability but these changes didn’t affect the team’s performance.
With fifteen minutes gone on the clock Downpatrick opened the scoring, winger Aaron McGarry broke down the left wing a sent over an inviting cross, the Rosario keeper misjudged the cross and Peter Telford arrived to head the ball over the keeper to head the ball into the empty net. Unfortunately for Telford the keeper clattered into him and soon after the big striker needed to be replaced.
For the remainder of the half Downpatrick were in complete control but just couldn’t find the killer touch. Telford’s replacement Chris Mullan was proving a worthy replacement, leading the line superbly and causing the Rosario defence all sorts of problems.
Half Time: Rosario YC 0 v Downpatrick FC 1
Downpatrick came out in the second half really determined and within a minute of the restart they doubled their advantage. Andy Baggley and Aaron McGarry combined in midfield before McGarry passed to Andrew Telford. Telford cut in from the left hand side and hit an unstoppable shot with his left foot into the top corner.
Downpatrick were enjoying plenty of possession and creating numerous chances, Mark Holland had a header which was cleared of the line and Andrew Telford rounded the keeper before firing his shot wide of the target. With twenty minutes remaining Telford wrapped up the points for Downpatrick. Barry Treacy sent in a corner which was knocked down in the box by Blaine Connolly and Telford was on hand to score with a diving header.
Downpatrick saw out the remainder of the game with relative ease, the management team were satisfied with the performance. Joe McMahon commented, “it was pleasing to see us keep a clean sheet today especially with Terence Bell and Blaine Connolly coming into the side and performing well. In fact my man of the match would go jointly to Bell and Andy Baggley who both played really well. Now we look forward to a home fixture in the league next week against Orangefield”.
Downpatrick: 1) C McKenna 2) T Bell 3) B Connolly 4) M Holland 5) M Curran 6) C McKenna 7) B Treacy 8) A Baggley 9) A Telford 10) P Telford 11) A McGarry 12) C Mullan 14) N Walsh 15) C Holland
