The under 15’s took the spoils in the local derby on Saturday morning, click on the link below to find out how they won the game…
Saturday 29th October – Downpatrick Youth Football League under 15’s
Downpatrick FC 3 v Celtic Bhoys 1
From the whistle, Downpatrick were determined to win this local derby and immediately pushed forward and tried to control the midfield with the back line knowing they would have to be steadfast against a Celtic Boys attacking line that was very strong. Jack Fitzsimons, Ethan Breen, Rian McShane and Naoise O’Hagan strove to break down a disciplined defence and initial attacks from Fitzsimons and Luke Shields went wide or were easily collected by the goalkeeper.
At the start of the second half Downpatrick had the momentum and lessons learnt from the first half were monopolised and despite early attempts by Celtic Bhoys to attack in force and speed, the back line of Conail Gardner, Gregory Kelly, Andrew McGrattan and Collie Jones were steadfast. The deadlock was broken on 8 minutes a pass from Fitzsimons to Breen was knocked on, falling to striker Ethan Artt who controlled the ball with 2 defenders shadowing and with it lifting, volleyed it into the back of the net.
This proved the catalyst for a quality second half by both teams. Celtic Bhoys showed pace and determination but couldn’t get the breaks. A corner by Artt on 13 minutes sent the Celtic defence into disarray and Breen followed up with a controlled strike for Downpatrick’s 2nd. Substitutes Caolan McKeown and Ruairi Murphy got stuck in straight away and contributed well to midfield play.
Celtic Bhoys kept the pressure up with fast breaks down the wings and an attack on 19 minutes were awarded a penalty kick, their player being brought down in the box and indiscipline following the decision resulted in the dismissal of Gregory Kelly. Celtic Bhoys then brought it back to 2-1 despite the best efforts of Matthew Killen in goal.
A 10 man Downpatrick were determined not to be undone and still continued their assault with again set plays causing chaos. The boys were not content to simply hold out to the final whistle and on 24 minutes, another curving corner kick from Artt was finished convincingly by Collie Jones to make it 3-1. A very much enjoyable match with both teams working hard in both halves.