Downpatrick earned three points in a keenly contested performance against neigbours on Thursday night, click on the link below to read more…
Thursday 31st March – NAFL Premier Division
Kilmore Rec 1 v Downpatrick FC 2
Downpatrick made the short journey on Thursday night to take on neighbours Kilmore Rec in what starts a busy six weeks for the team from the county town. The home side made it an uncomfortable ninety minute for their visitors who will be pleased with the result but not the overall performance.
Downpatrick started brightly and scored within the opening 15 minutes through Ricky Kerr. Jamie Sharvin took the ball in midfield before passing out to the right wing to Barry Treacy, the speedy winger beat his man before crossing in low to Kerr. The striker’s first time effort was blocked on the line and he reacted quickest to poke the ball home.
For the remainder of the half Downpatrick enjoyed plenty of possession with Sharvin and man of the match Andy Baggley controlling the play in midfield. The ‘Greens’ had a number of chances to go further in front but Treacy and striker Stephen Galbraith weren’t able to score.
Half Time: Kilmore Rec 0 v Downpatrick FC 1
Within five minutes of the restart Downpatrick doubled their advantage from the penalty spot. Galbraith played a one two with Aaron McGarry before the Kilmore Rec keeper to the striker down inside the box. Downpatrick’s top scorer dusted himself down before dispatching his spot kick to the back of the net.
Credit to Kilmore Rec, they didn’t let their heads go down and on the hour mark they got back into the game with a well worked goal. The ball was won in midfield and as the Downpatrick defence tried to push out for offside the Kilmore Rec striker timed his run perfectly to latch onto the through ball. With the Kilmore player bearing down on goal, Downpatrick’s keeper Michael McKenna rushed out to close him down but the striker rounded him and tapped the ball into the net.
Gaining confidence from their goal, Kilmore started to pile pressure on Downpatrick looking for the equaliser. Downpatrick had keeper McKenna to thank for keeping their noses in front when he produced an unbelievable save to touch the ball onto the bar when it looked like Kilmore where destined to score. Downpatrick could have put the game beyond doubt in the final twenty minutes but McGarry and Kilmore old boy Philip Traynor were unable top score the chances that came their way.
Downpatrick: 1) M McKenna 2) B Fitzsimons 3) C Holland 4) N Walsh 5) B Connolly 6) J Sharvin 7) B Treacy 8) A Baggley 9) S Galbraith 10) R Kerr 11) A McGarry 12) E Boyle 14) P Telford 15) P Traynor
Match Sponsors: Strangford Fuels, Downpatrick