The first team travelled to second placed Lisburn Rangers and put in a workman like performance to come away with all three points, click on the link below to read more…
Saturday 7th March – NAFL Division 1A
Lisburn Rangers 1 v Downpatrick FC 2
Downpatrick went into Saturday’s match against second placed Lisburn Rangers looking to avenge their only defeat in the league so far. Downpatrick had to reshuffle their back line with the absence of experienced player Mark Holland. Matthew Carson was brought in to replace him and the diminutive defender put in a Man of the Match performance alongside captain Terence Bell, Blaine Connolly and Chris McDowell.
Downpatrick opened the scoring midway through the first half, the Telford brothers Andrew and Peter linked up well before Peter burst into the box and drew the foul from the Lisburn Rangers defender resulting in the referee pointing to the penalty spot. Eoin Boyle placed the ball on the spot and dispatched his strike with an air of confidence.
Within five minutes of going in front Downpatrick doubled their advantage when they caught Lisburn out with a swift counter attack. Lisburn had a corner which was cleared by the head of Carson straight to Boyle who laid the ball of to midfielder Andy Baggley. Baggley went on one of his trademark runs at the heart of the Lisburn defence, he passed the ball to Andrew Telford who’s played in Barry Treacy just inside the box. Treacy hit his shot first time giving the keeper no chance. Downpatrick’s celebrations were short lived when Lisburn pulled a goal back within two minutes. They played a free kick into the box which was only partially cleared before another ball was played into the back post and the Lisburn striker rose highest to head into the net.
Half Time: Lisburn Rangers 1 v Downpatrick FC 2
Lisburn came out in the second half and put Downpatrick under a lot of pressure but the defence along with goal keeper Michael McKenna stood strong and blocked anything that was thrown at them, McKenna pulled of a number of important saves. Downpatrick did have a number of chances to add to their lead but Peter and Andrew Telford and Treacy failed to beat the Lisburn keeper.
Downpatrick survived a scare in the final few minutes when the Lisburn striker got a shot away on goal but it was only partially blocked by Carson resulting on the ball spinning of the crossbar and bouncing away to safety. Downpatrick failed to find top gear but did produce a work man like performance to ensure victory against a good Lisburn side.
Downpatrick: 1) M McKenna 2) T Bell 3) C McDowell 4) M Carson 5) B Connolly 6) A Baggley 7) B Treacy 8) P Telford 9) A Telford 10) E Boyle 11) A McGarry 12) C Holland 14) N Walsh 15) C McCarron
