Stephen Galbraith took the opportunity to play for the seconds on Saturday with the first team match called off, find out how he and the team go on by clicking the link below…
Saturday 5th March – NADAFL Premier Division
Downpatrick Athletic 2 v Ballynahinch Olympic
Both teams agreed to move this fixture to the Bridge Centre in Killyleagh and it turned out to be a good move for Downpatrick who eventually overcame a stubborn Olympic team to secure all three points. Downpatrick had the perfect opportunity to go in front in the opening five minutes when striker Paddy Kerr had a glorious opportunity but scuffed his effort.
On fifteen minutes Ballynahinch were awarded a penalty after defender Chris Magee was adjudged to have fouled the Olympic striker. Ballynahinch were unable to convert the penalty however after their striker saw his penalty kick bounce of the post with Johnny Holland in the Downpatrick nets well beaten. The remainder of the half saw both teams enjoy spells of possession without any meaningful chances being created.
Half Time: Downpatrick Athletic 0 v Ballynahinch Olympic 0
Downpatrick broke the deadlock two minutes after half time with a well worked goal, Ryan Fitzpatrick at right back played the ball to Declan Curran on the wing and his perfect pass over the Ballynahinch defence allowed Stephen Galbraith to go one on one with the keeper before coolly finishing the ball to the back of the net. As expected Ballynahinch tried to get back into the game but the home sides defence of Fitzpatrick, Magee, Gary Trueman and Chris McDowell stood strong.
With the game entering the last 10 minutes Downpatrick scored their second goal to ensure all three points. The same two players were involved with Curran playing another ball over the top of the Balynahinch defence for Galbraith but the striker still had some work to do. He controlled the ball with his head which allowed him to break away from the defender and finishing into the far corner giving the Olympic keeper no chance.
Downpatrick: 1) J Holland 2) R Fitzpatrick 3) C McDowell 4) C Magee 5) G Trueman 6) N Walsh 7) D Curran 8) A McCoubrey 9) S Galbraith 10) P Kerr 11) C Kerr 12) T Bell 14) S Matheson 15) S McMahon
