A strong performance against a young Rossglass side sees the u15’s go on a scoring blitz, click on the link to read more…
Saturday 19th November – Downpatrick Youth Football League under 15’s
Downpatrick FC 9 v Rossglass County 0
Seething from their narrow defeat to Castlewellan last week, the boys were up for a commanding performance this week despite the perceived opposition! A cold and bright morning greeted the lads as they walked on to the pitch at Dunleath wearing their striking new kit! From the first whistle, a change in positions brought in a sweeper format that would prove decisive for the Downpatrick back line.
On 3 minutes, Gregory Kelly, anchor man alongside Conail Gardner, Liam Toner and Naoise O’Hagan found himself up front and hit a strike which just glided over. Strikers Ethan Artt and Luke Shields were trying to beat the offside trap on every attack and Artt found the goal on 10 minutes with his nifty left foot. Immediately after, Andrew McLean switched to an attacking midfield position and his strength led to a 30 yard shot on 12 minutes to make it 2-0.
Downpatrick were dominating despite the best efforts of a young Rossglass side and after a Shields pass on 21 minutes, Collie Jones made it 3 nil. The play was controlled with Ruairi Murphy again, making mature, calculated passes alongside Jack Fitzsimons, Jones and McClean in midfield. Shortly before the break, Artt struck for his 2nd on 26 minutes giving the goalkeeper no chance.
Half Time: Downpatrick FC 4 – Rossglass County 0
The second half restarted and again Downpatrick pushed forward with attacks that displayed neat passing skills. Artt was dominating the front line with shots continuous and tidy set pieces from corners and free kicks. He was rewarded for his efforts on 38 minutes and struck the onion bag to get his deserved hat trick.
Shortly after, Murphy running down the left wing struck with a 25 yards lobbing chip which the Rossglass keeper couldn’t anticipate to make it 6-0. On 45 minutes, the in form Luke Shields made a solo run for some 40 yards, beating defenders to make it 7 nil. Not to be out done, all the boys wanted to get on the score sheet and Fitzsimons again lobbed a skilful arcing shot from 35 yards to make the tally 8-0.
A change in personnel brought on subs Rian McShane and Kieran Glennon. McShane making lighting runs down the right wing, got caught out on a number of occasions by the off side trap but it was only a matter of time before his pace would prove vital with a strike on 56 minutes, the ball rebounding off the goal keeper to be cleared up by Gardner who had parachuted in from defence. A decisive victory but a big shout to Rossglass for their efforts in both halves remaining upbeat and giving Downpatrick a fight to the end.