Downpatrick stun league leaders Ballyvea to secure an impressive away victory, click on this link to read more…
Saturday 25th March – NADAFL Premier Division
Ballyvea FC 3 v Downpatrick Athletic 4
Downpatrick travelled to Kilkeel to play the league leaders in glorious sunshine at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. Both teams served up a highly entertaining game of football with the visitors coming out on top in a seven goal thriller.
The home side started very quickly and within the opening ten minutes scored two goals to hold the early advantage. Things went from bad to worse for the visitors as they were reduced to ten men for a two footed challenge.
Credit to Downpatrick they rolled their socks up and started to create Ballvea a few problems with their quick and accurate passing. Before half time the visitors pulled a goal back, Barry Teacy who is still finding match practice after his return from a broken leg whipped in a trademark cross which Andrew McCoubrey met perfectly to divert the ball into the back of the net.
Half Time: Ballyvea FC 2 v Downpatrick Athletic 1
A change in formation at the break saw Downpatrick push more men forward and within five minutes of the restart they were back on level terms. Treacy again was involved, his dipping free kick caused confusion in the Ballyvea back line and the ball deceived the home keeper and bounced over his head into the back of the net.
On the hour mark Downpatrick incredibly got their noses in front, and it was that man Treacy who was causing havoc. The nippy winger played a one two with Tony McIlhone and when he got to the by-line he tried to pull the ball back but the Ballyvea defender could only knock it past his own keeper. Minutes later the hosts got back on level terms from the penalty spot after keeper Michael McKenna was adjudged to have fouled their striker.
As the game entered the final ten minutes Downpatrick scored their fourth and match winner. Christian Holland took a corner which Ballyvea could only partially clear as the ball rolled back out to the Downpatrick defender he hit an absolute rocket of a shot which curled into the far top corner. Downptrick played their hearts out especially after going down to ten men so early but in Adrian McCoubrey they had the man of the match, the classy midfielder controlled the midfield with confidence and assurance.