The firsts failed to win all three points despite battling back twice from a goal deficit and going in front, click on the link below to read more…
Saturday 20th March – NAFL Premier Division
Crumlin United 3 v Downpatrick FC 3
Downpatrick returned to Crumlin United for the first time since they clinched the 1A title last season but there were no scenes of jubilation on this occasion with the visitors feeling like they dropped two points rather than gaining one point. Downpatrick found themselves one down after only ten minutes, as they tried to push out for offside the Crumlin striker timed his run perfectly and found himself one on one with Michael McKenna. The Crumlin striker unselfishly squared the ball to his strike partner who tapped the ball into the empty net.
This goal sparked Downpatrick into life and ten minutes later the sides were level. Winger Barry Treacy whipped in a free kick which was headed down at the back post by Markie Holland to striker Ricky Kerr. Kerr controlled the ball and drilled it low and hard into the bottom corner through a crowd of players giving the Crumlin keeper no chance.
Half Time: Crumlin United 1 v Downpatrick FC 1
Fifteen minutes into the second half Crumlin went in front again, they broke up a Downpatrick attack and a long ball over the top caught the Downpatrick defence out and the Crumlin striker was in on goal. This time the home striker went himself and placed the ball out of the reach of McKenna to score. Five minutes later Downpatrick were level again, another free-kick this time Christian Holland was the provider and his cross was met perfectly by Kerr who powered his header into the back of the net.
As the game entered the final ten minutes Downpatrick took the lead, they won a free-kick out on the right hand side, which was taken by Barry Treacy. His cross was delivered into the box were Aaron McGarry reacted quickest to get in front of his marker and head the ball home. Unfortunately Downparick couldn’t hold onto the lead and five minutes later Crumlin got the equaliser. Good build up play down the left hand side before the ball was played into the Crumlin striker who flicked the ball onto the back post. The Crumlin winger timed his run perfectly to control the ball before curling his shot around Barry Fitzsimons and beyond the reach of McKenna.
Downpatrick: 1) M McKenna 2) B Fitzsimons 3) C Holland 4) B Connolly 5) M Holland 6) A Baggley 7) B Treacy 8) R Fitzpatrick 9) S Galbraith 10) R Kerr 11) A McGarry 12) P Traynor 14) J Sharvin 15) P Telford