The under 15’s produced a magnificent performance to see off Coney Island in a highly entertaining game on Saturday morning, click on the link below to read more…
Saturday 7th January – Downpatrick Youth Football League under 15’s
Downpatrick FC 6 v Coney Island 3
After the Christmas break, the boys were up for a return to competitive matches and they were fired up in advance of this clash against the Coney Island lads on a mild winter’s morning at Dunleath. From the whistle, both teams clearly wanted to make their mark and attacks by both teams were tit for tat!
Midfield was going to be crucial in dictating play and the full width of the pitch used to break down a disciplined Coney Island defensive line. Matthew Killen in goal was going to be busy and needed to command his area and defence. On 5 minutes, a corner to Downpatrick was taken by Ethan Breen, who swung it in towards the near goal post, the goal keeper fumbled and it was 1-0 to the boys.
Shortly after, a free kick to Coney Island was headed in to level the match, with the Downpatrick defence still in bed! Downpatrick were timid and needed to lift their aggression. Coney Island was proving to be no push over and took the lead again on 18 minutes. This was the spark that ignited the Downpatrick team.
Andrew McClean, playing midfield alongside Breen, Colin Jones and Jack Fitzsimons, attacked through the middle and struck the ball and watched as it was saved by the Island keeper, Ethan Artt was following up and made no mistake with the rebound to make it 2-2.
Andrew McGrattan played a brilliant pass to McClean who buried it to put Downpatrick back in front and make it 3-2. Downpatrick were up for this and shortly before the break, Artt was there again to make it 4-2, following deft passing from McClean and Breen.
Half Time: Downpatrick FC 4 v Coney Island 2
The game had stepped up a notch and along with some changes in position, the lads were proving more physical in their tackles and play. Coney Island were dangerous from set plays and attacks and brought it back to 4-3 on 45 minutes. Immediately after, McClean took the initiative and ran a fantastic solo dribble to slot in his second on 47 minutes.
The defence of McGrattan, Liam Toner, Conail Gardner and Gregory Kelly were disciplined and physical. Downpatrick weren’t finished and on 52mins, Colin Jones was there to make it 6 after neat passing. Coney Island were awarded a penalty but couldn’t finish and the ball hit the bar to be cleared, Downpatrick saw out the game to win 6 – 3.
