Drumaness march on in Clarence Cup

Drumaness march on in Clarence Cup

1 February 2023

DRUMANESS Mills advanced to the third round of the Clarence Cup after overcoming Dunmurry Young Men in a hard-fought battle at the Meadowvale on Saturday.

Despite initially falling a goal behind, Drumaness quickly regrouped to finish the first half in front before Dunmurry levelled proceedings after the interval.

However, the contest was decided with less than 15 minutes remaining as Mills wing wizard Eoin Rooney converted from close range to seal the victory.

Dunmurry took the lead after 11 minutes when striker Darren Smyth beat the offside trap and had a clear route to goal from the halfway line.

With only Drumaness ‘keeper Conor McCann to beat, Smyth held his nerve and slotted past the Mills number one to open the scoring.

This early blow didn’t deter Drumaness’ game plan as they set about launching a quick response.

The midfield battle was now favouring the Mills, with captain Kyle McCleery and team-mate Joe Healy particularly impressive throughout.

Drumaness midfielder Eoin Rooney came close to levelling the scoring but his effort was smartly saved by Dunmurry custodian Ryan McBride.

The visitors continued to come under the cosh and it soon became apparent that the Young Men’s defence wouldn’t be able to hold out much longer.

That premonition came to fruition after Drumaness striker Jack Sharvin was clumsily fouled inside the area and a spot kick was awarded.

In form marksman, Callum Dougan, stepped up to send McBride diving the wrong way and level the tie.

The momentum was now firmly with Drumaness as they searched to take the advantage before the half-time whistle.

And that they did as Ben Campbell’s punt from defence eluded the Dunmurry defence and found team-mate Dougan, who unselfishly squared his pass to Adam Kearney for an easy tap-in.

As the second half began Dunmurry had renewed intent.

The visitors started quickly and Drumaness seemed to have completely taken their foot off the pedal.

A lofted free-kick into the box from Dunmurry’s Darren Elliott found unmarked team-mate Jamie Kidd at the back post.

However, Kidd’s effort was wayward and Drumaness were granted a lucky escape. Dunmurry then had the ball in the back of the net but Carl McComb’s effort was disallowed for a foul in the build-up.

The Mills weren’t so fortunate after a sustained period of pressure pathed the way for Dunmurry to equalise.

After an initial corner kick was momentarily defended, a second cross into the Drumaness box was converted into the net by Scott Larmour.

The contest began to heat up with tackles flying from both sets of players.

A nervous final third of the match was played out in front of the loyal Drumaness support but they needn’t had worried as Rooney would soon break Dunmurry hearts.

After latching onto a long pass, Drumaness midfielder Kearney composed himself down the left flank before playing a dangerous cross low into the box which eluded ‘keeper McBride and left Rooney with a chance he simply could not miss.

The final ten minutes of regulation time was heart-in-mouth stuff for Drumaness, who had their backs to the wall on more than one occasion.

Dunmurry midfielder Elliot saw his effort from 25 yards just whistle wide of the post before team-mate Smyth thought he had secured a last-gasp leveller when his strike looked destined for the bottom corner.

However, this effort was cleared off the line and the Mills clung on until the final whistle to advance to the next round.

Drumaness: C McCann, O Wright, E Lundy, T McConville, B Campbell, J Healy, E Rooney, K McCleery (capt), C Dougan, J Sharvin, A Kearney.

Subs: D Bell, J Murray, S McQuoid.

Dunmurry: R McBride, M King, M Devlin, K Irwin (capt), S Larmour, R Harron, D Elliott, J Kidd, C McComb, D Smyth, D Burns.

Subs: J Flanagan, T Kerr, L Guy.

Yellow card: M Kerr.

Referee: Mark McCurdy.