Jonny ignites Downpatrick

Jonny ignites Downpatrick

18 April 2018

DOWNPATRICK went into this game at Pairc Tomas Ruiseil on the back of a heavy defeat against Kilcoo and although early in the season, there was a sense of a ‘must win’ about this fixture. 

The omens weren’t good as the game started. Despite a good share of possession for the Hoops, it was the ‘Point who looked the more assured team in the first period.

Prompted by the running of Cormac McCartan and Ryan Mallon and with Donagh McAleenan pulling the strings at centre half forward, they were more economic with their shooting, particularly through the accuracy of Ross McGarry on the square.

Downpatrick were more ponderous and as the wides tally mounted, one could sense a degree of nervousness in the home ranks.

This was reflected in the half-time scoreline which read 0-8 to 0-2 in favour of Warrenpoint with the wides tally identical at 8-2 towards Downpatrick.

However, the second half saw a total transformation in fortunes.

Downpatrick imposed themselves from the start, pressing from high up the pitch and this had immediate effect as the home side gradually gained in the difference.

When Jonny Bell netted midway through the half, RGU tails were up. 

Gerdie Collins, Conor Doherty Jarlath Branagan and Peter Turley were driving the boys forward and when they eventually took the lead through Ruairi Quinn near the end, there was only going to be one winner.

A welcome and well deserved win for Downpatrick in the end, given the application in the second period when they were as dominant as they were ponderous in the first.