Last-gasp Moore goal wins cup for Downpatrick aces

Last-gasp Moore goal wins cup for Downpatrick aces

10 May 2023

DOWNPATRICK completed a league and cup double as they secured the Division 1 Supplementary Cup in dramatic fashion with a goal late into extra-time on Monday.

Their opponents, Ballynahinch Young Men, made the eventual winners fight tooth and nail for the cup honours during the early kick-off at Dromara’s Bellsbridge venue. It was in fact the Ballynahinch side who took the lead just before half-time as striker Joel Hunter kept his nerve to convert past ‘keeper Ruairi Murphy.

Downpatrick re-entered the pitch following the interval with a rejuvenated spirit and were rewarded with the equaliser when man of the match Josh Montgomery capped off a fine team move.

With nothing to split the sides in regulation time, extra-time was required to settle the contest.

As the clock wound down to just three minutes left to play, Downpatrick defender Conor Moore committed himself into the box and his diving header directed the ball into the back of the net to win the cup for his team.

The opening 20 minutes of play resembled a chess match with both teams playing with caution and refusing to risk making the first mistake.

This, in turn, created a rigid style of football with not many clearcut chances to write about.

The first real chance fell to Young Men striker Jonathan Dickson, but his left footed half-volley went high over the crossbar.

At the other end, the opposing Greens saw their chances impressively smothered by Ballynahinch ‘keeper Raymond Tate, although Downpatrick did seem to be threatening at stages.

On the balance of first half play, Ballynahinch deservedly took the lead when a squared pass fell invitingly into the path of striker Joel Hunter, who struck first time past the diving Murphy.

Downpatrick remained undeterred and returned to the pitch after the half-time break in confident form.

They immediately went in search of the equaliser, with midfielder Nathan McAlister proving a handful in particular. Ballynahinch perhaps sat back too much, thus inviting pressure, although it would take something special to finally get Downpatrick off the mark.

Clever one touch passing between Andrew McCoubrey and Josh Montgomery allowed substitute Drew Barnes to find team-mate McAlister.

The Downpatrick midfielder then played a quick one-two passing sequence with Brian Kennedy before finding the pass to the onrushing Montgomery to slot home.

Downpatrick had their tails up and smelt blood but a mixture of good defending from Ballynahinch’s Matthew Hall and Richard Annett, as well as wastefulness from Downpatrick, kept the scores level.

As the whistle blew to signal the end of the 90 minutes the sun broke out from the clouds and the already exhausted players were now battling added temperatures.

Still, chances presented themselves and when Carson crashed his effort off the crossbar it looked certain that penalties would decide the outcome.

However, with three minutes left of extra-time, a perfectly placed chip into the box from Downpatrick midfielder Con Farrell found the head of team-mate Conor Moore, who glanced his effort past the impressive Tate to seal the result. Following the final whistle, Downpatrick head coach Padraig McAteer reflected on his team’s victory.

“It was a long match and we didn’t do great in the first half,” he said.

“But the boys stuck to it, we knew we could play better football and we’re the better team.

“Conor Moore scored the winning goal before limping off with cramp,” he continued.

“But that’s what we do, we don’t give up and battle to the end.” 

Downpatrick: R Murphy, R Cassidy, M Fitzpatrick (capt), C Moore, B Kennedy, J Montgomery, A Carson, C Farrell, A McCoubrey, L Mitchell, N McAlister.

Subs: D Barnes, D McKibben, L Kearney, B Cromie.

Ballynahinch YM: R Tate, A Dickson, J Mason, M Hall (capt), R Annett, A Clifford, R Johnston, W Gregory, J Dickson, J Hunter, L Maxwell.

Subs: N Cheevers, B Herbert, H Wilson, A Millar, M Shaw.

Referee: A Sharvin.