Three of the best for dominant Ardglass

Three of the best for dominant Ardglass

21 May 2025

ARDGLASS completed a treble when they saw off Downpatrick to claim the Kitroom Cup at Robert Adams Park on Saturday.

Having already clinched the Newcastle League Premier Division title and the Harry Clarke Cup, Aaron Beattie’s side were out to beat their rivals in a final for the second time in less than a month.

They found their opponents to be a tough nut to crack in the early stages, but goals from Karl O’Neill and Caolain O’Shea took them to within touching distance of the silverware before half-time.

The goal-scoring pair doubled their tallies in the second period, as their team scooped the final trophy of the campaign and made it a season to remember.

Ardglass were determined to get the job done early and while they attempted several balls over the top, looking for the relentless running of O’Neill, goalkeeper Taylor Beattie was alert to the danger.

Both teams were applying a high press, forcing each other to have to play out from the back and causing chances to remain at a minimum.

It quickly became evident that it was going to take a moment of brilliance or a mistake to break the deadlock, and it was the latter that lead to the opening goal after 23 minutes.

Aidan Watson’s long ball looked to be going nowhere, yet it caused confusion between Beattie and defender Con Farrell, who got in each other’s way and allowed O’Neill to steam in for a simple finish.

Going behind seemed to spring the Downpatrick players into life and with their first set of clear-cut opportunities arriving minutes later, they really should have equalised.

William Taggart found space in the box and forced an impressive save from ‘keeper James Crangle. Captain Josh Montgomery followed in and although he had two bites at the cherry, he was denied by the feet of Crangle and a crucial block from O’Shea.

Ardglass, knowing they needed the security a second goal could offer, quickly composed themselves and doubled their lead minutes before the interval.

They were a threat from set-pieces all afternoon and this time, Jamie McDarby conjured up a deadly delivery, enabling O’Shea to power a header into the top corner.

Downpatrick were left with a feeling of what could have been as the half-time whistle was sounded, having been denied a stonewall penalty when Nathan McAlister was brought down in the box.

Ardglass appeared comfortable in their 2-0 lead when they second half began and with Downpatrick perhaps feeling a tad hard done by, chances were at a premium.

The first significant sight at goal did not come until the 72nd minute, when the ball fell to Farrell at the back post. Under pressure, he managed to get a shot off, but Crangle used his feet to good effect once more.

As the match approached the final 10 minutes, Ardglass started to sense the opportunity to build a more attractive margin of victory.

O’Neill slipped the ball through to McDarby and with the opposition defence occupied by calling for offside, the midfielder forced Beattie to make a fantastic diving save.

Substitute Ryan McKinney made an immediate impact, whipping a dangerous ball into the box with his first involvement and picking out the run of O’Neill, who displayed a deft touch to bring it down and rifle into the roof of the net.

With minutes left on the clock, Ardglass were not fully satisfied with the three goals, but there was still time for them to showcase their dominance.

Another set-piece link-up between McDarby and O’Shea produced the same result, with the big centre-half heading home from a 90th minute corner.

Ardglass’ treble-winning season will undoubtedly go down in the history books, while the young Downpatrick side should be commended for an impressive season, reaching two cup finals.

Ardglass: J Crangle, C Mahon, M Crangle, C O’Shea, M Clarke, D O’Shea, J McDarby, M Magee (captain), K O’Neill, P O’Shea, A Watson.

Subs: J Beattie, S Dorrian, J Deegans, R McKinney.

Downpatrick: T Beattie, S Holland, B Hynds, C Farrell, C Campbell, B Treacy, N McAlister, J Montgomery (captain), W Taggart, C Deegan.

Subs: D Dowie, H McCarthy, D Glennon, O Dunn, T Carson.