Border quest

Border quest

26 November 2014

HOPES of an all East Down Border Cup final at Christmas have been dashed.

Drumaness Mills fell at the semi-finals stage on Monday night when they narrowly lost 2-1 to Ards Rangers at Seaview.

That leaves Downpatrick, who line out in the second semi-final at the same venue tonight.

The county town side hope to go one better than last year when they take on Crumlin Star.

Twelve months ago they lost 3-0 at the same stage to Kilmore Rec, but the Division 1A leaders are currently enjoying a purple patch and are strongly fancied to make the final for the first time in 11 years.

Nothing would go right for the Mills against a star-studded Ards Rangers side and they were left wondering how on earth they didn’t beat the competition favourites.

The Mills were trailing 2-0 at the break, but when Adam Neale pulled a goal back shortly after the restart, there was only one team it.

But chance after chance went begging as Ards hung on grimly to book their place in the Christmas final.

Drumaness were dealt a blow before kick-off when Gavin McEvoy reported sick with a virus and was unable to play.

Almost from kick-off Neale fed a ball through and Rory Mason forced the ‘keeper into a good save at the far post.

Ards responded and Ricky Rutherford was put through, but he slipped when about to shoot.

Ards took the lead when a ball over the top found Rutherford on the edge of the box. His turn and shot were exquisite and he lobbed Mills ‘keeper Keenan perfectly.

At the other end Mills almost drew level when a great Rogan through ball sent Neale through on the ‘keeper but he shot wildly over the bar with only the custodian to beat.

Back came Ards and a cross from the wing was squandered when their midfielder shot well wide with the goal at his mercy.

Keenan then made a brilliant point-blank save from eight yards and Brendan Ward threw himself at the rebound to save a certain goal.

Mark Feenan broke away, but his shot sailed just wide of the far post. On 31 minutes disaster struck when Morrison and Murdock failed to clear the ball out of defence and Tony Tumilty gleefully slotted home Ards’ second goal.

Neale had an effort blocked as the end-to-end nature of the game continued.

A fantastic run and cross found Manley whose shot was magnificently saved by the Ards Rangers ‘keeper. On the break, Stevie Rogan burst through and shot just wide.

Half-time arrived with Ards 2-0 ahead and the Mills needing to get a foothold in the game.

Just after the restart Manley got to the line and forced a great save from the Ards ‘keeper from an acute angle.

Drumaness were back in the game when McConnell flicked on a clearance and sent Neale clear to lob the ‘keeper to make it 2-1.

Just minutes later, an identical move saw McConnell again flick on for Neale, but somehow he managed to squeeze the ball wide of the upright.

It was all Mills now and Ards were beginning to wilt. A great cross by Neale found McConnell, but his shot was wide.

McConnell, who was having a brilliant match, turned provider for McQuoid His cross was inch perfect and with the goal wide open, McQuoid managed to send his header wide.

Ards responded from a free kick with a header against the crossbar. Mason then crossed for McIlmurray who scored only to see his goal ruled offside.

Chances fell to Neale and McQuoid, but both were squandered and as time ticked away the Mils must have wondered how they did not convert more of their chances.

At the final whistle it was Ards who were celebrating and the Mills left to rue their missed chances.

Drumaness Mills: S. Keenan, G. Morrison, R. Mason, B. Ward, G. Murdock, D. McConnell, S. Rogan, S. McQuoid, A. Neale, C. Manley, M. Feenan. Subs: B. McIlmurray, P. Greener, S. Mason.