Down hang on to take Minor Cup derby win

Down hang on to take Minor Cup derby win

27 January 2016

DOWN had to see off a spirited fightback from a very determined Saintfield side in this Minor Cup clash at Malone Park last weekend.

In what was a typical derby clash between two sides battling to make the second round of the competition, Down almost contrived to throw the tie away.

The home side led 4-1 at one stage after falling behind to an early goal and with the visitors seemingly out of it, they pulled back two goals to make it a very nervy ending for Down who thought they were home and dry.

In perfect conditions, Down were able to field one of their strongest sides of the season but struggled to play some good hockey early on. While the sides may be one league apart, Saintfield, fresh from their Junior 6 Cup success at Christmas, arrived in confident mood and with nothing to fear.

Saintfield are riding high at the top of Junior 6 and will almost certainly secure promotion. With the Junior 6 Cup already in the bag they, like neighbours Down, were hoping to taste success in the Minor Cup.

Down, who welcomed back Paul Tate and Alasdair Duff to the match day squad, did not play particularly well in the opening stages and the home side’s margin of victory could have been significantly more had it not been for an outstandingly brilliant performance from Saintfield goalkeeper Alastair Patterson.

Without question, he is one of the best around, and proved last weekend why he is a major weapon in his side’s battle to secure promotion this season. Time and again he thwarted the Down forwards who were left holding their heads in their hands as the Saints ‘keeper pulled several stunning saves.

Down started poorly with Saintfield playing well with their midfield trio of Conor Ferguson, Lance Walker and Stephen Tate particularly impressive, with the experienced Davy Johnston a rock at the heart of the visitors defence.

Saintfield took the lead in the tie in the 16th minute. A breakdown from a short corner allowed Walker to poke the ball home after an initial shot was saved by Down ‘keeper Jeremy McCready. But with no defenders reacting to clear his pads, Walker flicked the ball into the net.

The goal was the spark the home side needed. Philip Brown was replaced by Tate and Down were level within minutes following a short corner.

Chris Taylor’s initial shot was well saved by Patterson but the rebound fell kindly to Adam McKee who scored.

The home side then took the lead for the first time in the tie through Jordan Wade who had been unusually quiet by his standards up until this point. Prowling on the edge of the penalty area, he collected a pass from Elliott and his shot deceived Patterson and dipped into the net.

Patterson then took centre stage to prevent his side falling further behind. He produced quite brilliant saves to deny Elliott and somehow got his hand to a rasping Taylor shot which had ‘goal’ written all over it.

Down went 3-1 ahead with minutes of the half remaining. Elliott saw a powerful shot again saved by the ‘keeper but when the ball rebounded back to the ace marksman he kept his cool and calmly lifted the ball over Patterson into the net.

Down made it 4-1 and looked home and dry soonafter the restart. A goal bound shot struck Bertie Hamilton on the line and the umpire had no hesitation awarding a penalty stroke which was despatched with aplomb by Taylor who rarely misses from the spot.

With a three goal cushion, the second half should have been a procession for Down but it a wasn’t. Patterson continued to frustrate the home side, denying Taylor, Ringland and Elliott.

Poor defensive work allowed the visitors to make it 4-2. An initial shot was saved by McCready but with his defenders again ball watching Walker pounced to score his second of the game.

With eight minutes to go, Saintfield scored again to really heap pressure on the hosts when Jack Taylor scored. It looked as though a team mate’s shot was going wide but he stuck out his stick to deflect the ball into the net.

Down held on for the win and will face the winner of the Lisnagarvey IV v Derg Valley tie in the next round of the cup scheduled for this Saturday.

Down 4

Saintfield 3

MINOR CUP