Downpatrick continue recent scoring spree

11 September 2013

AFTER last week’s massive win over Bangor Amateurs, Downpatrick went into this game with a lot of confidence and in the end their superior fitness and confidence were the key to getting them over the line.

In the first half they didn’t have things all their own way and credit to Saintfield for how they performed in the opening exchanges.

Downpatrick could have found themselves two or three goals down in the opening period, great pressure from Saintfield saw them hit the bar and have two excellent chances cleared of the line by Barry Fitzsimons and Matthew Carson.

Downpatrick came more into the game and on the half hour mark went in front. Great build-up play by the impressive Andrew Telford in midfield and striker Stephen Galbraith ended with the ball being played down the right hand side to Barry Treacy.

The winger took the ball in his stride before crossing into the six yard box, the Saintfield goalkeeper tried to clear the ball, but only managed to hit his defender and the ball rebounded into the net to give Downpatrick the lead.

This goal should have been the catalyst for Downpatrick to push on and take control of the game, but they failed to do so and five minutes before half-time they gifted Saintfield with an equaliser.

An uncharacteristic mistake by goalkeeper Conan Russell, when he tried to take the ball around the advancing striker when he should have cleared it, allowed the Saintfield’s David Morrow to dispossess him and tap the ball into an empty net.

After some stern words from the management team, Downpatrick came out in the second half determined to stamp their authority on the tie and within five minutes of the restart, regained the lead.

Downpatrick won a corner on the right hand side which was taken by Treacy, the corner was cleared out to defender Fitzsimons who intelligently played the ball back out wide to Treacy.

He crossed the ball to the back post where Conail McGrady controlled it and laid it back to the waiting Telford who calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner.

Downpatrick’s midfield duo of Conor McKenna and Telford were beginning to get control and it was Telford’s surging run from midfield which set-up Downpatrick’s third goal.

He ran past three Saintfield players before teeing up striker Galbraith to score.

Downpatrick’s fourth goal was scored by Telford after some good play between Markie Curran, Blaine Connolly and McGrady, the

ball was played into Galbraith who held the ball up until joined by Telford and he sent the ‘keeper the wrong way for his second goal of the day.

As the game entered into the final ten minutes, Saintfield scored a consolation goal after good work down the left hand side ended with David Sherrard prodding in Ryan Sofley’s cross.

With two minutes left on the clock man-of-the-match Telford finally got Downpatrick’s fifth goal and his all important third after good work by winger Treacy down the right hand side.

Downpatrick: C. Russell, B. Fitzsimons, B. Connolly, M. Curran, M. Carson, B. Treacy, A. Telford, J. Glennon, S. Galbraith, C. McKenna, C. McGrady. Subs: G. Collins, M. McGarrity, G. Trueman

Saintfield United: J. Cunningham, D. Spence, Declan Sherrard, A. Sofley, P. King, A. Weir, R. Sofley, P. Dickson, C. Bowman, D. Morrow, S. Black. Subs: J. Kelly, R. Kelly, David Sherrard.

Downpatrick 5

Saintfield United 2

IRISH CUP 1ST ROUND

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