Downpatrick marvel in Irish Cup run

Downpatrick marvel in Irish Cup run

16 October 2013

DOWNPATRICK got the result and performance they wanted in their Irish Cup 2nd round match against fellow Division 1A challengers UUJ on Saturday.

Top goalscorer, Stephen Galbraith, had the perfect opportunity to get the hosts off to a flyer in the fifth minute when he got on the end of a sweet delivery from Barry Treacy, but his headed effort skimmed narrowly past the post.

Galbraith had an even better chance just three minutes later when the striker went one on one against the ‘keeper who found himself in no man’s land ,but his lob drifted over the advancing custodian and the crossbar.

Conor McKenna found Treacy with a lovely floated pass, the ace winger looked nail on to score, but his header went wide, even though the locals where dominant they couldn’t get on the score sheet and went in at half-time 0-0.

The second half was only two minutes old when the first piece of action came, but unfortunately it was for two red cards, one for the UUJ player lashing out at Blaine Connolly and one for Connolly’s reaction.

With Both teams down to 10 men it was about who would react best and Downpatrick really kicked on and the pressure told in the 53rd minute when Galbraith rounded the ‘keeper and was dragged to the floor.

The referee had no choice, but to award the penalty and show a red card to the ‘keeper, after lengthy protest, Galbraith kept his cool and slotted home and in truth there seemed only one outcome likely.

The introduction of Andrew Telford immediately paid off as he set up Galbraith minutes later for his and Downpatrick’s second.

The goal of the game arrived through the midfield work horse Mathew McGarrity, his trademark run was spotted by Telford,

he took it on his chest and planted a lovely lob over the stand-in ‘keeper.

Telford then showed he not only assists with goals as he got himself on the scoresheet when turning the defence inside and out before driving the ball to the roof of the net.

UUJ’s limited attack was dealt will all afternoon by a competent Downpatrick defence of Mark Curran, Ciaran McGarrity, Terence Bell and goalkeeper Conan Russell and when Bell ran 60 yards to finish first time into the bottom corner, it summed up a truly

great Irish Cup win for the locals.

Downpatrick: C. Russell, T. Bell, B. Connolly, M. Curran, C. McGarrity, C. McKenna, B. Treacy, M. McGarrity, S. Galbraith, N. Young, C. Mullan. Subs: A. Telford, G. Trueman, M. Carson, B. Fitzsimons, C. Kerr.

Downpatrick 5

UUJ 0

IRISH CUP 2ND ROUND