Downpatrick torn asunder by Kilcoo’s mean machine

20 September 2017

KILCOO’S well-oiled championship machine was cranked up another notch or two to leave Downpatrick a well beaten side at Pairc Esler on Saturday night.

That Downpatrick didn’t register a single score in the first half as they treated the ball like a wet bar of soap, and that all their scores came in the last 22 minutes, says it all about

their attacking impotency on the night, as well as Kilcoo’s dogged defensive unit.

There is still more to come from a Kilcoo side who remain on course for six-in-a-row, but standing in their way of that record is a Burren outfit determined to down the Magpies.

Downpatrick made life extremely difficult for the champions and restricted them to just two points in the first 26 minutes from Martin Devlin and Paul Devlin.

Both sides were barren in between and after until the 27th minute, but Kilcoo should have been out of sight at the break.

They weren’t, simply because of the brilliance of Downpatrick’ keeper James Deeny, who produced two stunning saves and some poor finishing.

Steven Kane also earned his corn at the other end when he sprouted wings to keep out a stinging shot from Michael Magee in a rare Downpatrick breakthrough.

However, a more realistic look was put on the scoreboard by the half-time whistle as scores from Conor Laverty, Martin Devlin, Aaron Morgan and Paul Devlin (0-2) had Kilcoo 0-7 to 0-0 clear.

It was no different after the break and further points from Paul Devlin (0-2) and Daryll Branagan gave Kilcoo a commanding 10-point lead.

Downpatrick came out of their shell a little at this stage and drew an ironic cheer from both sets of supporters when Anthony Doherty converted a 45’ in the 38th minute.

Midfielder Peter Turley was thrown up top alongside Conor McGrady and Magee to form a towering full forward line, but to little avail as Kilcoo held firm.

Ceilum Doherty and Paul Devlin tagged on points for Kilcoo before Magee rattled the back of the Kilcoo net after he was superbly picked out by Kevin Gracey.

Downpatrick now trailed by eight points and with nine minutes remaining they looked to stage a fightback, but were hindered by a ruthless and relentless Kilcoo who grabbed the next score through the accurate Gary McEvoy.

Kilcoo were home and dry, but Downpatrick registered the last four scores through McGrady, Magee, Johnnie Bell and Jarlath Branagan to add a touch of respectability to the final scoreline.

Kilcoo: S Kane, N Branagan, D O’Hanlon, E Branagan, Aaron Branagan, Aidan Branagan, D Branagan (0-1), F McGreevy, A Morgan (0-1), D Ward, P Devlin (0-6, 4f, 1 45’), C Laverty (0-1), J Johnston, C Doherty (0-1), M Devlin (0-2). Subs: D Kane for M Devlin, Gary McEvoy (0-1) for Johnston, J McClean for Morgan, S O’Hanlon for Doherty, Gerard McEvoy for Laverty

Downpatrick: J Deeny, C Doherty, A Doherty (0-1, 45’), D Braniff, J Branagan (0-1), J Bell (0-1), G Collins, P Turley, D Turley, T Loudon, S Bell, R Slavin, R Quinn, C McGrady (0-1, 1f), M Magee (1-1, 1f). Subs: K Gracey for Slavin, N McShane for C Doherty, C Leckey for Quinn.

Kilcoo 0-13

Downpatrick 1-5

MORGAN FUELS SFC SEMI-FINAL

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