Downpatrick’s Steel Cup exit

Downpatrick’s Steel Cup exit

3 September 2014

DOWNPATRICK travelled to the seaside to take on Championship team Bangor FC in the second round of the Steel and Sons Cup.

Downpatrick went into this match confident of pulling off a shock result against one of the pre-competitions favourites and they came close to taking the game into extra-time.

The visitors didn’t get off to the best possible start to the game, they conceded after only three minutes when Bangor striker Mark Cooling struck from the edge of the box. Bangor went further in front on the half hour mark after Richard Gibson converted winger Andrew Long’s low cross.

Downpatrick had their chances with Mark Holland cannoning a drive from 12 yards against the crossbar after good work by the impressive Barry Treacy. Andrew Telford also went agonisingly close to scoring only to see his rasping shot saved by the home ‘keeper.

Ten minutes before half time Downpatrick pulled one goal back after central midfielder Gerdie Collins played an inch-perfect pass to split the Bangor defence. Treacy latched on to the through ball and smashed it home from inside the box.

Bangor started the second half like they did first and inside the opening minute they should have restored their two-goal advantage when defender Mark Brown shot past the post.

Downpatrick gave defender Niall Walsh his first start of the season and he was putting in a star performance at the back, thwarting his brother Barry, who has been named in the Northern Ireland junior international squad to travel to a tournament in Moldova later this month..

Midway through the half, Downpatrick were back on level terms. Andrew Telford was fouled wide on the right hand side and Treacy whipped in a low free kick. Collins timed his run to perfection to send his shot into the net inside the left post.

The game appeared to be heading for extra time only for Bangor goal scorer Gibson to have other ideas, with just two minutes remaining on the clock he found himself in space in the box with the ball at his feet, he gave Michael McKenna no chance to send the home side into the next round.

The Downpatrick management, while disappointed with the result, were extremely happy with the performance, especially with debutant Walsh, who played very well. Next up for Downpatrick is an away fixture to Orangefield Old Boys in the first round of the Border Cup.

Final score: Bangor 3 Downpatrick FC 2