Fiery Galbraith in red hot form for Downpatrick

21 August 2013

DOWNPATRICK continued on from where they left off on Saturday with Stephen Galbraith (inset) helping himself to four goals.

The opening exchanges were quite cagey with neither side creating any scoring chances, however, on the 15th minute Downpatrick seemed to click into gear.

Their first chance came after Conail McGrady gained possession midway inside his own half. He beat two East Belfast players before playing in Sean McMahon.

McMahon’s cross come shot seemed to cause confusion in the visiting teams defence, they partially cleared the bal,l but it fell to Fergal Ward who managed to get a shot away which was comfortably saved by the East Belfast ‘keeper.

Downpatrick’s and Galbraith’s first goal came on the 18th minute mark, Barry Treacy collected the ball on the right wing and he played a perfectly timed pass between the East Belfast central defenders for Galbraith to run onto and calmly slot past the ‘keeper.

Great work down the left hand flank between McGrady and Ward allowed the latter to play in Galbraith to double his and Downpatrick’s lead with a fine diagonal finish from the edge of the box.

As East Belfast continued to offer little as an attacking force, Downpatrick were searching for more goals and didn’t have long to wait to stretch their lead.

Blaine Connolly played the ball from the left back position to Conor McKenna. He took the ball under control and turned in one movement to create space for himself in centre midfield.

He then had the composure to play an exquisite pass to Galbraith who made no mistake for his hat-trick.

East Belfast came out a more determined side in the second half and piled some pressure on the Downpatrick defence of Barry Fitzsimons, Mark Curran, Matthew Carson and Connolly.

On the 50th minute mark they caught the Downpatrick defence napping. East Belfast won a free kick on the halfway line and took it quickly and short to their striker who was allowed to advance to 25 yards out.

The striker hit a dipping shot which bounced in front of Russell and into the net to offer the visiting team some hope of a comeback.

Downpatrick restored their lead five minutes later with the move of the match involving five Downpatrick players. Superb one-touch football between Conail McGrady and Treacy played in Blaine Connolly down the left flank.

Connolly pulled the ball back towards the penalty spot to the waiting Galbraith who dispatched the ball into the back of the net with great confidence.

This goal appeared to knock the heart out of East Belfast. Downpatrick’s final goal was scored by the industrious Ward on the 75th minute mark and this goal was a fine reward for the striker’s hard work during the game.

McGrady was once again involved in the build-up play and after some great trickery on the wing he crossed for Ward to tap into the net. East Belfast were awarded a consolation goal five minutes from time when Connolly was adjudged to have fouled their striker in the penalty area and the referee pointed to the spot.

The East Belfast number nine stepped up and put keeper Russell the wrong way for their second goal.

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

Downpatrick 5

East Belfast 2

AMATEUR LEAGUE DIVISION 1A

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