Former stars return to humble Killyleagh

9 January 2013

OLD boys Stevie Galbraith and Barry Treacey returned to haunt Killyleagh in this Clarence Cup clash.

A goal and a man of the match performance from Treacey, and a decisive goal from Galbraith, ensured it was Downpatrick who came out on top in this first round game at The Showgrounds on Saturday.

Throw in two outstanding saves from Conan Russell and Downpatrick deservedly came out on top against a disappointing Killyleagh side that was left to rue two glaring misses in the opening 10 minutes.

The clubs have had contrasting fortunes since they last met at the same venue less than 12 months ago and since ping out of the top flight, Downpatrick would have been considered underdogs in this game even before losing home advantage.

Downpatrick were first out of the blocks and it took a timely intervention from YC centre half Hugh Dickson to block Treacey’s run and cross after just two minutes.

Killyleagh have relied heavily this season on striker Adam Neale, but he was a late injury cry off and it showed for the YC as they missed two golden chances as they started to dominate the next 15 minutes.

First Ian Mannus shot wide from Darren McConnell’s knock down and then by the ninth minute, Ryan Montgomery completely miscued with the goal at his mercy from McConnell’s cross.

McConnell then forced a great intervention from Conan Russell. Niall Walsh was then next to try his luck with a wind assisted free after 22 minutes.

The save of the half, however, came at the other end with Downpatrick producing a slick move that ended with Galbraith playing in the lively Eoin Boyle.

He was denied by a superb save from Andrew Wallace. This was the cue for Downpatrick to get the upper hand and Treacey was roaming at free down the wing and when he whipped in a cross to the back post, it lacked only a finish. Treacey then linked up with Galbraith for another menacing run.

At the opposite end Russell was again quickly off his line to save after Barry Walsh and Neil Young combined,

The second half was only three minutes old when Galbraith made the decisive breakthrough with the type of poacher’s goal that made him such a feared striker. Mark Feenan arrowed a beautiful ball across the six yard box and Galbraith showed how it is done, with a neat side-foot finish.

Ten minutes later and it was 2-0 and Killyleagh were rocking. Conal McGrady provided the finish.

YC manager Bobby Murphy threw on Dale Davidson and his impact was immediate. He carved out an opening for Montgomery after 62 minutes.

But it was Downpatrick who drew next blood and it was a goal worthy of winning any game. Treacey surged down the line once again and after exchanging passes on the edge of the area, he unleashed the perfect finish into the bottom corner to give Wallace no chance after 66 minutes.

With Davidson now creating for the home side, there was inevitably they would get back into it. Downpatrick’s Gerard Collins did well to clear off the line after another Davidson creation, but in the follow up McConnell netted in the 69th minute.

Then came Russell’s moments of glory as Killyleagh fought to get back into it. He made a stunning save to deny YC substitute Willie McIlroy in the 80th minute and then in injury time another full stretch save to deny Lee Morrison.

In between Boyle spurned a chance to make it four for Downpatrick as he raced past Heaney, but scooped wide. However, it wasn’t needed as Downpatrick ensured a memorable day out for their dedicated band of supporters.

Killyleagh: Andrew Wallace, Gary Murray, Darryl Heaney, Niall Walsh, Hugh Dickson, Jordan Kennedy, Ryan Montgomery, Darren McConnell, Barry Walsh, Ian Mannus, Neil Young. Subs: Dale Davidson, Lee Morrison, Willie McIlroy.

Downpatrick: Conan Russell, Barry Fitzsimmons, Chris McDowell, Gerard Collins, Kevin Gracey, Sean McMahon, Barry Treacey, Mark Feenan, Stephen Galbraith, Eoin Boyle, Conal McGrady. Subs: Markie Curran, Terence Bell, Matthew Carson

Killyleagh YC 2

Downpatrick 3

CLARENCE CUP 1ST ROUND

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