McCoubrey goal proves the winner for hosts in cup thriller

24 January 2024

DOWNPATRICK advanced into the next round of the Harry Clarke Cup as they defeated rivals Ardglass in an entertaining clash at Dunleath playing fields on Saturday.

Dylan Kelly and Con Farrell put the hosts two in front before Mick Magee pulled a goal back for the visitors within the opening 45 minutes and although Ardglass had their tails up, it was Downpatrick’s Andrew McCoubrey who struck what proved to be the winner after the break.

Matthew Rooney’s headed effort in the 89th minute set up a nervous finish to the contest but Downpatrick clung on to exact some revenge on their opponents, who had defeated them in the Bobby Dalzell Cup final just a month ago.

A large crowd gathered in rather atrocious conditions to the venue and they were rewarded for braving the harsh weather with attractive football on display by both outfits.

As expected, there was a quick start to the game with both teams immediately going on the attack.

Ardglass were without the services of skipper Caolain O’Shea and midfield maestro Aidy Watson, but they did pose a considerable threat with target man Mick Magee and wing wizard Ryan McKinney.

However, McKinney picked up an early injury and an already reshuffled Ardglass outfit were forced into another re-jig of their formation.

Nevertheless, this can take nothing away from Downpatrick’s performance and effort.

This promising youthful Downpatrick side boasts an array of talent and it didn’t take long for them to gain the upper hand.

With a little over 20 minutes played, Barry Treacy – who is one of Downpatrick’s more experienced players – whipped in a pacy corner kick which was met by the head of team-mate Dylan Kelly, who directed the ball into the top corner.

Just seven minutes later Treacy was causing problems again from his set piece play, after his initial free-kick found its way back to him and he sent in another cross which was headed home by Con Farrell.

Ardglass were in trouble now and knew they couldn’t afford to leak another goal and so, they opted to pummel the Downpatrick defence with an all-out attack.

Finally, the pressure tolled and it was from a Jamie McDarby corner kick which did the damage.

McDarby’s left-footed delivery was perfectly placed into the path of striker Magee, who headed past Downpatrick ‘keeper Ruairi Murphy.

Ardglass continued to push for an equaliser after the interval and it was during the initial stages where Downpatrick looked wasteful at times.

But, the eagerness of Ardglass proved to be their downfall as they were caught short from an attacking throw-in which was cleared from the Downpatrick box and onto the onrushing Andrew McCoubrey, who proved too fast for his marker before coolly finishing for his team’s third goal of the match.

This gave Downpatrick breathing room and it was now a case of shutting up shop but Ardglass were not going to lie down easily.

Their persistence prevailed and substitute Matthew Rooney guided his effort into the Downpatrick net with just minutes left to go and extra-time became a real possibility.

However, Downpatrick remained stubborn and refused to let this tie slip, seeing out the match and booking their spot in the next round.

Following the full-time whistle, Downpatrick midfielder Josh Montgomery reflected on his team’s victory.

“We had to dig deep there, Ardglass are a big and strong physical team,” he said.

“I know everyone talks about the experience factor, but then again, experience will only get you so far in games.

“Hard work and talent will take you a long way. Obviously you can’t buy experience but the boys showed there today that we can go the whole way and dig in deep with anyone.”

Downpatrick: R Murphy, R Cassidy, M Fitzpatrick, S Holland, C Farrell, Adrian McCoubrey (capt), N McAlister, J Montgomery, D Kelly, B Treacy, Andrew McCoubrey.

Subs: A Carson, S Duggan, Jake Harding

Ardglass: J Crangle, M Crangle, C Mahon, J Telford, O Curran, J McDarby, R McKinney, J Finnegan, M Magee (capt), S Dorrian, J Beattie.

Subs: A O’Shea, M Clarke, M Rooney.

Referee: C Gribben.

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