Missed chances cost Downpatrick dearly

Missed chances cost Downpatrick dearly

1 June 2016

DOWNPATRICK’S bizarre cup final jinx struck again when they were beaten on penalties by Immaculata at a resplendent, but cold, Breda Park on Wednesday night.

This was the club’s seventh consecutive cup final defeat, but it must rank as the most bitter pill to swallow after subduing the recently-crowned Premier Section champions in a cracking game of football.

Downpatrick had Immaculata on the ropes at different stages during the game, but if you don’t take your chances you won’t win games.

Immaculata showed their battling qualities and seemed relieved to take the game to penalties. 

When Gerard Smyth saved Downpatrick’s first three spot kicks, it was all over bar the shouting as the west Belfast side completed a league and cup double.

Downpatrick had the bit between their teeth in the opening exchanges, but it was Immaculata who had the first shot on target when Tony Hegney had an effort well saved by Michael McKenna after seven minutes.

Eight minutes later a long ball over the top caught Downpatrick square at the back, but McKenna was alive to the danger.

With 18 minutes gone Mark Holland, who announced he was hanging up his boots after the game, got on the end of a Barry Treacy free kick, but his header was hacked clear.

Downpatrick continued to have the lion’s share of possession and with 27 minutes gone Smyth spilled a Treacy free kick, but neither Stephen Galbraith or Aaron McGarry could take advantage.  

The best chance of the first half fell to Galbraith in the 39th minute when the mercurial Treacy, who ran his markers ragged, fired the perfectly delivery into the box, but Downpatrick’s leading goalcsorer headed wide.

With 41 minutes gone Treacy went it alone and wasn’t far away with a stinging drive that deserved a better fate. As the half drew to a close Philip Traynor played in Galbraith, but Smyth saved again.

The unorthodox Immaculata ‘keeper was kept busy right up to the half-time whistle as man of the match Treacy warmed his hands with another well struck free kick.

Immaculata had a bit more purpose about them after the break and with 52 minutes gone Tiernan McGreevy headed a James Haughey cross into McKenna’s grateful hands.

With 65 minutes gone Galbraith wasn’t far away with a free kick before Traynor split Immaculata wide open with a searing pass into McGarry, but he inexplicably shot over with only Smyth to beat.

Eleven minutes later Jamie Sharvin had an effort saved before McKenna and Holland combined to keep out Kevin McGovern after Colm O’Riordan played him in.

Immaculata almost won it in the 86th minute when McGreevy let one fly from just outside the box, but his strike crashed against the crossbar and flew to safety.

Extra-time brought little of consequence, but Downpatrick’s night turned sour when Smyth saved penalties from Galbraith, Eoin Boyle and Michael McKenna. 

Treacy kept Downpatrick’s hopes alive when he scored his side’s fourth penalty, but it only slowed the inevitable as Immaculata, who had their first penalty saved, scored three in a row to break Downpatrick’s hearts.

Condolences from everyone at Downpatrick FC to club secretary Eugene Milligan on the death of his brother Paddy Joe.

Immaculata: G Smyth, J Haughey, B McGovern, D Largey, S McGovern, C O’Riordan, T Hegney, J McClenaghan, T McGreevy, P Adams, A Oliver. Subs: C Lawlor, K McGovern, C Carson.

Downpatrick: M McKenna, B Fitzsimons, B Connolly, M Holland, N Walsh, J Sharvin, B Treacy, R Kerr, P Traynor, S Galbraith, A McGarry. Subs: C Holland, E Boyle, T Bell.