Downpatrick miss out by single score to Clonduff

Downpatrick miss out by single score to Clonduff

16 April 2025

THERE were no complaints about the entertainment provided at Pairc Tomas Ruiseil on Friday night as Clonduff pipped Downpatrick RGU by a point at the final whistle.

The Yellas got off to a roaring start, scoring 1-01 within the first 50 seconds, with Arthur McConville finding the net, but the Hoops got their act together and dominated the rest of half. 

Some fine points from Conor McGrady, Lewis Green and Tom Smyth led the way as the RGU restricted Clonduff to just another four scores, and built a deserved 1-10 to 1-6 lead at half-time.

Clonduff came out fighting in the second half and an unanswered 1-4 had them leading by three within seven minutes. 

That fast start was the prelude to a rip-roaring contest for the rest of the game. 

Clonduff held the lead for most of the second period, but Downpatrick did not let up, fighting hard and levelling with a Smyth goal.

A couple of goal chances went amiss for the Hoops and they were to prove costly.

Clonduff responded with another goal and a point, steaming into a four-point advantage in the closing minutes.

A couple of two-pointers from Smyth and Gerdie Collins closed the gap, but Clonduff kept managing to reply and keep their noses in front.

It was an entertaining game of football from two evenly matched teams on a lovely sunny evening. 

A draw would have been a fair result after a tough, hard game, with some excellent scores and play from both teams. 

Next up for Downpatrick is a trip to champions Kilcoo tomorrow night.