Downpatrick power their way to Harry Clarke final

Downpatrick power their way to Harry Clarke final

16 April 2025

DOWNPATRICK were relentless when they breezed past a depleted Strangford team and booked their place in the Harry Clarke Cup final.

They staved off early Strangford pressure and took advantage of their opponents missing key players, opening the scoring through Seany Duggan.

A quick counter-attack allowed William Taggart to double the lead, sending Downpatrick into the break with a two-goal cushion.

Nathan McAlister stretched the margin to three in the second half, before Declan Dowie fired his side out of sight with a classy brace.

Strangford started the game on top, putting the dogged Downpatrick defence under the cosh, but failed to find an opening.

The first chance did fall their way though, with Eoin Kelly latching on to a long ball and striding into the box.

He had a clear sight at goal and while a shot could well have resulted in the opener, he decided to cross, causing the attack break down.

Downpatrick quickly began to grow into the game, but they were guilty of trying to rush play and Strangford’s makeshift goalkeeper, Eoin Watterson, kept his composure to deal with any danger.

Barry Treacy’s shot was pushed away by Watterson, enabling Strangford to launch a fast-paced counter.

Conal Fitzsimmons flicked the ball into the path of Kelly and although it looked a certain goal, McAlister used his pace to recover and make a vital, last-ditch tackle.

McAlister showcased his ability to perform at both ends of the pitch, beating three men with skill and putting a shooting chance on a plate for Dowie, who failed to connect with his effort.

Downpatrick were fast gaining control, taking the game to Strangford, and it would not be long before they broke the deadlock.

A set-piece caused the ball to cannon around in the box and Duggan was first to react, sweeping home at the back post.

It felt as though the next goal would prove crucial and despite Strangford’s efforts to regain their early foothold, Downpatrick quickly doubled their advantage.

Captain Josh Montgomery made an expert run to meet the end of a searching pass, evading the helpless defenders and squaring the past the onrushing ‘keeper to pick out Taggart, who made no mistake in nestling the ball in the empty net.

The Downpatrick defence was resolute in the first half, reducing Strangford to little more than a few wayward attempts and fruitless crosses.

However, they were sloppy at the beginning of the second period, presenting Strangford with an opportunity to get back into the contest.

Treacy’s scuffed clearance handed possession to Thomas Fitzsimons, but the chance went abegging when he fired high and wide.

The men in green knew the match was theirs to lose, and they put one foot in the final with a third successful strike.

A loose ball allowed the speedy McAlister to steam in, snatch the ball off the toes of a Strangford defender and send a rocket into the top corner.

The winger thought he had made it a quick double when he intercepted a feeble clearance and slotted home, but the referee signalled for offside.

The floodgates were wide open however, and it was talisman Dowie that stretched his side’s lead.

Strangford had several bites at the cherry from a corner and their inability to convert enabled Downpatrick to launch another of their deadly counter-attacks.

McAlister was a real thorn in the side of his opponents and it was him who created the goal, cutting the ball back to Dowie, who placed the ball in the bottom corner with a precise finish.

Dowie was not finished there and was determined to add to his tally. He collected the ball in midfield and sent an outstanding strike dipping over Watterson’s head from 30 yards out.

Strangford could only hope for a consolation goal, and they nearly found one when Fitzsimmons headed over from close range.

Downpatrick had well and truly earned their victory, putting in a five-star performance, and now have the chance to fight for much-coveted silverware.

They will face Premier Division leaders Ardglass in the Harry Clarke Cup final on Easter Monday.

Strangford: E Watterson, S McGrattan, F McFall, T Fitzsimons, J Polley, A Harney, P Donnelly, S Teggart, C Fitzsimmons (captain), E Kelly, M Shields. Subs: D Shields, L Tolan, D Black, C Black, C McGouran.

Downpatrick: T Beattie, S Holland, B Hynds, A McCoubrey, C Campbell, B Treacy, N McAlister, J Montgomery (captain), W Taggart, D Dowie, S Duggan. Subs: J Tumelty, H McCarthy, A Carson, M McCoubrey, N McShane.