Downpatrick in the groove

Downpatrick in the groove

26 September 2012

DOWNPATRICK bounced back to winning ways with a 5-1 demolition of Belfast side Grove United.

Downpatrick took the lead just after two minutes when Barry Tracey (inset)  finished well from just inside the Grove box, this was after some good work from Eoin Boyle and Conail McGrady.

They then came close to doubling their lead just one minute later when new signing Mark Feenan found Stephen Galbraith, but the Grove ‘keeper saved well.

For the next 10 minutes Downpatrick maintained possession and were rewarded on the 20 minute mark when Gerard Daly played a long ball over the top for striker Boyle, he then composed himself well and lobbed the keeper from 20 yards out to make it

2-0.

On the 30 minute mark Stephen Galbraith was taken down on the edge of the Grove box, however the referee played a good advantage and McGrady finished to make it 3-0 at half-time.

The second half started the same as the first with Downpatrick having all the possession and creating numerous chances. Most of the Downpatrick attacks were originating from the wing back pairing of Terence Bell and Chris McDowell.

With 55 minutes gone McDowell played the ball into Conaill McGrady who took on two men before firing into the top corner from 25 yards out.

After this, Grove’s heads ped and Downpatrick could have added another three or four goals to their tally, but for some excellent shot stopping from the Grove ‘keeper.

With 70 minutes on the clock Stephen Galbraith was taken down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.

The striker then got up and cheekily made it 5-0, dinking his kick straight down the middle.

Grove got a consolation goal with five minutes to go when the Downpatrick defence failed to deal with a tame shot. After this Downpatrick kept the ball and played out there win. The supporters’ man of the match was awarded to Christopher McDowell.

Downpatrick will hope to maintain this from when they travel to Larne side Wellington Rec this Saturday.

Downpatrick FC: C. Russell, T. Bell, C. McDowell, M. Curran, G. Daly, C. Curran, C. McGrady, B. Tracey, M. Feenan, E. Boyle, S. Galbraith. Subs: G. Collins, S. McMahon, G. Trueman.

• Match sponsors: Alexander Reid & Frazer Estate Agents, Downpatrick.

Downpatrick FC 5

Grove United 1

AMATEUR LEAGUE DIVISION 1A