Downpatrick record third win in a row

26 July 2023

ON a good night for football Glenn played hosts to Downpatrick looking to get back to winning ways following their defeat to Saul.

But right from the start it was going to be a bit of a struggle as the visitors turned on the style, banging over points with ease. It was point-for-point in the first 10 minutes, but then Downpatrick went to town, knocking over four in a row.

Glenn got another couple before the break before the green and white kicked over another five to lead by seven at the break.

The second half was nip and tuck in the opening quarter before Downpatrick fired home a goal and from there on there was only going to be one winner.

Downpatrick opened the scoring in the second minute when Conor Doherty converted a free, but Glenn were soon level when Cian Lyons picked out Ruiari Byrne and his effort found the edge of the square before fortuitously bouncing over the bar.

Ruairi Quinn put the visitors back in front when he kicked over a good score and Glenn had a chance to level things when Conor Cranny won himself a free, but from the resultant kick the ball ped short and from the clearance Downpatrick stretched their lead when Caolan Mooney finished off a good move with a well-taken score.

Glenn pulled one back when Joe Sands kicked over a free following a foul on Declan Cranny, but from there on in it was all one-way traffic as Downpatrick hit a purple patch with four points in as many minutes.

Down player Anthony Doherty pointed a free before Conor Doherty found Ruiari Quinn in space and his shot split the posts. Caolan Mooney fired over another before Anthony Doherty’s pass picked out Damien Turley and his score left five between the teams midway through the half.

Glenn did reply with some scores to stop the rot. Joe Sands kicked over a nice point following a Nathan Rogers pass and midfielder Cian Lyons finished off a good move with a well-taken score, but the visitors soon replied with two of their own from Conor Doherty and Tom Smith.

Michael Turley did kick over another Glenn score but Downpatrick finished the half in style with three good points. A foul on Anthony Doherty saw Jatlath Brannigan thump over a free, Damien Turley kicked over a point from play and full forward Oran Cunningham scored from a mark leaving the score at half time Glenn 0-5 Downpatrick 0-12.

Downpatrick opened the scoring straight from the throw-in when sub Lewis Green scored form play. Glenn pulled a point back when Joe Sands scored from a free following a foul on Niall McParland, but the RGU soon added another when Tom McNeill fisted over a good score following a five-man move.

Glenn replied with a couple of scores in a row, Shay Millar kicked over a free before Michael Turley finished off a good move with a nice point, leaving six points between the teams.

But it was as good as over minutes later when a long ball from Jatlath Brannigan found Oran Cunningham inside the box. He was pulled down, the referee spread his arms and a penalty was awarded. Damien Turley took the spot kick and made no mistake sending the Glenn ‘keeper the wrong way.

Glenn did come back with a couple of scores, Joe Sands pointed a free before a CIan Lyons pass found Shay Millar and his shot split the posts.

However, it was all too little too late as the lads in the green and white hoops finished in style.

Conor Doherty kicked over a good score and the RGU had a good goal scoring opportunity when Jarlath Brannigan’s pass found Morgan Fitzpatrick who soloed past a few tackles before finding sub Damien Braniff but he blazed his effort wide.

Another sub, Sean Bell, soloed clear before taking a nice score, and they had another goal chance when another sub Eoin Rooney found himself in space but this time Glenn keeper Donard Conway made a super save.

The visitors closed out the game with another score from Lewis Green, seeing them run out deserving winners with 10 points to spare. This was always going to be an uphill battle for Glenn with so many players missing and even though they tried to hard it was never going to be enough and even the Downpatrick subs had a big impact, closing out the game in style.

Next up for Glenn is a trip to Castlewellan while Downpatrick travel to league leaders Ballyholland.

Glenn: Donard Conway, Jack Hughes, Damien McParland, Rory O’Brien, Ruiari Byrne (0-1), Conor Cranny, Michael Turley (0-2), Cian Lyons (0-1), Gavin McParland, Declan Cranny, Shay Millar (0-2), Niall Carr, Joe Sands (0-4), Nathan Rogers, Niall McParland.

Subs used: Shane Tur;ey, Stevie Clarke, Shea Byrne, Sean McNally.

Downpatrick: Conor McCullagh, Con Farrell, Anthony Doherty (0-1), Donal Milligan, Morgan Fitzpatrick, Damien Turley (1-2), Ronan Murphy, Tom Smith (0-1), Peter Turley, Conor Doherty (0-3), Caolan Mooney (0-2), Tom McNeill (0-1), Ruairi Quinn (0-2), Oran Cunningham (0-1), Jarlath Brannigan (0-1).

Subs used: Lewis Green (0-2), Eoin Rooney, Sean Bell (0-1), Damien Braniff.

Referee: Ronan Barry (Tullylish).

Glenn 0-10

Downpatrick 1-17

ACFL DIVISION 2

Tweets by @TheDownRecorder