Dromara continue to soar at top of 1A table

Dromara continue to soar at top of 1A table

11 January 2023

DROMARA Village began the new year as they exited the last by picking up yet another three points in Division 1A of the Amateur League.

This latest victory, against a tough and willing Ballynahinch Olympic side at Kilmore playing fields on Saturday, extends Dromara’s flawless league campaign to 12 wins on the bounce as they continue their quest to the Premier Division.

An early goal from defender Alex Burtney helped steady an initially shaky Dromara ship before marksman Marcus Murphy doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time.

Murphy was once again on target in the second half and despite a late rebuttal from Olympic midfielder Adam McLean, Dromara striker Stevie Kennedy ensured his team would have the final say on the day.

Proceedings didn’t look quite as straightforward within the opening stages as Ballynahinch pressed early on and pegged Dromara back into their own half.

With Olympic on the offensive early, Dromara’s backline were forced to show their salt and to their credit, had an answer for every attack which came their way.

The first real chance of substance fell to the visitors as striker Kennedy saw his shot comfortably saved by Ballynahinch custodian Ryan Walsh.

Olympic had an early opportunity of their own when Nathan Jones released strike partner Chris McNamara, who had managed to outpace his marker.

However, the Olympic captain’s first touch left him with too much ground to cover and Dromara goalkeeper John Connolly calmly collected possession.

The scoring was opened just 14 minutes into the contest when a cross into the box was delivered to the feet of Dromara defender Alex Burtney, who, after an initial deflection, managed to get a clean strike away and fire into the net past Olympic number one Walsh.

Despite trailing, Ballynahinch continued to press forward with midfielder James McClean testing the gloves of Connolly from range.

However, Dromara remained dangerous on the break and were particularly finding joy down the left flank.

Numerous chances were created from that area, including a clearcut opportunity to striker Kennedy, although on this occasion he failed to get the required connection when an inviting squared pass fell into his path.

Kennedy did force a neat point blank save from ‘keeper Walsh moments later but Olympic showed they could equally cause problems at the other end.

A super pass from right to left by Olympic defender Niall Flanagan released skipper McNamara, whose left footed effort went agonisingly to the wrong side of the post.

Dromara responded in the best way they could have; by doubling the score line.

This time it was Marcus Murphy who beat the offside trap and shrugged off his marker before coolly slotting home.

However, this goal in particular left both the Olympic supporters and players enraged as they claimed Murphy had handled the ball in the build-up.

Referee James Johnstone waved away these appeals and the teams entered the break with contrasting feelings.

Dromara continued their attack after the interval, with chances falling to midfielder Philip Kerr and forward Kennedy, although these were from distances that would require a special effort to beat Olympic ‘keeper Walsh.

Meanwhile, Olympic enjoyed a purple patch in which they were awarded a series of set pieces in dangerous areas.

Unfortunately for the hosts, they failed to capitalise on these and Dromara were in an unforgiving mood.

With the clock ticking down, the visitors effectively sealed the win in the 77th minute with the goal of the afternoon.

A lumped pass from midfield was met with a clever one-touch pass from Kerr to team-mate Murphy, who finished with aplomb off the post and into the back of the net.

Olympic rewarded their loyal supporters, who stayed right to the end in the bitterly cold conditions, with a late goal from midfielder McLean.

The Ballynahinch number six’s first time volley flew past ‘keeper Connolly in the 89th minute to give Olympic a glimmer of hope of rescuing a point from the contest.

However, these hopes were promptly dashed when Dromara striker Kennedy raced through on goal and tucked away his effort to rubber stamp the result and give his team all of the spoils.

Ballynahinch Olympic: R Walsh, N Flanagan, N McMullan, G McMullan, J Noade, A McLean, R Mollloy, J McClean, C McNamara (capt), N Jones, C Burns.

Subs: S King, L Burns, C Killen.

Dromara: J Connolly, A Burtney, D Turley, L Russell, P Turley, J Gregg, R Kelly, N Hamilton, M Murphy, S Kennedy, P Kerr.

Subs: J Clarke, B Hanna, R McArdle.

Referee: James Johnstone