This was a disappointing result for Draperstown who dominated large parts of the game and created the best chances without being able to secure the win their overall play deserved.
Celtic, who had to make three late changes from their preferred starting line up, took a little while to settle into the game as a result, and it was in this early stage that Riverside had their best opportunity when the lively winger Stephen Campbell was thwarted by a good save from Kevin Leonard in the third minute.
Eamon Murray came close for Draperstown when he shot wide when well set up by John Higgins and Sean McBride’s burst through a static Riverside defence was only stopped by an excellent tackle by Curtis. Little was seen of the Riverside attack but Gareth Sproule and Campbell were attempting to work together despite being starved of any decent supply of the ball.
The second half began in a scrappy fashion with the heavy pitch not helping. Sproule saw an effort flash wide following a corner kick on 47 minutes while at the other end, good work from Declan Graffin on the left found Murray on the edge of the box but his shot went narrowly wide of McGilloway’s goal. Graffin was beginning to cause Cassidy a few problems on the left and another good cross saw Nicoll do well to head over his own bar to clear the danger on the hour mark, with McGilloway easily dealing with the corner.
It was fairly much one way traffic at this stage as Celtic were putting the visiting defence under a great deal of pressure, but a combination of a poor final ball and some timely tackles were keeping the home side at bay. Ryan Bradley was unlucky to see his goal bound effort tipped over the bar by the impressive McGilloway and the striker had another glorious opportunity when he blazed over the bar from 20 yards after a wonderful pass from Graffin on 77 minutes.
Still the chances came especially for Eamon Murray who had two opportunities to seal the victory in the last ten minutes. Firstly he scuffed an effort wide with the keeper beaten and then saw McGilloway save with his legs after being put through on goal by McBride. In a rare Riverside attack, McLaughlin could have stolen all three points for his side but he hesitated and the chance was gone.
A frustrating result for Draperstown who not for the first time this season failed to secure the victory which was there for the taking, while Riverside will have returned home grateful for the point.
Team:
Kevin Leonard, Stephen Caulfield, Stephen McKee, Raymond Caulfield, John Higgins, Declan Graffan, Martin McGuigan, Cathal Donnelly, Sean McBride, Ryan Bradley, Eamonn Murray
Subs: Conor McDevitt, Chris McGarrigle
