Strabane 0-1 Draperstown Celtic
December 17, 2007
A goal from substitute Eamon Burns in the first minute of the second half was enough to gain all three points for Draperstown in what was a scrappy league encounter. It was Burns’ first appearance for Draperstown in almost two seasons and his headed goal which came from his first touch was one of the few pieces of skill on show during the match.
Draperstown could have been two goals to the good in the first five minutes but firstly Andy Burns and then Declan Graffin allowed good chances go astray. The poor pitch was certainly not conducive to good football and both sets of players found it difficult to pass the ball with any degree of accuracy. Gary Conway shot wide from 20 yards after 24 minutes while Declan Graffin headed over from Conway’s free on the half hour mark. McConnell had little to do in the Draperstown goals as the defence, back in 4-4-2- mode, was well marshalled by Quinn and McKillion who never allowed the Strabane attack a route through. Strabane’s McCallion, who earlier, was perhaps a little fortunate to get away without even a booking after kicking out at Celtic’s Conway, fired over two long range frees, which was the closest the home side came to scoring in the first half. Celtic finished the half strongly looking for the opening goal. Conroy saved well from Quinn’s header from a corner while Andy Burns’ shot from distance was narrowly wide.
Draperstown didn’t have long to wait in the second half for what turned out to be the decisive goal of the game. Colin Murray’s cross found John Higgins whose shot hit the post and rebounded back to Murray who quickly put the ball back into the penalty area for Burns to react the quickest to head firmly past Conroy. A second goal at this stage would surely have finished Strabane off and Conways superb shot from 30 yards beat Conroy but cannoned off the crossbar and away as Celtic attempted to turn their greater possession into further goals. A one goal lead is always fragile in any game and Strabane almost snatched an equaliser on 70 minutes when from a free kick O’Reilly headed just wide at the far post.
This however was to be their last chance, and it was Draperstown who should have added to their solitary goal when firstly Murray shot wide after being well set up by Andy Burns and in the final minute John Higgins somehow blasted over from two yards after excellent approach play from Brendan Heron.
Not the best Draperstown display by a long mark, but they travelled home with three precious points in the bag but also knowing there is still a great deal of work to do.
Next First Team Fixture
V 
Tobermore Utd v Draperstown Celtic
Skills Development Centre
Folks this Saturday 04th September is the last day of the Football Development Centre for.Under 14 Registration
LadsAs we are now entering the Mid Ulster Youth League we have had to re - register you.The New Season
The sun shone, the pitch was in great condition and the team put in a very good performanc.Quick League Table
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