DC 2-0 Magherafelt Sky Blues
November 4, 2008
A second half double from Eamon Murray in his first outing for Celtic this season, having recently transferred back from Armagh City, sealed a solid victory for Draperstown in this first round of the Irish cup.
Played on a very heavy pitch both teams served up an entertaining encounter and as would befit two evenly matched teams it was the home side’s ability to create and take their chances which was the main factor for their victory. Magherafelt had their moments and should have taken a first half lead which may have resulted in a different outcome but it was Murray’s sharpness in front of goal which was the decisive factor.
The Blues began very well and played at a high tempo, with the Monaghan brothers and Hawe in good form but once again Celtic’s defence was more than resolute and in right back, Raymond Caulfield, they had the man of the match. The first good chance came on 18 minutes when Collins’ right wing cross was cleared only to Hawe who shot wide when well placed. Benny Heron fired a snap shot over O’Neill’s bar while only a great clearance from Caulfiled prevented Ciaran Monaghan from scoring for the Blues after 24 minutes. With McBride and Heron beginning to exert their authority in mid field Magherafelt’s early dominance began to lessen and by half time Draperstown was beginning to have greater possession of the ball but with defences on top both teams went in level.
Celtic began the second half well and soon had the Blues on the back foot. Gavin Bradley headed over from Seamus Bradley’s excellent cross on 48 minutes but the home support did not have long to wait until the opening goal. Magherafelt were unable to deal with Quinn’s free and when Bradley’s miss hit shot fell to Murray his reactions were sharp as he steered the ball past O’Neill. As one would expect Magherafelt responded well and created some panic in the home defence. McAleese’s cross had McNicholl scurrying across his goal while the keeper did well to save from Monaghan.
A series of corners saw the Blues almost snatch an equaliser on more than one occasion but Draperstown rode their luck a little and the referee’s whistle ruled out Monaghan’s effort, the ball having gone over the end line before being crossed in.
Both teams used all their substitutes and for Draperstown Dean Flanagan was robbed of an excellent goal when a poor offside decision ruled out his excellent finish on 83 minutes. The victory was sealed however on 88 minutes when Bradley’s wonderful cross was put away by Murray with a firm header leaving O’Neill with no chance. Chris Brady almost pulled a goal back for Magherafelt in injury time but McNicholl pulled off a fine blocking save to deny the ex Celtic player.
An important victory for Draperstown whose form this season has yet to reach the heights of last year, but this result should go a long way in bringing back some much needed confidence.
Draperstown are now at home to Nortel in the second round
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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