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Churchill Utd 1–3 Draperstown Celtic

January 26, 2009

Good things happen to those who wait, or so we are told, and this was the case for Draperstown who recorded their first league win of the campaign with a solid victory over Churchill. This time last year both teams were in the running for league honours but how things have changed.

To be fair this win was long overdue for Celtic. They have not become a poor team though they have suffered some disappointing results this year. They have played some very good football throughout without ever reaching the heights of last year but on Saturday it was more like normal service had resumed. A double strike from Eamon Murray and one from the perennial Eamonn Burns saw off the resistance of a Churchill side who struggled for long periods in the game especially with Benny Heron who once again showed what a talent he is. Three different players were given the task to mark him during the game, all three were booked, as their combined frustration of watching him take the game by the scruff of the neck was symbolic of his general overall play and the effect he had on the game. Conal O’Brien also had an excellent game in this, his debut for Draperstown and the hopes are now that Celtic can begin to climb the league.

The opening exchanges were quite equal but when Celtic took the lead in the 20th minute it began a period of dominance where the home team should have been out of the game totally. Gavin Bradley’s break on the left and his intelligent pass to Murray saw last year’s leading scorer hit the back of the net from 12 yards. Three minutes later and a blatant push on Bradley by Smallwoods should have produced a penalty but the referee waved play on much to the disbelief of the Celtic team.

A rare attack from Churchill saw O’Donnell head wide before Sean Young’s rasping drive on 30 minutes was tipped around the post by Doherty in the home goals. From the corner O’Brien had a header cleared off the line before Doherty fumbled a Young shot, but was relieved to see it clear the bar. The last ten minutes of the half saw Draperstown encamped in Churchill territory but were unable to add to the scoreline.
The second half opened with Draperstown still taking the game to Churchill. On 49 minutes great skill from Heron saw the player round two defenders before getting away his shot from the edge of the box but Doherty was able to palm the ball around the post.

The deserved second goal came on 57 minutes when Samllwoods who was Churchill’s best player on view, lost possession to Heron who again beat two players to set up Eamonn Burns who scored from 12 yards. The same player could have scored only two minutes later when after being set up by Murray he chose to attempt to lob the keeper but saw his effort clear the bar.

Celtic then appeared to take the foot off the peddle and for a period allowed Churchill to come back into the game They pulled a goal back on 65 minutes when O’Donnell scored direct from a free kick and only a last gasp tackle from Quinn prevented McKittrick getting away his shot when a goal looked likely. This has been Draperstown’s Achilles heel this year in not being able to see off teams when in apparent control but on Saturday they were able to do this when the points were secured on 85 minutes when Heron’s cross to the far post was headed back across goal by McKillion for Murray to finish from close range.

A good performance from Draperstown, with several fine individual displays, but one which manager John McKee knows can be further improved.

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Written by admin · Filed Under First Team, News