Welcome to dc-fc.NET | Draperstown Celtic FC NI Intermediate League Champions 2008 Roe Valley 0-3 Draperstown Celtic : Welcome to dc-fc.NET | Draperstown Celtic FC
Browse > Home / Club, First Team, News / Roe Valley 0-3 Draperstown Celtic

Roe Valley 0-3 Draperstown Celtic

March 16, 2009

Draperstown completed a league double over Roe Valley on Saturday without having to hit top gear in the process. A double from Benny Heron and a first of the season from John Higgins was enough to see off Valley who, though they worked hard enough lacked creativity throughout and more importantly, displayed a poor team spirit. Celtic, as in recent weeks could easily have doubled their score with far too many opportunities going to waste and against sterner opposition these missed chances could cost dear.

Celtic began with leading scorer Murray out injured along with Sean McBride and Raymond Caulfield also unavailable but with Gary Conway restored to the left side. However, it did not appear to disrupt Celtic’s attacking game as Gavin Bradley set the tone as early as the second minute when only a great tackle from Moore prevented Draperstown taking the lead while ten minutes later Cahir Mullan pulled off the first of many good saves to keep Valley in the game. Mc Groarity shot over for the home side in a rare attack before McLean should have done a lot better when he missed the target after being set up by Higgins.

There was a moment of panic in the Draperstown defence when some hesitancy allowed Gavin Moore in but Farniouk saved bravely at the winger’s feet. Celtic’s opening goal came after a sustained five minute period of pressure which Valley were ultimately unable to cope with. Gary Conway, returning to the first team after a number of weeks, found Gavin Bradley who slipped a neat pass to Heron who slide the ball under the advancing Mullan to give Draperstown a deserved lead in the 39th minutes. Two minutes later Mullan pulled off a flying save to stop a deflected Heron shot before Celtic managed to miss a further good opportunity when a poor final pass allowed guy to clear.

The second half again saw Draperstown dominant and again failing to make the most of their opportunities. Bradley found Sean Young but his cross was poor and easily cleared while McLean headed a Young corner wide when a goal looked likely. Only a goal behind at this stage and Valley could have gained confidence from the fact that the game was not beyond them but Heron put a more realistic score on the game when he latched onto Seamus Quinn’s clever free, turned Brady and scored with a low drive past Mullan on the hour. Three minutes later and Brady cleared off the line from McLean before a rushed clearance from Mullan again gave McLean a great chance but the pulled his shot wide.

Higgins was denied what seemed a clear penalty when pulled down by Walker and Valley showed they were not totally finished when Guy lobbed Farniouk only for Darren McKillion to clear with a vital header. The game was wrapped up in the 80th minute when Heron’s shot was parried to John Higgins who slotted home and there was no way back for Roe Valley. There was still time for another very good penalty claim when Bradley was taken down but again referrer Tucker waved play on and Farniouk kept a clean sheet when saving well from Cooke right at the death.

In the end, a comfortable victory for Draperstown but not one of their best performances. Conway, on his return, put in a good performance while Heron, Higgins and Andrews always looked creative in midfield and the defence, while not having a great deal to do appeared quite solid and kept another clean sheet. However there will be tougher challenges ahead.

  • Share/Bookmark

Written by Michael Kelly · Filed Under Club, First Team, News