Strabane 0–1 Draperstown Celtic
March 23, 2009
A solitary goal from John Andrews in the 67th minute was enough to send Draperstown into the second round of this year’s Challenge Cup. It was a poor game by anyone’s standards. Passes going astray, possession being lost and a very bumpy surface were the ingredients in a game where the result was everything. Draperstown’s cause was not helped with withdrawal from the team of six players who had other commitments but those that came in certainly played their part in the victory.
Dean Flanagan could have put Celtic into a first minute lead, but pulled his shot wide while Andrews fired his free over five minutes later. Strabane’s first effort was a header from John Rollaston in the 10th minute which was easily saved by Celtic’s Farniouk while Strabane’s keeper Harley reacted smartly to tip over Andrew’s header.
The home side almost took the lead on 28 minutes when Brennan’s well hit free produced a great save from Farniouk who tipped the ball onto the post before being cleared to safety. Flannagan had two good efforts for Draperstown as the first half drew to a close with Celtic looking the most likely to open the scoring.
The second half was similar to the first in that Celtic had the majority of the play but were frustratingly lacking in quality. However it was Strabane who carved out the best chances in the opening minutes and both fell to Rollaston and both were thwarted by Farniouk. McLean headed wide from Higgins’ corner on the hour mark when well placed but it was from his free seven minutes later which was headed on by Crossett and powerfully headed home by Andrews.
Strabane brought on McCrossan and Patton in an attempt to get back into the tie but it was Draperstown who finished more strongly and they were able to see out the game without too much difficulty and move into the second round.
Flanagan was always lively for Draperstown while Farniouk brought off several good saves but it was John Andrews who was the dominant figure in the match and his goal was just reward for a fine performance.
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Strabane 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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