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Ardstraw FC 1–1 Draperstown Celtic

Draperstown had to be content with a frustrating draw in this opening league cup encounter with Ardstraw. Both teams were under strength as is often the case in the early part of the season, but Draperstown had enough possession to see this game off without too much trouble. With the home side playing a high defensive line, Celtic were adjudged offside several times but on more than one occasion, referee Dick Tucker’s decisions were debatable to say the least. Garteh Haskin’s goal on 55 minutes appeared to be enough to seal the victory but a rash challenge by McLean on Hill saw the striker score from the resultant penalty to give Ardstraw a share of the points.

The home side did start the game in a bright fashion without really testing McConnell in the Celtic net but Draperstown gradually became the dominant side and began to put a lot of pressure on the home defence. Seamus Bradley and Gareth Haskins looked to have the measure of the full backs and delivered some telling crosses into the box. Gailey saved well from Bradley before Gowley’s last ditch tackle prevented Crossett from opening the scoring. Haskins volleyed wide when well paced and Gailey again saved smartly at the near post from Bradley’s snap shot.

The second half again saw Draperstown as the dominant side and only a great tackle from Dunlop prevented Crossett from getting his shot away. Magee was booked for a poor challenge on Sean McBride and then on 55 minutes came the opening goal. A Celtic corner was cleared for another taken by Haskins and from it the ball was played back to him and spotting a gap at the near post Haskins duly fired the ball past Gailey to give Draperstown the lead they deserved. McKillion could have doubled the lead but headed over from another Haskin’s corner and as Celtic were looking for a second, match winning goal, they were caught on the break, conceded a penalty from which Hill scored.

The final 20 minutes saw a very open game with both sides looking for the winner. Again it was Draperstown who played the better approach football but lacking real creativity and a poor final ball meant that goal scoring opportunities were rare and a point had to be settled for. Not the start Draperstown would have wished for, and it is hoped that several players will return from injury in the coming weeks to help bolster what was a thin squad on Saturday.

Next First Team Fixture

McGrogan Memorial Cup | Monday 27 July 2010
V
Draperstown Celtic v Broadway Celtic