Craig Memorial Cup – Round 1
A goal late in the first half and a second deep into added time at the end of the game were enough to secure a safe passage into the second round of the Craig Memorial cup for the holders Limavady Utd. While the home side were worthy winners, Draperstown made them work hard in all areas of the field and the holders were thankful of the late strike to ensure the victory.
The game was scrappy by nature with the first shot on target not coming until the 22nd minute when McConnell saved from a Shane Jenning’s effort. Limavady did have the majority of the pressure but found it very difficult to put together any decisive attacks due to the harrying of Higgins. McBride and Sinclair for Draperstown in the middle of the park. Sinclair fired just over from 20 yards as a little more was seen of Draperstown as an attacking force while on 34 minutes Jennings should have at least tested McConnell in Celtic’s goal but was off target.
Limavady upped the pressure as the half was coming to a close and were rewarded when after some sustained pressure John O’Loughlin headed in McNulty’s cross.
The second half saw Draperstown really having a go and putting the home defence under more pressure but without creating enough sustained pressure. Indeed it was McConnell who had to bring off a great save to deny Vincent Sweeney doubling Limavady’s lead in the 54th minute.
With Murray winning a lot of ball in the air Draperstown were hoping to catch Limavady on the break and almost got the equaliser on 63 minutes when Murray met Gavin Bradley’s cross but headed tamely into Doherty’s hands. McConnell again had to be alert when saving from Jennings and later McLean cleared Sweeney’s shot off the line. Sean Young almost rounded off a good Draperstown move when he shot just wide from the edge of the box. But it was Limavady who finished more strongly and they scored their second in the 92nd minute when Lee Patrick fired through a sea of legs giving McConnell no chance.
So, a deserved home victory but a good, solid, if ultimately un-rewarding performance from Draperstown who matched their more senior counterparts in terms of effort and determination. A similar attitude in the weeks ahead will do no harm at all.
