NI Intermediate League
For the decent sized crowd which turned up at Cahore on a terrible day, they saw a full blooded game played by two fully committed teams. The Blues would have been the more disappointed team at not having collected all three points such was their dominance in the second half, but they will reflect on not creating enough clear goal scoring chances to win the game. For Draperstown too many players did not turn up in the second period, but had they been a little more decisive in their passing and touch, they could have taken advantage of two or three good opportunities which they were given.
The Blues opened well and Wilkinson had them a goal up after 5 minutes when he pounced on hesitancy in the Celtic defence to score past Farniouk, in for the suspended McConnell. But Celtic came back well and had the visitors on the back foot for large parts of the half. Seamus Bradley on the left was causing ex Draperstown player Chris Brady a few problems and it was from a Bradley free that Gavin Bradley was able to equalise at the near post past Oisin Kerr in the 20th minute.
Back came Magherafelt and Draperstown were lucky to survive a big penalty area scramble before clearing the danger. Celtic had appeals for a penalty turned down when there appeared to be more than a suspicion of hand ball, but this was soon forgotten when they took the lead on 40 minutes when John Higgins headed in at the near post from Haskins’ cross. There was still time for another Draperstown penalty claim for hand ball which this time appeared more obvious than the first but again the appeals were waved away.
Magherafelt came out a very determined side in the second half. With Higgins replaced at half time by O’Brien who was soon replaced himself due to injury, Celtic found themselves in some disarray and Magherafelt sought to take advantage. Farniouk saved well from a Wilkinson free while Seamus Bradley hit the foot of Kerr’s post before the same player’s deep cross was met by Gavin Bradley whose header just shaved the post and went wide. With Magherafelt storming forward at every opportunity an equaliser looked on the cards. It came on 75 minutes when Wilkinson’s free was well saved by Farniouk but Brady reacted the quickest to head in the equaliser. Both sides pushed for the winning goal with Seamus Bradley probably having the best chance but he hit his shot straight at Kerr.
So a draw and the points shared. Celtic still look for their first league win but will be more concerned over the injuries sustained by Higgins and O’Brien as they look forward to the league cup final on New Year’s eve.
