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Roe Valley 0-1 Draperstown Celtic

January 25, 2010

NI Intermediate League

A John Higgins’ goal two minutes into injury time was enough to secure all the points for Draperstown in what was a poor game. Neither side had played in a number of weeks and it certainly showed. While there was no lack of effort, there was little to be seen in terms of skill from either side especially in front of goal and Celtic will know that the win was fortunate.

The opening exchanges were scrappy with neither side in control. The pitch didn’t help with accurate passing difficult on the poor surface but the first clear chance fell to Celtic when Haskins fired over a volley from 12 yards. This was about as good as it got in the first half for Draperstown who probably had the lion’s share of possession but all too often the final ball was poor and Roe Valley appeared comfortable at the back. Indeed it was Valley who should have taken the lead in the 43rd minute when Clarke hit the foot of the Celtic post after a quick break.In a game where it seemed that one goal would be enough to win the game, it was a good opportunity missed.

The second half was a more open affair but as for the first there was a dearth of skill and hence much of the game became a dour mid-field battle. The home side were lucky to escape going a goal down on 53 minutes. A Celtic corner resulted in the ball being deflected onto his own bar by Guy while Murray’s header was cleared off the line by Brolly. Another chance fell to Murray five minutes later when his header beat keeper O’Kane but it also cleared the bar.

Benny Heron came on for Haskins on the hour and his drive and skill certainly lifted Celtic’s performance. There was certainly a greater urgency from their play but again few clear cut chances created. Heron shot over while Higgin’s free took a deflection just past the post. With Valley playing largely on the break, their chances were few , but they did have another good chance on 75 minutes when Brady’s shot came off the underside of the cross-bar before being hurridly cleared away.

The last ten minutes saw Draperstown encamped in the Roe Valley half as they attempted to secure the win. Murray’s overhead kick was cleared off the line by Brolly with keeper O’Kane beaten. Heron certainly lit up the gloom when his mazy run saw him beat 4 players but his shot just went the wrong side of the post. Just as it seemed that the game was going to end goaless, Celtic won a corner on the left. McBride rose highest in the box and when O’Kane fumbled his header, Higgins was on hand to turn the ball into the goal for the winning goal.

Valley forced two free kicks near the Celtic box in the time remaining but were unable to snatch the equaliser. So a good three points for Draperstown but they know they will have to up their performance levels in the weeks to come if they are to make a surge up the table.

Written by Michael Kelly · Filed Under Club, First Team, News | Leave a Comment