North West & Coleraine Youth League
Draperstown Youth had not played in 7 weeks since these teams last met on 12th December 2009 and it showed in what was a really scrappy hard fought game. While both sides toiled and gave plenty of effort there was little to be seen in terms of skill from either side, especially in front of goal. The opening 15 minutes were scrappy with neither side in control and both teams giving away possession easily. On 20 minutes Piaras Flanagan beat his marker and accelerated up the side line; however the Dungiven right back covered well and made a great tackle to break up the attack. This was about as good as it got excitement wise in the first half for the spectators.
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 mid-field battle. Dungiven started and a couple of mistimed clearances by O’Hara, who it turned out was carrying an injury, put the Draperstown defence under pressure. However McGuigan in goals cleared the first with a well timed sliding challenge and then McCabe made a great interception for the second. Draperstown upped their game and started to put the Dungiven defence under pressure but all too often the final ball was poor. Dungiven then broke through the defence and it was only a magnificent tackle from O’Hara that prevented Duddy from having a clear shot on goal. Draperstown then attacked with the best move of the match.
Jack English won the ball at left back, carried it out of defence and found P. Flanagan with a great ball – Flanagan played a neat one-two with his brother and his cross come shot was palmed out by the keeper. The loose ball was collected by Doyle who then found T. Flanagan whose shot hit the bar with the keeper beaten. With Dungiven playing largely on the break, their chances were few, but they did have another good chance on 60 minutes when Duddy, who was Dungiven’s only real threat, broke down the right wing and hit a scorching shot which skimmed the top of the cross bar.
The last 5 minutes saw Draperstown encamped in the Dungiven half as they attempted to secure the win but the Dungiven keeper was equal to all the Draperstown players threw at him.
Best on the day for Draperstown were Cahir McCabe, Conor McKenna and Stephen O’Hara
Draperstown Youth (4-4-2)
R. McGuigan, J. English, C. McCabe (Capt.) S. O’Hara, M. McAuley, P.Flanagan C. McKenna, D. Doyle , C. McDevitt, T. Flanagan, C. McAuley
Subs: O. McGuigan, K. Webb, Z. Elalilou, S.McBride
Next Fixture
Sat 13th Feb 2010: NIBFA Cup – Away to Cookstown Youth. Kick –Off 11.00am
Training
Training continues on Wednesday nights in Cahore Park at 6.45pm. All players must attend training.
