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Magherafelt Sky Blues 2-1 DC

NI Intermediate League

Magherafelt’s impressive run of victories continued on Saturday with a deserved victory and the bragging rites over a lethargic Draperstown side. Local derbies are usually feisty affairs but this was not the case, especially in the first half where Celtic were poor, the Blues totally dominant in all areas and they could have gone in at half time with more than a two goal lead, had they taken more of the glorious chances they created.

This was Celtic’s first game in three weeks and it certainly showed in the opening half. They looked sluggish all over the park and did not get to grips with the pace and basic work ethic of Maghrafelt and in games such as these you have to match like with like.

And yet the first goal chance fell to Celtic’s Gavin Bradley on 10 minutes. His free rebounded off the Blues’ wall back to him and his volley from 20 yards had O’Neill scrambling to save and then block Higgins’ follow up. If the first 15 minutes of the game was pretty drab stuff it was certainly brightened up with a classic strike from Ciaran Mallon who from 25 yards hit a left foot shot past McConnell’s into the top right corner. He will not have hit many better in his career. This certainly gave the Blues the impetus they needed and with Larkin and Brady in full flow further chances were created, especially for Nicman who contrived to miss two very good opportunities which would have killed the game off in the first half hour.

Celtic had a great opportunity to snatch an equaliser on 45 minutes when Murray set up Bradley whose effort was cleared off the line and immediately Magherafelt broke down the left with Darren walls who put in a cross for Nicman who totally miskicked with the ball falling invitingly to Aaron Hawe who did not spurn the opportunity.

The second half saw more of a game with Draperstown coming out looking a different side after some home truths being put to them at the interval, and while there were no teacups thrown, one gets the idea. Tackles were now being won, challenges being made and opportunities being created. O’Neill dived full length to parry McLean’s volley while the same player was later unlucky to see his turn and shot just go the wrong side of the post. Magheraflet were still a threat and with the introduction of Ciaran Monaghan there was always pace in their play. A Walls’ free was well saved by McConnell before Celtic got back into the game with a good goal. Bradley did well on the left before delivering a perfect cross to Murray who slotted home in typical fashion from close range. Larkin almost restored Magherafelt’s two goal lead with a great run and shot but it was Celtic who finished strongly but were not able to force an equaliser despite good pressure.

So Magherafelt continue on their quest for their first intermediate league title while for Draperstown they need to remember the second half as they simply did not turn up for the first.

Next First Team Fixture

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