NI Intermediate League
John Mc Kee was forced to ring the changes with no fewer than seven players unavailable but those who came in put in a solid performance against a stubborn Strabane side at Cahore Park. While the game itself was hardly a classic the goals scored certainly came into this bracket. Strikes from Sinclair and Higgins for Draperstown and a fine effort from Strabane’s Roulston were certainly the highlights and Haskin’s finish also had a touch of quality about it.
With neither side having set the league alight this season, the game did not have a great deal riding on it but Celtic still have a league cup final appearance and places are most certainly up for grabs as far as manager McKee is concerned. The early exchanges were quite even as both sides sought to overcome the hard pitch but Ryan Sinclair brought the game to life with a simply outstanding goal on ten minutes. Picking up the ball just inside the Strabane half he strove forward and seeing Devine off his line hit a glorious left foot arching shot from fully 35 yards which gave the keeper no chance. A wonderful goal which was matched, perhaps bettered, by John Higgins 4 minutes later. Higgins, making in first start in a number of weeks following injury, controlled the ball 20yards from goal and beat Devine with a measured shot in off the crossbar to leave Celtic in the driving seat .
Strabane showed they weren’t out of the game when Farniouk did well to tip McCallion’s free over the bar on 17 minutes, but Draperstown should have extended their lead on 20 minutes when Murchan’s cross was headed just wide by Joe Crossett. Draperstown did take the foot off the pedal and Strabane got back into the game with a goal which matched the quality of the earlier strikes. Roulston hit a thunderous goal from 25 yards into the top corner giving Farniouk no chance. Devine did well to stop Higgins from scoring at the end of the half but the home side were well worth their half time lead.
The second half did not have the fireworks of the first, indeed for the first 25 minutes there was very little goal mouth action. Caulfield produced a good surging run and shot which Devine did well to smother with mcCallion clearing Haskins’ follow up shot. Strabane’s McCallion also did well to clear Kennedy’s effort off the line after his shot had beaten Devine. Draperstown made sure of the points on 82 minutes when Haskins ran onto Caulfiled’s pass and lobbed Devine from the edge of the box for another quality goal.
Celtic also hit the post before Kennedy almost got the goal his performance deserved but he fired over the bar as Draperstown finished the game well in control.A decent performance from Draperstown which was needed after last week’s mauling at the hands of Oxford and the goals certainly showed that there is some quality in the side. They have to be matched with a more positive attitude and commitment especially with a final looming. Manager John McKee will expect nothing less.
