NWCDYL Semi Final
Last Wednesday evening Draperstown Youth welcomed Coleraine Under 15’s to Cahore for a top of the table clash, a game both teams needed to win to hold on to their chances of winning the league. The importance of the game seemed to be on the players minds and this showed with both teams looking slightly nervous. Both sides toiled and gave plenty of effort in a very tense game and the opening exchanges were scrappy with neither side in control and possession easily lost.
The first half came to an end with the defence on top as neither team created any clear cut chances.
The second half was as tense as the first and much of the game became a mid-field battle. Coleraine attacked and a good through ball from their attacking mid fielder put the impressive looking Morelli in behind the Draperstown defence. However Scullion in goals read the danger and raced out to clear. Draperstown upped their game and started to put the Coleraine defence under pressure but they were very well organised and dealt well with the threat. Draperstown attacked again and had strong claims for a penalty when Convery and the Coleraine centre forward had a coming together.
The referee, who had a very good game, correctly awarded an indirect free kick just outside the area. McGuigan lobbed the ball into the penalty area but this was well claimed by the Coleraine keeper. Draperstown tried to pressure Coleraine and great play between P. Flanagan and McGuigan led to Flanagan cutting in to be 1 on 1 with the keeper but he curled his shot wide. Coleraine also had another attack but their shot was also high and wide. Draperstown had possibly the best chance on 60 minutes when P. Flanagan connected too well with a rebounded shot and the ball sailed harmlessly over. Neither team were content with a draw in this keenly contested encounter and the introduction of Draperstown sub T. Flanagan gave fresh impetus to Draperstown and the young wingers pace caused problems for the Coleraine right back. However the well organised Coleraine defence was equal to all that Draperstown produced.
The last minutes saw Coleraine go for the win but equally the Draperstown defence held firm to hold onto their unbeaten home record. The game was a credit to both teams and youth football in the area as both sets of players had a real ‘go’ in a very competitive but sporting game in which the referee did not have much to do.
Team: Scullion, M. McAuley, McCabe (Capt), O’Hara, English, P. Flanagan, McKenna, Hegarty, McDevitt, McGuigan, Convery
Subs: C. McAuley, Elalilou, T. Flanagan, Greenwood
Next Fixtures
Draperstown Youth vs Moyola – League – Date and time to be confirmed
Draperstown Youth vs Institute/Coleraine – Cup Final – Date and Venue TBC
Draperstown Youth Teams
Next season Draperstown Celtic will have 2 youth teams competing in the following age groups:
Under 16 – Born on or after 01/01/1995
Under 14 – Born on or after 01/01/1997
The new youth season will begin in September 2010 with squad training for the newly formed U14 team beginning around May 2010. If you are interested in playing for Draperstown at the above age groups more information can be obtained by contacting the Youth Development Officer, Paul McCallion on 07841344253.
