Intermediate League
Draperstown surrendered their unbeaten home record this season with a tame defeat at the hands of Dungiven in what was a poor match last Saturday. Both teams were well under strength and with neither side in the hunt for league honours, it was more of a case of getting another game played in what will be a very busy league schedule in the remaining few weeks of the campaign.
Dungiven started brightly and took the lead on 9 minutes when a ball over the top allowed the forward to run on and score easily. Celtic came into the game more and were rewarded on 14 minutes when Higgins was taken down in the box for a penalty. The same player tucked the ball into the far corner for the equaliser. Both sides had opportunities to take the lead as the half wore on. Marty McGuigan fired just over from 20 yards while Haskins volleyed wide after a good cross from Adrian McGuigan.
The second half was only 4 minutes old when Dungiven got their second and ultimately the winning goal. McLean handled an inswinging corner and the resultant penalty was easily dispatched. Draperstown had plenty of possession but lacked the skill and guile to open up a resolute Dungiven defence. Right at the death however, Kennedy had a glorious opportunity to grab an equalise but managed to lift the ball over the bar when a goal seemed certain.
So note a game that will live long in the memory, but one that gives an indication of the work needed in the summer months, certainly for Draperstown, if they are to remain competitive throughout next year’s campaign
