Match Report

Hard Earned Draw Keeps Promotion Bid On Track

Date Filed: 09 June 2008


 
Aghaderg continued their league programme with an away match to Dromara last Friday night. The home side knew that defeat would probably rule them out of promotion this year having already lost to Aghaderg in Ballyvarley in round one. Therefore Aghaderg anticipated a strong challenge and that is what they got.
 
The match was played in ideal conditions. Aghaderg got off to a whirlwind start this week and they were 1 – 4 up before Dromara got into their stride. A goal from Rory Simpson after two minutes got Aghaderg off to the perfect start. This was followed by a pointed free from the trusty left boot of Rory Simpson. Conor Lavery then chipped in with two points. The first of these came from a fine solo run which culminated in Conor fisting the ball over the bar from 13 metres out. He then received a poor clearance from the home defence and turned and shot over the bar from 20 metres.
 
After this initial onslaught Dromara gathered some momentum and replied with the next four points to reduce the Aghaderg lead to a goal. A Rory Simpson free stemmed the flow temporarily before Dromara resumed their scoring dominance rounding off the first half with the last three points.
 
Half time Dromara 0 – 7 Aghaderg 1 – 4
 
The Aghaderg management emphasised the need to get back on tracks with an initial push right from the second half whistle. Eugene Devlin responded to their demands when he scored a fine point from play after 2 minutes, which was followed quickly by another Rory Simpson point. This opened a two-point gap but Dromara responded with the next two points again levelling the scores.
 
Then it was Aghaderg’s turn to reward their fans with points from Eugene Devlin, Kelin Doyle and Rory Simpson. However Dromara responded themselves with the next three scores. Unfortunately for Aghaderg one of these was a goal. This put Dromara two points into the lead and at this stage the home fans were sensing victory. Instead of wilting as has happened in some matches the Aghaderg players regrouped for one last effort and two points through Eugene Devlin and Rory Simpson levelled the match. Both teams had their chances to win the game in the last minutes but neither side could get the all-important score.
 
The match ended with the scores tied at 1 – 11 each which in all fairness was probably the right result on the night. Neither team deserved to lose the match. Rory Simpson was the chief marksman with a final tally of 1- 5. He was ably supported by Eugene Devlin 0 – 3,Conor Lavery 0 – 3 and Kelin Doyle 0 – 1.
 
Much credit for this entertaining game must go to the referee. The referee is usually a much-maligned part of most matches but this referee stood firm and controlled the game expertly. He refereed the game fairly and he allowed to game to flow, which was appreciated by all involved.
 
The next match will be on Friday night when Aghaderg host Ballykinlar in Ballyvarley at 7.30pm. Why not come out and enjoy the match and see the talents of the team for yourself?