Second half collapse means defeat for Villagers

After a scrappy start to the game, the Villagers went behind after a hopeful diagonal ball was played into the box and a missed header allowed the left winger to cross to an unmarked man at the edge of the box. Seapatrick had not yet woken up and the advancing midfielder had plenty of time to place his shot into the bottom corner.

This goal kicked Seapatrick into action and they went on to dominate the possession and territory for the remainder of the half. The improvement in build-up play from last year is clear for all to see and Seapatrick were creating their fair share of chances, an equaliser had to come.

Possession was turned into chances and McVitty went close on two occasions as did Buchanan and McAvoy, but still the score remained 0-0. Eventually the Village got their reward when a lovely through ball behind the right back from Buchanan allowed McAvoy to deliver a pinpoint pass to Crawford, who scored on his second attempt.

Similar to the St.Mary’s match two weeks previously, Seapatrick came out for the second half asleep.

AFC Craigavon who crowded the midfield, seemed content to sit back and try and counter Seapatrick; this strategy worked brilliantly for them. Within 10 minutes the visitors found themselves 2-1 down when a cross from the left beat everyone in the box except the AFC forward.

Soon after, AFC created another chance from a foiled Seapatrick attack, this time a Seapatrick defender read the ball well, but was too cool in the box resulting in dispossession and an easy goal for AFC.

Against a defensive AFC, Seapatrick still created their fair share of chances with McAvoy going one and one and having a shot well saved as well as numerous free kicks and crosses in advanced areas.

Manager Dawson came on as Seapatrick switched to a 4-3-3 in a bid to salvage something and he was certain to score after a great ball was played from the right onto his head, only to be dispossessed by his own player.

All hope of gaining a point vanished as Seapatrick, who had committed more men forward, were again dispossessed in an attacking position leaving a mismatch in numbers at the back of which AFC took full advantage.

Manager Dawson had this to say “When I look at the quality and fitness levels we have in the changing room on a Saturday I fear no team within our league, but a combination of poor decisions and not being clinical enough has been costing us. I have every faith that the lads I have on board can turn it around and get the points they deserve.”

SEAPATRICK: McGrath, McGarry (McParland), Kerr, McMaster, Buchanan, Cunningham (Dawson), Blackwood, Crawford (Campbell), McAvoy, McVitty, McBurney.

On an off-pitch note, everyone at Seapatrick would like to wish S. Blackwood all the best as he bids to gets married on Friday. Good luck for the future Blacky.