Away goal key to promotion

Adam Walker puts Dollingstown into the lead against Brantwood. Pic by Noel Quinn.

The 2-1 midweek reverse away to Brantwood left Dollingstown trailing ahead of last weekend’s second-leg promotion play-off. However, Neil King’s last-gasp drive from distance secured Dollingstown a vital away goal and kept alive the Mid-Ulster club’s Irish League ambitions.

Adam Walker’s first-half strike on Saturday provided Dollingstown with control of the tie off the back of King’s previous contribution.

“We were very concerned on Tuesday night after the first leg and the boys just didn’t perform,” said Watson. “However, I said to the boys that the 90th-minute goal could prove the most important in the club’s history.

“It set us up on Saturday with a chance and allowed the boys to go out at home with a positive attitude.

“We have a great bunch of lads at this club and I am delighted for everyone connected to Dollingstown.

“Gary is the most successful manager in our 35-year history and the club won five Mid-Ulster trophies this season across the two teams.

“So much hard work, planning and dreaming has gone into reaching this goal and we will enjoy it before the hard work starts over the summer.”