Lessons to be taken from Kesh disappointment

However, an opening five minutes in which they conceded two goals set the tone for what would turn into a heavy defeat.

The first goal, in the third minute, came when a cross from the right was neatly swept into the net by the Kesh striker.

Then, in the fifth minute, Jack Daly in the Dromore goal was unlucky to see a speculative cross-cum shot find the top corner, despite him getting a strong hand to the ball.

Dromore were reeling but Louis Simpson in central defence and Jordan Green and Jordan Brush in centre midfield began to get a foothold in the game. David Maze was combining well with Christian Kennedy as Dromore pushed forward, creating some good positions.

Jack Lennon and Aaron Ball were providing width on either flank and some good touches and interplay from both almost saw Dromore breach the Kesh defence on a couple of occasions. Despite the good approach play Dromore were unable to really threaten the Kesh keeper with only a Christian Kennedy shot forcing him into a save.

Dromore’s revival was short-lived when in the 18th minute they conceded a third, the striker latching on to a high through ball and lobbing Jack Daly.

However, Dromore stuck to their task. Morgan Gallagher was competing well in the unfamiliar role of right back and Simon Percy, in central defence, was winning his fair share of challenges. Jordan Bell, at left back, was matching his winger and supporting the attack when possible.

The remaining 15 minutes of the half were fairly even. Dromore were combining well in midfield but the final through pass remained elusive. Kesh always looked dangerous and a minute before half time they struck again to lead 4-0 at the break.

Dromore started the second half well with Daniel Abraham on for the injured Jordan Green and Nathan McCaughey replacing Jack Lennon. Christian Kennedy and Jordan Bell combined for an early half-chance and some neat passing on the left involving the same two players and Louis Simpson created a shooting opportunity for David Maze from the edge of the box; unfortunately his strike was straight at the keeper.

Carter Herdman replaced David Maze but Kesh had begun to take a grip on the game and two quick strikes really clinched the result. Despite the efforts of the Dromore team to stem the tide – with Jordan Brush and Simon Percy to the fore – the Fermanagh side notched another three goals to run out clear winners.

A difficult day for the young squad, but one which again should provide valuable lessons for the future and provide enough positives for the coaching staff to work on at training.

Dromore squad: Jack Daly, Daniel Abraham, Louis Simpson, Jordan Brush, Simon Percy, Aaron Ball, David Maze, Jack Lennon, Jordan Green, Morgan Gallagher, Christian Kennedy, Jordan Bell, Carter Herdman.

Dromore Coaches’ Man of the Match – Louis Simpson