U15s unlucky not to draw

DAYFC U15s can count themselves very unlucky not to emerge from Saturday’s home match with Rathfriland with at least a point, and arguably all three.

The visitors looked impressive in the early minutes, finding their passes and retaining the ball well without creating any real chances.

Just as Dromore seemed to be establishing themselves in the game Rathfriland took the lead on 17 mins. A quick break down the right was finished with a low shot into the corner of Jack Daly’s net. Dromore came straight back; an effort form Jack Lennon flying just wide and Christian Kennedy forcing a sharp save from the Rathfriland keeper. The visitors were not content to sit at 1-0 and only a couple of good stops from Jack Daly and a goal-line clearance kept the score at 1-0.

In the 31st minute the referee, who was well placed, spotted a push at a corner and awarded a penalty to Dromore. Jordan Brush took responsibility but unfortunately his well struck effort narrowly cleared the bar.

Dromore began the second half strongly and were level within two minutes. David Maze cut in from the left and his right foot shot found the bottom corner of the net. Dromore’s confidence grew and a good finish by Christian Kennedy was ruled out for offside only 2 minutes later. The referee then awarded a second penalty, again following a corner, but this time to Rathfriland, when Matthew Doyle was adjudged to have handled. The decision seemed harsh but again the referee had a good view of the incident. The Rathfriland skipper stepped up and calmly slotted past Daly.

Jordan Bell had shot well blocked after he latched onto a through pass from Louis Simpson and Jack Lennon was again denied by the Rathfriland keeper. The pivotal moment came with 12 minutes left when the Dromore players were adamant that Carter Herdman’s back post finish had crossed the line before being scrambled away. However the referee didn’t have a clear view and couldn’t award the goal.

Dromore continued to press but Rathfriland defended manfully and broke quickly when they had the chance, almost catching the Dromore defence on a couple of occasions.

Dromore continued to press. Jordan Brush narrowly failed to direct a good header from a corner on target and the keeper made another good save from Christian Kennedy. At the final whistle Dromore were disappointed to emerge empty handed but the passing and team play, combined with the effort and team spirit marked another important step in the development of the team.

Dromore: Jack Daly, Daniel Abraham, Louis Simpson, Matthew Doyle, Jordan Brush, Simon Percy, Aaron Ball,

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