U18s knock leaders off top

Dromore were forced to change from their normal 4-4-2 formation this week through injuries , so decided to go 3-5-2 and battle it out in midfield.

The game got under way on a crisp autumnal morning with a heavy pitch at foot and it was Annagh who started brightly scoring almost from the whistle. As the Amateurs were trying to settle into the new system, the opposing striker raced through and beat Mallon easily in goals.

This seemed to be the pattern for the next 10 minutes with the Annagh doing all the pressing and the Dromore back line constantly under the cosh.

Dromore then settled in and started playing some neat football with Walker, Green and Nicholson starting to get to grips in the centre midfield area.

Dromore always knew they would get chances and workhorse McKinstry up front along with fellow striker Neill were putting the opposing defence under pressure.

By this stage of the game Dromore were matching the table toppers and just lacked the clinical finish and a great cross from Campbell just fizzed past the post with Martin waiting on a loose ball.

Dromore’s defence of Scapitticci, Hamilton and McMurtry were coping comfortably with the pacey strikers and with the game switching from end to end both defences were busy.

Barring the first minute the Dromore management were happy enough with the first half commitment and decided against changing.

The second half got under way and a Nicholson through ball seen McKinstry out pace the two centre halves and shoot but the ball went inches past the post. Dromore were forced into a change when Green with drew with a back injury and was replace by new signing James McVeigh.

Dromore then levelled the game, another McKinstry run then seen him battle for the ball but the Annagh defender played it back and the keeper lifted it forcing the referee to issue an in direct free kick, from the resulting kick Neil played to Walker who drove the ball through the crowded area into the net.

Dromore were now on top and had the majority of the play. Mullholland replaced Martin and Dromore went looking for maximum points and were rewarded when Nicholson won the ball in midfield, split the defence with a accurate pass, McKinstry raced through, drew the keeper then squared for McVeigh to score the winner on his debut.

The confidence was now starting to flow and Dromore continued to press but the Annagh hadn’t given up the fight and twice in the last ten minutes Mallon had to make super saves to guarantee the points were heading to Dromore.

Manager Gavin Beck made comment that this was a stand out team performance with every player working their socks of for each other but special mentions must go to Mallon, Nicholson and McKinstry.

Squad: Mallon, McMurtry, Scappaticci, Hamilton, Martin, Campbell, Green, Walker, Nicholson, Neill, McKinstry, Hooke, McVeigh, Mount, Mullholland,Carlisle.

Next week the Amateurs are again on the road and must try to knock new leaders St Mary’s off their perch.