Kennedy’s wondergoal marks second hat-trick in a row

Dromore struck in the second minute when David Maze darted through the right hand side of the Lisbellaw defence and set up Christian Kennedy who calmly slotted into the corner for 1-0.

The early goal settled Dromore and the added confidence saw them passing and keeping the ball well and creating many promising positions. Daris Benallal and Jordan Green in central midfield, with David Maze playing just in front, were dominating the middle of the park and combining well with Jack Lennon on the right and Aaron Ball on the left – both of whom were becoming increasingly involved in dangerous areas.

Despite Lisbellaw’s best efforts they were unable to penetrate the Dromore back four. Jordan Brush and Louis Simpson looked very assured in central defence and were well supported by full-backs Simon Percy and Daniel Abraham.

Dromore increased their lead in the 18th minute. Simpson took a quick free kick from just outside the Dromore 18 yard box to Percy. He found Brush who in turn split the Lisbellaw defence with a through pass which Ball ran on to and crossed perfectly for Kennedy to score at the near post.

At 2-0 Dromore should have been in control but, 2 minutes later, they failed to clear a corner and the visitors forced the ball past Dromore keeper, Jack Daly and were back in the game.

Dromore restored their two goal advantage in the 20th minute when good interplay between Lennon and Kennedy produced an opening for Maze who scored from the rebound the keeper had blocked his first attempt, to give Dromore a 3-1 lead at half -time.

The locals were well worth their lead – passing the ball accurately, supporting each other well and working tirelessly to pressurise their opponents and win back possession.

The second half followed the pattern of the first, with Dromore’s passing game – particularly down the left - always looking the more likely to create chances but with Lisbellaw still carrying a threat which the Dromore defence had to be strong to contain.

In the seventh minute, some neat passing found Benallal free on left hand side of the box and his pin-point cross found Kennedy at the near post.

In a finish reminiscent of Matty Burrows’ wonder goal for Glentoran, the striker managed to turn and back-heel a volley into the top of the net to complete his second hat-trick in successive weeks.

With the game seemingly secured Dromore made use of their subs – Jordan Bell and Nathan McCaughey replacing Jack Lennon and David Maze – both of were forced to roll on again to cover for knocks to Percy and Green.

Ten minutes to go and a clearance by keeper Daly from an under hit back pass was partially blocked, the rebound falling kindly for Lisbellaw to make it 4-2 and set up a more nervous finale than should have been the case for Dromore. However, they remained resolute and at the final whistle emerged as worthy winners

A fine performance from all of the Dromore lads who played with commitment, confidence and composure, not afraid to pass the ball and working as hard out of possession as with the ball at their feet.

Credit must also go to the coaches for the development in the performance of the team but also the obvious enjoyment of the game that they have brought to the players.

Dromore squad: Jack Daly, Daniel Abraham, Louis Simpson , Jordan Brush, Simon Percy, Daris Benallal , Jordan Green David Maze, Jack Lennon, Christian Kennedy, Aaron Ball, Jordan Bell, Nathan McCaughey

Dromore coaches’ Man of the Match – Christian Kennedy