Opening day defeat for Amateurs

Iveagh United 2

DROMORE Amateurs played host to Iveagh United last Saturday in the opening fixture of the 2010/2011 season – but it wasn’t a fairytale return to intermediate football for Dromore as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat.

Both these teams have made the step up from 2A to 1C of the Northern Amateur League – and on Saturday both were eager to get their season off to a winning start.

It was Iveagh who applied most of the early pressure and they took the lead midway through the first period. A fiercely-struck 20-yard free kick was saved by keeper Russell Ward but an Iveagh player reacted quickest to lash home the rebound.

The Amateurs responded well, and enjoyed some good passages of play as the first half drew to a close.

Manager Barry Taylor must have been hopeful his side would soon force an equaliser – but instead, Iveagh doubled their lead within 30 seconds of the restart.

Although Dromore played their way back into contention, the visitors’ 2-0 advantage ultimately proved insurmountable – but there were some positives from which the Amateurs can take plenty of encouragement.

Team: R Ward, A McDonald, W McMurray, J Mairs, B Hughes, N Curran, C Gilliland, S Law, D Smylie, W Hill. Subs: G Hill, J Wilson, P Smyth.

* This Saturday, Dromore’s focus switches from the league to the Border Cup, with Ballywalter Rec visiting Ferris Park for a first round clash. Kick-off 2pm. Come along and support your local team.

* Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver would have struggled to compete against some of the masterchefs who impressed with their culinary talents at the barbeque in the Ranch last Saturday night!

It was an evening of good food, good music, and good craic - and the committee was delighted with the support shown by players and friends of the club. Many thanks to all those who came along and congratulations to the organisers.

* An exciting new fundraising initiative has been launched – the ‘100 Club’. For a weekly subscription of 1, participants are entered into prize draws with jackpots of 25 and 50 throughout the season. This is a novel and not-too-costly way of supporting the club. The first draw is scheduled for September 4. Anyone interested in signing up should contact a member of the committee.