Strong Warrenpoint side kill off Cloney

Warrenpoint Town Reserves 3

Donacloney 0

DONACLONEY returned to action with an away fixture to high flying Warrenpoint Town Reserves on Saturday.

Cloney knew before kick off that they would be facing up to a strong team as their opponents Championship team had no fixture.

On what must be the biggest pitch in the association Cloney tried to set up to stifle their opponents using a 4-5-1 formation. The formation was working well as they limited opportunities and seemed to be frustrating the Warrenpoint team.

Cloney themselves created opportunities as lone forward Steven Leckey was creating havoc in the home defence. His strong running and directness caused a few problems for the home defence and was unlucky to see a triple save between the goalkeeper and defender see the scores remain level.

Karl Diven had a chance soon after as he raced through only to head over when well placed from a Glen Buchanan cross, in a half that was limited in clear opportunities.

Cloney continued to allow Warrenpoint possession but as soon as they attacked the midfield of Knox, McAdam, Beattie, Diven and Shields were quick to close down their opponents. However, with their only real lapse in concentration they were punished as 10 minutes before the break the home team worked a good free kick to score, with a midfielder making a late run into the box and powering home unchallenged.

The half-time break seemed to disrupt the Cloney discipline and concentration in maintaining shape as their opponents stretched their lead to two with an early headed goal. This was harsh on the defence of Brooker, Woods, Buchanan and Carson who had played so well in the first half.

Cloney continued to play the high tempo game of closing down and harrying. Warrenpoint continued to push forward and were awarded a penalty, which Cloney thought extremely harsh as no contact seemed to be made with the forward. The resulting spot kick dispatched into the top corner.

Cloney changed shape to try and get back into the game moving to 4-4-2 which made the game more open. Leckey continued to create problems and stung the paws of the home keeper. Warrenpoint also started to have more chances and hit the woodwork twice.

With subs Hilary and Vallely on Cloney seemed to pose a greater threat but could not fashion any clear cut opportunities. Knox and McAdam had half chances that did not trouble the keeper to any extent. While both Hilary and Vallely created openings that they could not force home.

In the end Cloney came away with a 3-0 defeat but can take positives out of the defeat especially against an experienced, strong team.

Leckey worked tirelessly all day and deserves all the plaudits, Andrew Woods showed maturity with his display in the back line against and experienced campaigner and Adam Beattie in midfield put in a tenacious performance.

Donacloney Reserves suffered a 4-2 defeat at home to Rectory Rangers. Geoff Johnson with his first ever career goal and David Calvert the scorers, although the Cloney did miss a penalty which could of proved costly when the scores were level.