Downshire YM V Orangefield OB   League 1B

05/02/11

Orangefield resume their league programme with a visit to Hillsborough, against a Downshire team that is quietly climbing the table.

Orangefield still without Sam McNaul and Tony Craig (injured), into the squad comes Johnny Gibson who’s been out long term and Michael Lemon.

Orangefield do well to contain the home side in the first 30 mins as a fortnight’s lay off shows in the visitors play. Orangefield take hold of the game in the last 15mins but largely the 1st half  passes without goal or incident.

Half-Time: 0-0

Five mins into the second half when  Wilson gives a short back pass to Darlington in the Orangefield goal but the Downshire centre forward was onto it in a flash, took the ball around the keeper to score 1-0. The visitors out of sorts after that set back go two goals down on 15mins when a Downshire forward gets free in the box and directs a good header passed Darlington into the net on 60mins and leaves Orangefield a mountain to climb.2-0.

The visitors respond well and pull a goal back from a Nathan O’Neill long range strike, a reward for a good ten minute spell of sustained pressure 2-1on 70mins. Orangefield tails up and pushing forward with new found vigour as Downshire seem to lose their way.

Skipper Andy D’Arcy finds himself in the opposition half and makes a good run, takes a return ball in his stride and shoots just inside the box. The keeper gets his finger tips to it but cant keep it out 2-2 Orangefield are level with 15 mins to play.

Orangefield continue to press forward sensing they could win the game as fresh legs are put out on both flanks with Johnny Gibson left and Paul McConnell on the right. McConnell makes a great run down the right only to be taken out by the full back who’s let off lightly by the ref with only a yellow card. Orangefield get the ball in the danger area again Chris Harvey gets on the end of a good pass and scores with five mins remaining 2-3.

Orangefield only have to see the game out for what would be a great three points, Downshire disappointed to let a two goal lead slip press Orangefield back onto their 18 yard line with some good attacking play, Orangefield defend well as Downshire throw everything at the Visitors. Well into injury time when Downshire gain a free kick, a challenge from Orangefield left back McQuillen. The ball’s knocked into the box and somehow gets scrambled into the Orangefield net 3-3 on 95mins which turns out to be the final kick of the ball as the ref blows for full time.

Full-Time: 3-3

Orangefield drop points again with their third consecutive league draw.

Team…  Darlington, McNaul R, D’Arcy (capt), Wilson, McQuillen, Reynolds, O’Neill, Cousins, Cunningham, Harvey, Dempster.  Subs… Gibson, McConnell, Lemon