Donard Hosp v Orangefield

League Div 1B

26/02/11

Orangefield travel to Billy Neill playing fields for today’s game against local rivals Donard Hospital. David Wilson picks up the captains armband due to skipper Andy D’Arcy missing his first game of the season with a shoulder injury, also Sam McNaul returns to the back four after a long lay off with an ankle injury.

Donard start the game as a strong wind blows across field making conditions difficult for the opening 15 mins, it doesn’t deter the visitors though as they start well with a good tempo to their play. Dean Cousins and Nathan O’Neill dictating centre midfield with purpose and desire. Cunningham and Reynolds making good runs on opposing flanks taking on the full backs to good effect, creating a couple of early chances for strikers Harvey and Dempster.

Orangefield continue to press Donard onto their 18yard line with good pressure on the ball, with support from full backs Ryan McNaul and McQuillen getting balls in from wide areas giving the home defence on their toes. The visitors gain a free kick on the left after some good approach play from Cunningham, Nathan O’Neill shapes up to take the kick from almost on the touchline 20yrds out. He strikes a tremendous shot straight into the top corner giving the keeper no chance, strike of the year so far 1-0 on 20 mins. Orangefield tails up press forward for another, with Sam McNaul bringing the ball out of defence on a surging run. The Orangefield sweeper gets fouled inside Donard half, but the referee allows play to continue much to the annoyance of McNaul. Donard counter with three against two but fail to capitalise on the ref’s generosity. It’s a let for Orangefield that seems to disrupt the rhythm of their play as Donard come into the game and test the visitors back four with a good spell of play. The home side get their reward 5 mins from the half when Orangefield fail to deal with a free kick that comes back of the crossbar only to be knocked in by the Donard forward to level the game.

H/T 1-1

Orangefield come out second half with the managers strong words ringing in their ears, an improvement is needed all round the park to gain three vital points.

   Players respond well as they are right back on the offensive with an early chance from Dempster. Orangefield take the lead again through O’Neill after a goalmouth scramble. O’Neill in the right place to get his second of the game 2-1 0n 55mins. The visitors are through on goal again when Dempster runs onto a great through ball which looked well onside only for the ref to disagree and pull play back. Orangefield squander a few more chances to make the game more comfortable and Donard could’nt find a way through a solid Orangefield back five.

F/T 2-1

Team : Darlington, McNaul R, Wilson (capt), McNaul S, McQuillen, Cunningham, Cousins, O’Neill, Reynolds, Harvey, Dempster,  Subs, Gibson, Waterson, McConnell