Orangefield v Derriaghy CC - League

30/10/10

Gibson Park

1B contenders Derriaghy arrive at Cregagh Sports Club unbeaten to-day for a tasty top of the table clash. Orangefield unbeaten at home this season have one change from last week Dean Cousins in for the unavailable Ryan McNaul, Brian Reynolds drops into full back.

  Orangefield start well attacking downhill and almost go one up inside five mins, but the Derriaghy keeper pulls off a great full stretch save from a Nathan O'Neill rocket 20yrds out after some good approach play on the left from William Richie. The home sides good start did'nt last long though as Derriaghy  right midfielder cuts inside and rifles a shot from the edge of the area into the top corner, giving young Darlington no chance 0-1 on 10mins. Not the start Orangefield were hoping for but have shown great maturity for their young years this season, and didnt let that set back phase them as it only took them 10mins to level the game. Orangefield gain a free kick after a bit of sustained pressure. A great ball in from William Richie was met with a header from Tony Craig at the back post. A good leap above the visiting defenders guiding the ball passed the reach of the diving keeper 1-1 0n 20mins. Orangefield tails are up playing with plenty of confidence going forward, but Derriaghy are no mugs and are still well in a fast paced game. Tackles are flying in midfield with O'Neill and Craig just edging it, Cousins and Richie working hard on the flanks. The home back four have to be strong and solid as the visiting front two are very lively with good movement. After 40mins the Derriaghy defence is undone again from a set peice, Orangefield win a few consecutive corners from good pressure play. Dean Cousins whips in a great ball to the back post where full back David Wilson leaps above everyone to knock in Orangefields second to go 2-1 up just before half time.

Half-time: 2-1

Derriagy come out second half all guns blazing causing Orangefield back four to work harder bringing out great perfomances from McNaul and D'Arcy winning the aerial battle in the centre, with full backs Reynolds and Wilson cutting out the threat from the flanks. Orangefield get back into the game after some early Derriaghy pressure, Harvey and Dempster causing havoc up front with some great movement and hold up play. Harvey takes on a defender and gets pushed wide but somehow gets a pinpiont ball into the on running Cousins who places a side foot volley passed the keeper from 12yrds 3-1on 55mins. A well taken goal from Dean after some great attacking play from Chris Harvey. Derriaghy heads drop as Orangefield dominate the game for 25mins or so creating some good chances. Derriaghy come back with a flourish in the last 10mins but were unable to break down the home sides resolute defence.

Full-time: 3-1

Another great home win and superb performances all round the team, the result takes Orangefield five points clear at the top of 1B. This weeks MOM was won for second week running by skipper Andy D'Arcy

Team: Darlington, Reynolds, McNaul S, D'Arcy(capt), Wilson, Cousins, Craig,

Richie, Harvey, Dempster, Subs  Quinn, Cunningham, Dornan