Early cup exit for Dromore U15s

DROMORE Amateurs Youth U15s stumbled to a disappointing defeat in the first round of the NIBFA cup to opponents Lower Maze at Cheney Park in Banbridge on Saturday

The locals were forced into positional changes due to the absence of striker, Christian Kennedy. Jordan Brush was pushed up to anchor the midfield with Daris Benallal with David Maze playing just in front and linking up with central striker, Jack Lennon. Jordan Green switched to right of midfield with Aaron Ball starting on the left.

Matthew Doyle slotted in at centre back alongside Louis Simpson with Daniel Abraham and Simon Percy at full backs and Jack Daly in goal.

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Lower Maze edged the opening exchanges but Dromore adapted to their changes and began to show signs of the form which had seen them win their last two league matches.

However, just as Dromore were beginning to find their feet in the game, a superbly struck, speculative shot from 25 yards sailed high over Jack Daly’s head and into the net to give Lower Maze the lead.

Dromore fought back well, despite losing David Maze to injury. His replacement, Ben Martin was unfortunate to see a shot just clear the bar from the edge of the box. Benallal and Lennon were causing problems for the Lisburn League side but Dromore were unable to fashion any clear cut chances

Lower Maze went 2-0 up after 20 minutes when they broke on the left and found their centre forward free in the box. Despite Matthew Doyle’s last ditch challenge as the striker shot, the ball rolled agonisingly over the line.

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If 2-0 was a somewhat harsh score line at that stage for Dromore things became worse when they conceded again on 30 mins and went into the break 3-0 down.

David Maze re-joined the game at half -time, replacing Matthew Doyle with Jordan Brush reverting to centre back. Dromore’s hopes of a fight back were dashed three minutes into the half when they conceded a fourth goal to a long cross from the left which was converted at the back post. Buoyed by their lead, Lower Maze grew in confidence and the Dromore back four were forced had to work hard to keep the score at 0-4, thanks to Jack Daly making a couple of fine saves and timely interventions form Abraham, Simpson and Brush. However, despite their best efforts they conceded again to leave the final score at 5-0 Dromore.

Dromore will be disappointed with the manner of the defeat against a side which, on paper, were favourites but whom, on the pitch could, and should, have been given a much more uncomfortable time by a Dromore side that fell below the standard of their last two performances.

The Christmas break provides an opportunity for the side to regroup and to approach their league campaign in the New Year with renewed commitment and optimism

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SQUAD: Jack Daly, Daniel Abraham, Matthew Doyle, Louis Simpson , Simon Percy, Jordan Brush, Daris Benallal , Jordan Green, David Maze, Aaron Ball, Jack Lennon, Ben Martin

Dromore coaches’ Man of the Match – Daniel Abraham

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