Disappointment for Dromore in cup

The championship opposition proved too strong for the Amateur League team who failed to make any real imprint on the game much to the disappointment of the Dromore team and officials.

Playing a different formation to try and combat the Annagh front two, Dromore went behind after six mins when a deflection fell for the home team whose centre forward dispatched with relative ease.

The Amateurs continued to struggle for the majority of the first half and conceded another goal when their defence was breached on the right hand side which led to a clever pull back again clinically put away by the Annagh player.

Still hoping for a breakthrough, Dromore never gave up and indeed could have scored when a corner kick was narrowly missed by David Smylie who headed wide from five yards.

Unfortunately Dromore conceded another soft goal when from a short free kick, the Annagh player was allowed to turn and pick his spot from outside the box making it 3-0.

Much to their credit Dromore continued to work hard and almost forced themselves back into the game when a free kick from Andy McDonald found Matt Shaw who also was unable to convert the chance and the first half ended at 3 nil to the home team.

Dromore made a couple of changes in the second half in an attempt to get back into the game, bringing on Willie McMurray and Kevin Walsh whilst urging the team forward to attack and play their normal passing and high tempo game.

Although another soft goal was conceded early in the second half the men in orange enjoyed more possession than the first half and displayed on occasions their ability to play football and get at the opposition. On a couple of occasions quick counter attacks almost paid dividends but final balls proved to be the stumbling block.

With 30 minutes to go Dromore brought on their final sub Rodger Downey who immediately found his feet in the game.

However the visitors continued to find themselves under pressure and once again conceded a fifth goal. Once again to their credit the amateur league team never gave up and continued plugging away.

This perseverance and never say die attitude paid off when Rodger Downey scored a consolation goal after breaking down the left hand side and unleashing a thunderbolt left foot shot which found the top left hand corner. Minutes late the referee blew the final whistle and the game ended 5-.

After the game Dromore coach Ronnie Murdock commented that it was disappointing as Dromore never really demonstrated their true worth.

“We never got going in the first half, we are a far better passing team than this and we all hoped we could have put on a better show,” he said.

“However onwards and upwards and at least we can concentrate on the league next week when we play Kilroot, hopefully we can get back to winning ways”