Disputed red card is turning point for Dollingstown as they bow out of cup

Dollingstown’s Irish Cup run ended at Annagh United as the home side gained revenge for a recent Mid Ulster Cup defeat with a 2-1 win on Saturday.
Dollingstown's Glen Hand tries to steal the ball from Annagh United player Philip Craig during last Saturdays match. INPT50-601AMDollingstown's Glen Hand tries to steal the ball from Annagh United player Philip Craig during last Saturdays match. INPT50-601AM
Dollingstown's Glen Hand tries to steal the ball from Annagh United player Philip Craig during last Saturdays match. INPT50-601AM

The visitors had wind advantage in the first half and set about their task as early as the second minute, but Robinson in the Annagh goals got down well at the near post to save from Glen Hand.

Then on the quarter hour mark Ritchie Thompson and Hand got in each others way when clear inside the penalty area. Dollingstown were harshly penalised on 20 minutes when the referee, who in tandem with his senior linesman who had a dreadful afternoon for both sides with numerous disputed decisions, handed a straight red card to Jordan Gibson for a comment he made to the linesman who gave a goal kick after Gibson shielded the ball for a corner which was seen by everyone in the ground.

Manager Gary Duke introduced Redpath and McConnell at half time for King and Hughes but fell behind again in controversial circumstances on 55 minutes when McCordick headed home a left wing cross.

However the linesman gave a goal kick which was supported by the referee but after investigation he changed his mind as there was a hole in the netting which was poor as it had not been inspected by the referee before the game.

Magee then came on for Walker on 63 minutes and this presented a great chance for Dollingstown to equalise when the hard working Glen Hand found himself one on one with the keeper but Robinson saved with his feet.

Jay Gardiner put Annagh two up on 70 minutes when he tapped in at the back post following a deep cross from the right wing however Dollingstown kept going and pulled a goal back on 78 minutes after Robinson saved from Hand, the alert Redpath followed up to score.

This was as close as Dollingstown got to an equaliser and Annagh almost scored again the final minutes but for a great save by Kris Fletcher.

Overall a solid performance by 10 men for most of the game in tough windy conditions.

Dollingstown: Fletcher, Coleman, Moffett, King, Walker, Hughes, Rodgers, Thompson, Hand, Gibson, Lavery.

Subs were Redpath, Magee, McConnell and Denver.

On Saturday Dollingstown host Bangor at 1.30pm in the Intermediate Cup.

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