Dromore U18s and Cookstown share spoils

Before the game commenced both teams and spectators observed a minute silence in reference to the Spence family tragedy in Hillsborough.

As the game got under way Dromore were a goal to the good within two minutes when Jordan Neill received a ball from Henderson and stroked it home with his left foot when placed just inside the box.

Dromore continued to take the game to Cookstown and Walker and Henderson were controlling the midfield, Campbell and Mullholland were finding plenty of space on the flanks and Campbell’s trickery almost helped Dromore increase the lead when he sent in a great delivery but striker McKinstry was beaten to the ball by the defender.

The momentum was all with Dromore but against the run of play Cookstown were level. The referee adjudged that a Dromore player had fouled the Cookstown midfielder, he awarded a free kick 35 yards from goal. The kick was taken and as keeper Mallon was back peddling he could only help it into the goal.

McMurtry then made a superb challenge when he charged down the striker and threw his body in front of the ball as he was about to shoot.

Dromore then rallied to get back into the lead and deservedly did so when Martin played the ball up the line. McKinstry’s persistence won the ball and he beat the defender and played the ball across for Campbell to slot home at the back post.

Dromore continued to control the game although a lapse in concentration seen a Cookstown player race through and level the scores right on the halftime whistle.

The pattern of the second half was much similar as the first with Dromore doing the pressing and Cookstown soaking up the pressure.

Neill, McKinstry and Martin all had good chances to put Dromore in front again but were unlucky when well placed.

Dromore replaced Henderson with Scapitticci and pushed Topley into midfield. Mullholland was then replaced by Nicholson.

Dromore were then denied a penalty when Neill struck the ball towards goal and it was stopped by the arm of the Cookstown defender but the referee waved play on.

Dromore then introduced new signing Scott Bell and the striker could have sealed the game when he broker free but his shot was comfortably saved by the keeper.

Ward then replaced McKinstry as the Amateurs went looking the winner but Cookstown could have stole the three points only the striker missed the target in the dying minutes keeping Dromore unbeaten run intact. Next week see’s the 18S play Markethill on Friday night at Cheyney park Banbridge. 8oclock kick off.

Squad: Mallon, McMurtry, Topley, Hamilton, Martin, Walker, Henderson, Mullholland, Campbell, McKinstry, Neill, Ward, Bell, Nicholson, Scapitticci, Finnegan.