Duke’s players suffer double defeat across league and knockout games inside five days

The hosts came close to kicking off the scoring inside the opening moments but Richie Thompson fired wide after racing clear of the PSNI backline.

Jordan Gibson blasted a long-range drive against the crossbar on 15 minutes but the next talking point arrived when Kris Fletcher pulled off a double save.

An own goal by Neil King placed PSNI in control after the half-hour mark, forcing Dollingstown to regroup.

The home side levelled play when Thompson’s wind-assisted delivery dropped into the net.

Glen Hand steered a shot in the second half wide of the target.

A mistake handed PSNI the advantage on 51 minutes that proved decisive across the rest of the league date.

It marked the second defeat inside five days for Dollingstown off the back of a midweek reverse in League Cup play to Harland and Wolff Welders.

The 2-1 league reverse arrived following a knockout defeat on a 4-0 tally to the Welders.

Dollingstown officials would like to thank Commercial Spares and Durnian Architects for matchday sponsorship.

Dollingstown visit Dungannon Swifts reserves in the Bob Radcliffe Cup second round on Saturday from 2.30.

The rest of the draw is as follows: St Mary’s v Dungannon Rovers, Armagh City v Windmill Stars, Coagh United v Annagh United, Banbridge Town v Moneyslane, Glenavon reserves v Hanover, Lurgan Celtic v Rathfriland Rangers, Loughgall v Camlough Rovers.

In the Mid-Ulster Cup, first-round ties on Tuesday, September 22 will kick-off at 7.45: Armagh City v Lurgan celtic, Annagh United v Dollingstown, Loughgall v Banbridge Town.