United clinch third title

Manager Gary Simpson, in his first full season in charge, was thrilled that they had clinched the title again.

“These are the days that make all the training and hard work worthwile. It’s been a great season for the club as a whole but it isn’t over yet.

“We have a tough semi-final against Strabane next week and that’s a chance to get to another final and play for another trophy, which we obviously want to do,” continued Simpson.

“We can get a treble, which would be huge but we will enjoy today for what it is because this doesn’t happen very often so we must enjoy it while we can.”

The passing game that Newbuildings have become accustomed to was expected to be dropped in favour of a grittier performance on the testing surface but the middle trio of Wallace, McIvor and Ferguson coped well with the surface keeping possession with poise.

Ferguson was the first to trouble the Draperstown back four with his passing, giving Wayne Glenn the opportunity to strike at goal but unfortunately for United the young striker dragged his effort wide of the post.

With Blair and Moore’s defensive solidity keeping Draperstown quiet Newbuildings grew into the game assertively and the opening goal was deserved when it came. Ferguson was proving to be a thorn in Draperstown’s side and when he released Curry on the right it allowed the winger to deliver a cross which Glenn made no mistake with, firing high into the roof of the net to give United the lead.

Draperstown were struggling with the pace of Curry and Falconer but it was Wallace in the midfield who was imposing himself on the game and he came close to doubling United’s lead when he headed wide from a Falconer corner.

United did double their lead moments later when right back Kelly delivered a pinpoint ball onto the head of Wallace who ensured his effort hit the back of the net this time, leaving the keeper with no chance.

Newbuildings had an opportunity to put the game to bed in the dying embers of the first 45, but Falconer’s effort was cleared off the line with the keeper beaten.

Draperstown started the second half brightly enjoying plenty of possession but Blair was marshalling the United defence well, leaving goalkeeper McCloskey with very little to do in the Newbuildings goal.

For all the possession they had Draperstown failed to make it count and closing in on the hour mark Falconer thought he had made it three but for a point blank save from the Draperstown custodian.

Celtic began to attack Newbuildings with all their might as they tried in vain to get back into the game, but the gung-ho attacks opened up huge gaps in the Draperstown defence which United sought to capitalise on.

Draperstown were pushing forward when Blair stole the ball and set off Falconer, Wallace, Curry and substitute Clark but the front four were unable to make their strength in numbers pay, although amid some controversy it must be said.

As Wallace went clean through on goal he appeared to be dragged to the ground just as he was pulling the trigger, but the referee waved play on much to the astonishment of the Newbuildings players and fans.

United did have their penalty five minutes later however courtesy of a harsh handball, but Curry failed to make the opportunity reimburse his efforts as he skewed his penalty wide of the post having sent the keeper the wrong way.

The penalty miss was forgotten minutes later when Curry and Wallace linked up, as the latter received a pass from the winger before rifling a shot into the corner with the goalkeeper rooted.

The Waterside men were now cruising and the final whistle was greeted with jubilant scenes involving the players and staff as the club secured a third title in a row with two games remaining.