Victory a Shaw thing

Entering the match unbeaten in the league Dromore were keen to gain revenge after their Border Cup defeat against the same opposition two weeks ago.

The match opened evenly enough with both teams enjoying equal possession but without creating any real chances in the opening 20 minutes. Reverting back to a 4-4-2 formation the Dromore back four of Walsh, McCartan, Shaw and McMurray looked comfortable and in control.

As the game went on the home side got into their stride and were able to exert pressure on the away tea,m especially down the right hand side where Andy McDonald was enjoying plenty of the ball in attacking situations.

Indeed it was through McDonald, after good work from the Dromore midfield of Beattie and Smylie, that the game's first chance was created when a cross was headed narrowly wide by Robert Coady. Shortly afterwards however the visitors could have equalised when a slip by one of the Dromore defenders allowed the attacker in for a clear shot on goal which also went narrowly wide. With no further incidents to note the first half ended at 0-0.

The second half started and it was the visitors who started the better but the home team weathered all early pressure and once again settled into the game. Once again the home team were enjoying possession down the right hand side and this pressure resulted in a number of corners.

Dromore manager Barry Taylor made two successive changes, bringing on Rodger Downey for fresh legs and Stephen Haslem for a change in tactics. With 80 minutes gone a corner from Coady found the impressive Shaw on the edge of the box who volleyed home for a deserved 1-0 lead.

The home team then found themselves under a lot of pressure as the visitors attacked hard for the equaliser. Sensing their moment they sent forward their keeper for three successive corners only for a fantastic save by Beggs, who dived smartly to his right to deny a certain equaliser.

The pressure continued throughout the 5 minutes of injury time the referee decided to play but the Dromore defence held strong to secure the victory.

Afterwards Dromore manager Barry Taylor commented on how happy he was with the result and the performance. "We are definitely proving extremely difficult to beat, it was real pleasing to get our noses in front and then to defend the way we did under huge pressure was great," he said.

"This is especially more pleasing as unfortunately we had some injury problems and the team had to be reshuffled; I think the whole team performed really well but special plaudits to the defence and goalkeeper who were fantastic."

Next week Dromore are in cup action again, hosting Premiership side Islandmagee in the Intermediate Cup. "This has the potential of being a good game and if play we play anywhere near to our potential we can definitely give Islandmagee a run for their money and an upset could be on the cards. Once again thanks to the supporters for turning out and I urge them and others to continue to support their local team," commented Taylor.