History making win for Dollingstown

The current Intermediate A league champions and Marshall Cup holders can now add the Premier Cup to their impressive collection as they claimed victory in the most dramatic of circumstances at Crystal Park, Banbridge.

Gary Duke opted for an attacking formation against underdogs Fivemiletown United restoring top scorer Ashley Gregg to the side in an attempt to over power their rivals, but it was favourites Dollingstown who found themselves under pressure in the early stages of the match.

It was clear that United were up for the final and this was going to be no canter for Town. They pressurised every ball and Dollingstown were slow to adjust to the fast tempo set by the Tyrone men.

A series of corners almost brought the opening goal for United. On one occasion Crawford had to react well to gather an effort on the line.

To their credit though the Planters Park side weathered the storm and slowly got into the game. The left side always looked threatening with Walker’s pace and the running of Thompson clearly a concern for Fivemiletown. Gregg and Montgomery were also linking well with both players narrowly adjudged to be offside when put through on goal.

On 15 minutes Dollingstown took the lead against the run of play. Walker was taken down in a threatening area just outside the box. With Gregg and Walker over the ball it looked like a strike on goal was on the cards, but Gregg had other ideas. He floated a delightful chip into the box for the onrushing Thompson to head home from six yards. It was rough on United who had been dominating up until this point.

The game became scrappy as the half wore on with some tenacious tackling by both sets of players and few chances created by either side. The Dollingstown back three of Savage,Moffett and McAdam, who have been in fine form, had to cope with late pressure before the break with team captain Moffett in particular producing a towering display at centre half. Dollingstown started the second half brighter with Wing and Cunningham keen to get on the ball and start some promising moves from deep. Town were still creating chances albeit not clear cut ones but the signs were there that a second goal was on the cards when first Gregg and then Montgomery blasted shots just over the bar from 20 yards.

A surging run by Walker resulted in a penalty claim on 55 minutes but the referee waved the appeal away. The same player then broke and crossed to the back post but no one was up with play to convert a good opportunity.

Fivemiletown were gifted an equaliser on 60 minutes when a forward turned Moffett inside the box and fired a weak effort at goal. Crawford could only parry the shot into the path of a Unired striker who tapped in from two yards. The goal came out of nothing but spurred United on in search of the winner.

On 65 minutes Davison was introduced into the middle of the park and he almost made an immediate impact when a well worked move resulted in the ball falling for him on the edge of the box but he dragged his shot wide.

On 75 minutes captain Moffett had to be withdrawn with a head injury, Peter Wright taking his place. Gregg broke clear in the box on 78 minutes but the striker chose the wrong option by shooting when Montgomery looked to be in a better position in front of goal. At the other end a free kick from 20 yards was fired over the bar as Utd continued to look threatening especially from set plays.

With all subs used Thompson picked up an ankle injury late on for Dollingstown and this dented attacking options for Gary Duke’s side as the game reached its climax. Final Score 1-1

Extra time was telling a tale as fatigue crept into both sides. Dollingstown looked fitter though but despite looking the more likely winners in open play they couldn’t find that killer pass or shot when it mattered most. The game finished 1-1. The lottery of penalty kicks awaited.

Fivemiletown stepped up first and missed giving advantage to Dollingstown. Wright converted as did Gregg, Montgomery and keeper Crawford. The Tyrone side scored all of their remaining kicks which left Adam Walker with the decisive kick to win it for Gary Duke’s side. The talented full back showed nerves of steel as he rifled home giving the keeper no chance. The kick sent Dollingstown into raptures, 5-4 on penalties, and a first Premier Cup success for the village side.

Man of the Match was Aaron Moffett

This Saturday brings another massive game as Dollingstown aim to reach their third successive Marshall Cup final with victory over rivals Warrenpoint Town at Bourneview, Portadown.

Team: Crawford, Denver, Walker, Savage, Moffett, McAdam, Wing, Cunningham, Montgomery, Gregg,T hompson. Subs: Davison, Wright, Derby, Keegan, Hinds.