The boys have Dun well!
The local lads had a rest day on Wednesday. County Down were due to play Club Marcet in the quarter-finals of the Dunluce Trophy, but the Spaniard's withdrawal earlier in the week meant a bye into the semi’s.
After disappointing performances on the opening two days, County Down hit top gear in a 4-0 victory over County Fermanagh in the semi-final of the Dunluce Trophy at the Warren in Portstewart on Thursday.
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Hide AdKurtis Coffey played a key role in two of Down’s goals. Coffey was upended by the Fermanagh keeper in the box after 25 minutes. Ethan Knipe confidently despatched the penalty into the corner.
County Down doubled their advantage six minutes later. Coffey fired in a pinpoint cross from the right and Jamie Sharvin stooped to head in.
Adam Harwood’s deflected 30 yard shot in the 42nd minute furthered the lead.
Substitute Rossa Murray completed the scoring with four minutes remaining.
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Hide AdCounty Down ended the week by lifting the Dunluce Trophy with a thumping 5-2 win over Brentford at Rugby Avenue on Friday.
Down lost central defender Padraig McGrath who was stretchered off with a knee injury after just four minutes.
John Bailie’s side took the lead after 28 minutes. Jamie Sharvin’s volley was saved by Halil Jamit and Johnny Kane was on hand to stab the ball home.
Brentford drew level two minutes later. Louis Adesanya following up after a good initial save by Paul Campbell.
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Hide AdCounty Down regained the lead immediately. Captain Ethan Knipe’s shot deflected in off a Brentford defender.
Down went further in front two minutes after the break. Michael Hunsdale’s free-kick was too hot to handle for substitute keeper Michael Pearce, and Kurtis Coffey slotted home.
It was 4-1 after 34 minutes. Kane’s header from TJ Murray’s corner was initially saved by Pearce and Jordan McMillan bundled the ball over the line.
Matthew Geddis came on and scored a quality goal for County Down with just a minute remaining.
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Hide AdThe local lads conceded deep into injury time but it was too little too late for Brentford.
Chairman Bobbie Reid made presentations to the players at the Lodge Hotel in Coleraine following Friday’s final. Johnny Kane was named as the Players Player and also lifted the Chairman’s Cup for best player. Ethan Knipe won the award for top scorer.
Squad: Paul Campbell, Jay Shields, Michael Hunsdale, Johnny Kane, Gary McBride, Padraig McGrath, TJ Murray, Sean McGonigle, Kurtis Coffey, Ethan Knipe, Jamie Sharvin, Adam Harwood, Conor Savage, Jamie MacKenzie, Jordan McMillan, Matthew Geddis, Rossa Murray, John Gunning.