No reward for hard work on away trip

good football in these conditions at Moyola Park on Saturday.

It was so dark that the referee had to get the floodlights turned on at the start of the game.

Neither goalkeeper was really tested at all during the first half but credit should be given to both defences for this.

Indeed Dollingstown full back Dwayne Kerr made a fantastic tackle on 25 minute mark to deny Moyola the opening goal.

Dollingstown created a few chances during the first period mainly down the right flank but failed to capitalise on these and both teams went in all square at the interval.

In the second half the rain eased off a little and Dollingstown produced their best 45 minute display in recent months but couldn’t actually convert any of the numerous chances they created into goals, some due to poor finishing but mainly due to a wonderful defensive rear guard display by Moyola.

On 55 minutes striker Ritchie Thompson pulled the ball back for Chris Kingsberry inside the area but instead of shooting with his left foot he tried to get the ball onto his right and the chance was once again gone.

Then seven minutes later Moyola centre forward Dowie showed how it should be done when he rifled home a shot from just outside the box into the roof of the net against the run of play.

Dollingstown then went even more on the offensive for the remainder of the match but couldn’t find the equaliser that they deserved.

This was a much better performance by the whole of the team from recent weeks and they felt disappointed to come

away empty handed none more so than midfielder Neil Clydesdale who gave a masterly performance throughout the whole game.

The defeat ends Dollingstown’s hopes of a promotion spot, but they can now concentrate on consolidating their position in the table.

Dollingstown: K Fletcher, J Redpath, D Kerr, A Moffett, N King, R Thompson, M Hughes, N Clydesdale, G Hand, R Donaghy, C Kingsberry.

Subs used were: G Ringland, C Cunningham and A Walker.

On Saturday Dollingstown host Newington at Planters Park at 3.00pm.