05/09/2026
Draperstown Celtic 2 - 4 Cookstown Youth
DC welcomed the first game of the season with anticipation and confidence, reflected by a dominant start by DC holding possession high in the opposing half, calm passing yielding several opportunities for shots on goal including a strike on the crossbar.
The breakthrough came in the 21st minute against the run of play.. with Cookstown Youth stumbling through the middle and shooting from the edge of the Box, 0-1 Down.
Cookstowns confidence visibly rose, and they seemed to get to every second ball first, turning over possession, cutting out loose passes, frustrating attacks and pressing us in return, DC had to work hard, and found themselves 2-0 down after 32 minutes.
There were a few notable attacks from DC with Ryan braking down the wing, whose shot just tricked past the far post. Dean also had a shot save low to the keepers right after a more characteristic passing move be DC down the left.
Half time allowed DC to reflect and catch their breath ready for what would be a competitive second half.
48’ minutes saw a remarkable strike outside the D, to put Cookstown 3-0 up
53rd minute saw out first changes, with the bench eager to make a positive impact. Dylan coming in for Dean and Ethan on for Aiden Lagan.
55 minutes saw DC go 4-0 down however, after a failed clearance in the box, many felt a foul had been committed, but the goal stood.
Ray came on for Ryan in the 60th minute, and DC got a goal back, Captain Aaron McBride fired home from close range after A low driving cross from right back Tommy. 1-4.
Sean, on for Dara Mckinless and Blondie, on for Callum in the 64th minute.
DC kept their heads up and clearly felt there were more goals to be had. Passes started flowing and DC looked more threatening than they had all game, momentum started to shift in out favour.
After several breaks and chances, DC were rewarded with the goal, coming from Blondie in the 88th minute, assisted by Reece. 2 goals to Cookstowns 4.
Time however, ran out.
Players can take confidence from a better overall 2nd half performance, and the knowledge we can be very competitive in this league.
