The Dollybirds Give The Mallards A Tough Test In Irish Cup But Come Away With Narrow Defeat

DFC made the long trip to championship side Ballinamallard United in the 5th round of the Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup on Saturday and came away with a very narrow 1-0 defeat.

DFC set up to keep the game tight from the opening minutes and the home side should have scored when a free header from a left wing cross was headed over the bar.

Then after failing to clear there lines DFC were almost outdone but the shot was deflected for a corner and Maguire then pulled off a fine save to keep the score line blank.

On a rare break away Hand fired over the bar before another fine stop by Maguire who was finally beaten with what turned out to be the only goal of the game on 44 minutes despite saving the initial shot he was beaten on the follow up.

Credit to DFC in the second half as they changed formation with Liggett replacing Patterson and they controlled aspects of the game which will be pleasing for the management team.

A neat move down the right between Gourley and Thompson seen a good shot dip over the bar and Thompson was thought one on one with the keeper in a race for the ball but again failed to convert.

Thompson then made way for Elliott Rea and in the final minute the all exclusive chance came there way but Acheson shot was smothered by Connolly in the home goal.

We would like to thank Ballinamallard for there kind hospitality and wish them all the best in the next round.

Back to league action now for the remainder of the season starting with a very difficult home fixture next Saturday against a resurgent Moyola Park team.