Starting line-up (4-4-2): JP McConnell, K McCullagh, M ONeil, D McSorley, M OKane, D McKillion, G Conway, A Burns, C Donnelly, K Laughry, G Bradley
Subs: S Dobbs, G OKane, C OKane, S McGrogan,
Draperstown kicked off with a strong breeze slightly in there favour and straight away got on top of the game. They created chances right from the off, which is unusual for the side. After 5 minutes McKillion nearly scored. A long cross just eluded him, but was headed back into the box by Cathal Donnelly. McKillion turned and nodded it on, but unfortunately, just past the post.
Fortunately, two minutes later they gained the lead. On his debut, Laughry scored after a brilliant corner by Donnelly which had thrown the East End goalkeeper completely off. A dream start.
Soon after this East End suffered another set back, being reduced to ten men, not through a red card but due to injury. With no subs available and their striker unable to continue East End had to play on minus one man.
After this Draperstown continued to dominate but looked a little vulnerable at the back. A few more chances came for the homeboys, but nothing clear-cut. Towards the end of the half, East End slowly gained more possession and looked a bit more like the table toppers they were. This led to them nearly gaining an undeserving draw. A dangerous corner was swung in from the right and reached an unmarked man at the back post who was only denied a goal by a great goal line clearance by McCullagh.
In the 2nd half Draperstown looked nervous and were becoming increasingly stretched at the back. A few times they were saved from conceding only by the offside flag, which on a few occasions could have stayed down to no argument.
East End were getting on top in the midfield and soon after scored a lucky goal. A deflected and wind guided hopeful shot from the edge of the box somehow found its way into the top corner of the net.
East End dominated proceedings from then on in, but never really looked too dangerous whilst Draperstown had one or two good chances including a good run from McKillion which ended with a poor shot straight into the arms of the East End goalkeeper, who had been having a horrendous game, constantly dropping the ball.
