Draperstown Starting line-up (4-4-2): JP McConnell, D McKillion, D McSorley, G OKane, M OKane, C OKane, A Burns, J Higgins, K ONeill, K Laughry, M Diamond
Subs: C Diamond, S McGuigan, G Player 

Draperstown travelled to the league cup winners with six notable absentees through various injuries and illnesses. However, it did not show as they started the match by far the livelier side, holding possession, creating chances and closing down the opposition. 

There were few chances that seemed likely to break the deadlock, with most of the match being played in the middle third of the pitch. In midfield, Draperstown held strong and the defence contained the East End forwards, not allowing them to play their usual flowing football. 

Up front, a few chances were made but tight defending allowed no goals in the first half. 

Draperstown set out in the second half to play the same way as the first. However, against the hill, this proved a tough task. East End began to come more and more into the match. However, their fruitless attacking play left them exposed at the back and on more than one occasion, Draperstown could have snatched the lead. 

Draperstown began to look ragged and outplayed in midfield, and this allowed East End to create more chances. However, the defence was more than capable to prevent any goals, even through constant pressure.  

The one time they were craved open, McConnell made a brilliant and courageous save, sprinting out of his line to slide the ball to safety. C OKane then made way for G Player and M Diamond was replaced by C Diamond. However, East End continued to attack and look dangerous. 

With just ten minutes to go, a goal nearly came. A minute long scramble in the Draperstown penalty area resulted only in a corner kick. In a cruel twist of luck, the decisive goal came from this corner. 

A dangerous cross was met by a powerful header that McConnell very nearly saved. It was not to be however. The ball flew into the top corner, much to the dismay of the Draperstown lads who had deserved at least a draw. 

The last ten minutes seen Draperstown try in vain to level scores. With 5 minutes remaining, McGrogan came on for Laughry. By now though, the match was more or less over. A few minutes later the final whistle blew with Draperstown undeservedly and cruelly losing to a one-goal margin.