After a great run of results, Draperstown couldnt possibly have imagined a worse start to arguably their biggest match in the league thus far, with a victory sending them to the top of the league. There was hardly five minutes gone when they found themselves a goal down when a Limavady midfielder somehow managed to walk through unchallenged and place the ball low into the bottom corner of the net.
Usually you would expect this to be a wake up call for the home side, however Draperstown continued their sluggish start and found themselves further behind only a few minutes later when Taggart followed the ball out towards the half way line, leaving a centre forward unmarked, who had the easiest of tasks to head home from a pin point cross.
Draperstown continued to perform poorly, but did start to come into the match more and more as the half progressed, slowly winning the midfield battle, but the final ball always just seemed lacking. With half an hour gone though, they really got into their groove, and managed to pull one back when a good attack seen Bradley forced a little wide of the net. However, his shot rebounded neatly for Diamond, who made no mistake from five yards.
A few minutes later Diamond made way for McClenaghan. Draperstown continued to surge forward and create havoc in the Limavady defence, but by half time had been unable to draw level.However, they reappeared rejuvenated and looking to win the game.
They pressed forward in search of an equaliser, but seemed unable to get the ball into the net no matter what they tried. A Kelly then made way for G Kelly. And the first thing G Kelly did was set up the leveller. An excellent through-ball found Bradley on the edge of the box, who spotted a great run from right back McKillion, squaring it to him. McKillion took the ball into the box and stroked the ball into the corner of the net.
Now very much on the back foot, Limavady looking very shaky in defence and seemed unable to get the ball in midfield. It therefore came as no real surprise when they fell behind for the first time in the match. A brilliant hanging free kick by G Conway was fumbled by the Limavady keeper into the path of McClenaghan, who lobbed the ball into the top of the net.
Taken aback by their complete collapse, Limavady tried to push forward in search of an equaliser. This left them stretched at the back though, and Bradley nearly took advantage of this when he was unlucky not to go around the Limavady goalkeeper.
With only a few minutes remaining, Limavady, very much against the run of play, managed to get a third, levelling the game once more. The final whistle went a few minutes later, much to Limavadys relief.
A few unpleasant scenes emerged at the end of the match with Limavady very much the instigators. These were stopped before too long however. Draperstown travel to Tobermore next Saturday in their final league game of the season, preparing for the Cup which they will feel they have every chance of winning
