Draperstown started the brighter in this Coleraine and District Cup semi final, and after only a few minutes had the ball in the net. A great flowing attack seen Higgins delightfully play through McKillion, whose shot rolled into the bottom corner of the net. However, McKillion was harshly adjudged to have been offside.
After this Draperstown continued to press, with Conway and Higgins pulling the strings in midfield, whilst A Kelly nullified the threat of Limavadys McIvor to great effect. G Kelly and McSorley marshelled the defence excellently as Draperstown sustained their period of dominance. In fact, they could have taken the lead on several occasions, with Higgins and Diamond in particular being unlucky not to break the deadlock.
As it often is in football, after a period of domination but nothing to show for it, Draperstown fell behind to a sloppy goal. McCullagh, who had been superb, was caught out by a long hopeful ball over his head. An eagle-eyed Limavady player raced onto it and managed to get a show in, which McConnell did brilliantly to save. Unfortunately, the ball rebounded against McSorley and ended up in the back of the net.
It took Draperstown a few minutes to get over the initial shock, and Limavady began to impose themselves for the first time in the match. However, it wasn't long until Draperstown came back into the match and by the half end were the stronger team once more.
Draperstown made one change at half time, with McCullagh making way for McClenaghan. Once more, Draperstown pushed forward and looked certain to level the tie, especially with Murray and Bradley playing at their scintilating best. The introduction of McClenaghan also gave the time an added spark they had been lacking.
It therefore came as no surprise when the did manage to score. A brilliant run by Higgins, who twisted and turned his way through the box, seen him pick out Bradley in acres of space, who had the simplest of touches to even the arrears.
Draperstown, with renewed vigour, continued their assault on the Limavady goalmouth, and were justly rewarded for the fight when McClenaghan was sent clear on the net. Seeing the advancing 'keeper, McClenaghan coyly lobbed it over his head. With the ball seemingly stopping short of the net, Diamond made sure by heading in from no less than a few yards.
With the game reaching its climax, Draperstown refused to rest of their laurals and continued to attack. However, they paid the price for their pro-football methods, when with 5 minutes of injury time already played, Limavady cruelly snatched an undeserving equiliser. The final whilstle blew seconds later. The two will now meet in a reply, on a date yet to be decided.
