Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
STARS FROM THE SHINE BRIGHTEST CHANCE TO END YEAR WITH A WIN
Dollingstown boss Uprichard praises opponents following cup chastening
DOLLINGSTOWN boss Stephen Uprichard concedes his side were beaten by a formidable force at the weekend.
Ordinarily Irish League sides would be expected to be favourites for a cup tie against Amateur League opponents.
But when the opponents are the rampaging East Belfast juggernaut then that tends to change the picture.
And so it was on Saturday as Stephen Matthews’ men came out on top 3-1 in the Intermediate Cup encounter at Planter’s Park.
It means that, having reached the quarter-finals last season, it’s a second round exit for Dollingstown this time around.
But the gaffer had no complaints. “We were beaten by the better side on the day,” Uprichard told Match On Tuesday.
“They are an excellent side, well coached, well managed and with some top players.
“In fact they have no real weaknesses so I don’t think they will fear anyone in this competition.
“I had watched them the week before so was under no illusions what we were up against either.
“We had a chance in the first minute and their defender made a fantastic tackle, how he got there I’ll never know.
“They then went up the pitch a minute later and scored, but that’s football.
“They deserved to go through and we wish them all the best.”
The Dollybirds sign off the calendar year this weekend with a home game against Banbridge Town.
The sides go into the game with five points separating them in the Co Armagh men’s favour.
Dollingstown’s last league outing was a hard-fought 3-2 win away at Tobermore United which, in truth, they were always in control of.
Banbridge have yet to taste that winning feeling in the league this season and have bounced along with four draws and three defeats so far.
Those contrasting fortunes would point to a home win but Uprichard has been in the game for long enough to know that is far from a formality.
He said: “Banbridge beat us three times last season so we have a bad record against them. There have been a few changes in both teams since then and both of us have Irish Cup ties to look forward to in the new year after a bit of a break.
“You’re looking to sign off the year with a win if you can because it gives you that springboard after Christmas so that will be our aim.
“It’s been quite frustrating with the way the league is set up not to have regular matches because that makes it difficult to keep players motivated.
“But hopefully we’ll get more consistency in the new year which will be great for everyone.”
Meanwhile, seven Premier
Intermediate League sides did reach round three of the Intermediate Cup on Saturday.
Newington were most comfortable in their passage, hitting eight on their trip to Craigavon City – Gerard Dempsey netting a hattrick, Mick Gallagher getting two and Johnny Gowdy, Patrick Downey and Tiarnan Mulvenna also on the scoresheet.
Moyola Park won 4-0 at home against Lurgan Town while Limavady United had a 5-3 ding-dong victory at Strabane Athletic.
Lisburn Distillery were equally made to work as they progressed 3-2 at home against
Kilmore Rec with
Annagh United needing penalties to beat Islandmagee.
Banbridge Town had a tight home win over Rectory Rangers and Bangor didn’t have much margin for error in a 2-0 victory over Bourneview Mill.
Exiting, however, were Portstewart, who were beaten on penalties by Markethill Swifts.