Match report by Geoff Ingham

Donaghadee travelled to Eglantine Road on Saturday to play Lisburn in a crucial Championship League game. With Lisburn propping up the table and the Dee just a couple of places above them everyone knew it was a must-win game for both teams, even at this stage of the season. The Dee’s teamsheet only showed a couple of changes from the previous week with Robert Dougan and Jack Cooke coming into the pack and Jamie Wilson and Johnny Bell taking a seat on the bench. Although there was a hint of moisture in the air, thankfully the rain stayed away to leave excellent playing conditions. From the kick off it was Lisburn who dominated the early phases and the backs were quick to show their attacking ability. This early pressure paid off when Dee were penalised for a lazy runner and Lisburn slotted over the penalty to take a 3-0 lead. Only 3 minutes later Lisburn had a chance to double their lead but the penalty effort just slid past the post. Danny McBride injured his knee at this stage and was replaced by Johnny Bell on the wing. The Dee then gained some possession but, unfortunately, were not able to capitalise due to a mixture of Lisburn’s defence and some basic errors. In the 16th minute Lisburn attacked again, their forwards making good ground into the Dee half before knocking the ball forward. The unsighted referee waved play on and the Lisburn backs took full advantage and after some skilful handling scored in the left-hand corner. The difficult conversion was successful to put Lisburn into a 10-0 lead. This seemed to spur the Dee into action after a rather lacklustre first half hour and they spent the last ten minutes of the half in the Lisburn 22. Unfortunately, the only reward from this spell was a solitary penalty, successfully converted by Mark Cooper, to leave the half-time score 10-3 in Lisburn’s favour.

Dee knew they would have to perform better in the second half if they were to get anything from this game and Sam Ingham set the tone immediately with a superb take from the kick off and the strong ball carriers such as Jack Cooke, Ray Dobson and Ali Barnes began to dominate. This allowed the backs to execute some good moves with Chris McGivern, Adam Alexander and Matthew Stockton all looking dangerous. Any time that Lisburn did get possession the Dee defence stood firm with Chris Hamilton in particular having an excellent game and one bone-crunching tackle by Sam Ingham will live long in the memory. The immensely strong Jack Chesney almost forced his way over but, unfortunately, was judged to have knocked the ball on which allowed Lisburn to relieve some of the pressure. The Dee continued to dominate both possession and territory and this eventually paid off when, after a good line out and driving maul, Jack Cooke crashed over to score. The conversion was missed which left the Dee just two points behind their hosts with 15 minutes remaining. This last phase of the game was a pulsating affair with the Dee trying to push for the winning score but also fully aware that they could not allow the dangerous Lisburn backs any ball. Time and time again the forwards drove into the Lisburn half, and half backs Robbie Ingham and Mark Cooper continually looked for options that would open up an impressive Lisburn defence. A much-improved line out provided plenty of opportunities and the team were roared on by the crowd of over 40 Dee supporters who had travelled to support their team. As the minutes ticked by it was looking more and more likely to the crowd that the Dee were going home with only a losing bonus point but the boys on the pitch had other ideas. With only two minutes remaining the Lisburn out-half failed to find touch and the ball was well gathered by Johnny Bell who stepped in-field before feeding the flying McGivern on the outside who skilfully handed off two defenders before running in to score. The successful conversion by Cooper was the last action of the day as the referee blew for full time to give the Dee a 15-10 win.

This was a really good team effort, particularly in the second half, and made the man-of-the- match award a tight call, but this week the award goes to Chris McGivern for his sound performance throughout, including his match winning try. Donaghadee continue their league campaign next week when they welcome high-flying Ballymoney to Donaldson Park for a 2.30pm kick-off.