Match report by Geoff Ingham

Donaghadee entertained Coleraine at Donaldson Park on Saturday in a Kukri Championship League game. Adam Alexander was added to the injured list last week and with Paul Hamilton’s late withdrawal Bryn McCartney moved into the front row and Chris Hamilton took his place in the backrow. Matthew Mingout made a welcome return in the centre to partner Matt Leebody. The rain began to fall just prior to kick off and both teams struggled to come to terms with the moist conditions as handling errors brought an end to several attacking plays. Dee’s defence stood firm against anything that Coleraine threw at them and turnovers from Paddy Aherne and Ali Barnes relieved some of the pressure. Player-coach Ray Dobson was certainly leading by example with several huge hits on the opposition. In the set plays the Dee more than held their own in the scrums and the lineouts worked well, with McCartney consistently finding both Aherne and Sam Ingham. The Dee were forced into a backline reshuffle when Leebody had to leave the field due to injury. Jody Newell moved into the centre, Robbie Ingham moved onto the wing and young Morgan Paulin came on at fullback. Although the Dee looked strong in defence they were not able to create many scoring opportunities in the first half as Coleraine, helped by the elements, kept them pinned inside their own half. The Dee successfully achieved their first objective by keeping Coleraine scoreless in the first 40 minutes as the referee blew for half time with the score at 0-0.

With the slight breeze at their backs the home support were confident that the Dee could pull ahead in the second half. The Dee quickly set up camp in the opposition’s half and started to put together several phases of play. On the 50 minute mark the Dee were awarded a penalty and opted for a kick at goal which, unfortunately, was pulled wide of the upright. After more hard drives by the forwards, with Sam Ingham, Barnes and Hamilton to the fore, a Coleraine transgression allowed the Dee another shot at goal which yet again sailed wide of the posts. At this stage Coleraine were hanging on by their fingertips but to their credit their defensive display was excellent throughout the half and they were able to snuff out the numerous Dee attacks. The Dee pack continued to put phase after phase together with second rows Nathan Boyd and Andy McCracken adding their bulk to the drives. However, when the ball was spun wide the final pass or break proved elusive. In the final minute of the game Coleraine were penalised once more and the Dee opted for another attempt at goal. This difficult effort fell short and Coleraine kicked the ball dead to settle for the draw.

So, a rare 0-0 scoreline gives the Dee another two valuable league points but also a feeling that a further two points should have been gained. However, this was another good performance for this young team and at the post-match discussion on man of the match contenders every forwards name was mentioned so this week the award goes to the Dee forward pack. Next week The Dee welcome near neighbours Ards for what will surely be a keenly contested derby. Kick off 2.30pm