VICTORY IN OPENING GAME IN DUNKINEELY TOURNAMENT

COPANY TEAM

Copany kicked off their pre season with a 3-1 win against Letterbarrow in Darney Park, Dunkineely on Friday night.

The opening half an hour was a bit of a struggle for the Cobras, as they naturally looked to shake off the cobwebs of the end of season break, but struggled to find any rhythm or fluidity in their passing.

The men from Tymen looked the more likely, with the big number 6 causing problems cutting in from the left flank. It was Letterbarrow who took the lead on the 23rd minute when a midfielder found too much space to rifle a scorcher into the back of the net from 25 yards.

After the half hour mark, Copany started to look the better side but could not break down the Letterbarrow defense in the first period.

Following some changes by Russell, assisted by the welcomed return of director of football, Stephen 'Commolli' Johnston, Copany took the game to Letterbarrow in the second half and looked by far the fitter team at this early stage of pre-season.

With Darren Kilpatrick impressing at the back, Brian Travers becoming more comfortable and dominant as the game progressed, orchestrating proceedings in midfield, substitute David Graham looking particularly sharp already and Paul Clarke looking more menacing with additional support up front, Copany had the platform to put Letterbarrow under sustained pressure throughout the half.

Paul Clarke levelled proceedings on the 54th minute, when he controlled an effort by Lee Doherty, swivelled on a sixpence and fired the ball low into the corner of the net, giving the Taoiseach Enda Kenny no chance in the Letterbarrow goals.

The Cobras took the lead on 63 minutes. Paul Clarke found room on the left and floated a deep cross onto the head of David Graham at the back post. Davy cleverly headed the ball back across the keeper for a tidy finish, to score a rare goal with his head much to his delight.

Copany were gifted the opportunity of a third on 72 minutes, when a Letterbarrow defender was perhaps found guilty of wanting to emulate Michael Murphy, producing a crazy handball to give John McGlanaghey no choice but to point to the spot. Thomas Given duly stepped up to confidently dispatch the ball into the corner of the net.

The Cobras were unfortunate not to add to their tally with Paul Clarke having an effort questionably ruled offside, another cleared last ditch off the line, and the highly rated Enda Kenny making a superb save when faced one on one with Thomas Given, off his line in a flash and standing tall to make a fine save.

Referee: John McGlanaghey