Cobras 'too strong' for Drumbar
Report by Niall Boyle
COPANY made a scintillating start to their pre-season campaign on Tuesday, turning in an excellent display to defeat local rivals Drumbar.
With just three weeks of training under their belts, the Cobras pulled out all the stops to record a superb morale-boosting victory.
The game was a tight affair in the first-half, with Copany’s 4-5-1 formation snuffing out Drumbar’s supply to their front men.
This ensured the Cobras had plenty of possession in midfield, winger Glen Harron went close with a strike midway through the half.
Russell Gorman's side rarely looked troubled at the back during the first period - with experienced campaigners Willie Given and Graham Harron leading by example in the centre of defence.
After a raft of changes at the break, substitute David Graham broke the deadlock with a coolly taken penalty five minutes in.
Captain Aaron Scott won the spot kick after being dragged down in the box. It wasn’t long before the Laghey outfit doubled their advantage through striker Paul Clarke.
The forward produced a moment of magic to ping the ball into the top corner from all of 25 yards.
With Drumbar's spirit crushed at this stage, Copany began to control the flow of the game - with winger Graham and Paul McGrory impressing in midfield.
Copany’s third goal came from an unlikely source, with full-back Kieran Brogan popping up to smash home from close range to complete the route.
However, the victory was soured when Daryl Duncan was forced off due to a knee injury - which could see him face a spell on the sidelines.
Pre-season training continues at 7.20pm on Wednesdays and Fridays at the pitch.
