Friday nights visitors to the Quarter Road were a strong Downpatrick team right in the thick of a promotion battle.
From the throw in it was obvious this was going to be an exciting game. Downpatrick scored first with a point in the second minute, but Glasdrumman replied immediately with a superb point from Connaire Harrison. Downpatrick went straight up the field to score another point before Art McCartan coolly slotted the ball into the Downpatrick goals from a rebound from the keeper to put Glasdrumman two points ahead. Connaire Harrison scored another well taken point only a minute later to raise the expectations of the Glasdrumman support. However, Downpatrick, not to be outdone, replied with a goal to level matters after eight minutes. Downpatrick then began to turn the screw and raise their game and scored four points without reply to put them four points ahead after twenty one minutes. It would have been more only for a brilliant double save from Ronan McDowell in this period. Glasdrumman clearly were not going to let this game go beyond them, and Brian Burns looped over an inspirational forty yard point which was followed up with a point from Declan Grant to decrease the deficit to two points. Downpatrick finished the half very strong and going into added time they scored a goal and two points to leave the half time score Glasdrumman 1-4 Downpatrick 2-8.
The Glasdrumman management knew that they needed to get something from this game and it was a very determined team that took the field for the second half. Connaire Harrison pointed from a free kick only two minutes into the half. Downpatrick replied three minutes later with another point but Connaire Harrison replied again with another two points, one from a free the other from a fifty to decrease Downpatrick's lead to five points after thirty nine minutes. The teams traded two points each over the next six minutes, Glasdrumman's scores coming from Raymond Clarke and another free kick from Connaire Harrison, before Pat Mallon drove over a good point to leave only four points between the teams. Glasdrumman were very much still in this game and their supporters could sense something from the game, but Downpatrick were going to spoil the fun if they could and they replied with three unanswered points in three minutes to put seven points again between the teams with ten minutes remaining. At this stage a Downpatrick victory seemed a very sound bet, but Glasdrumman were not going without a fight. Only a minute later Gary McGreevy was put through on goal and he forced the ball past the Downpatrick keeper for a goal. This raised the supporters again and Raymond Magorrian added another point for Glasdrumman with only five minutes remaining to leave three points in it. The Glasdrumman supporters could sense a goal and they were rewarded with one from a great finish from Raymond Magorrian to level the game with three minutes remaining. There was only going to be one winner from here and Connaire Harrison sent over the final score in the last minute to edge Glasdrumman in front. Downpatrick came back hard and had a couple of difficult chances from free kicks to level matters in added time but a determined Glasdrumman defence held on, aided by a well timed interception from Daniel McCartan at the death to deny a Downpatrick score.
After a very exciting and inspirational final ten minutes from Glasdrumman, the game finished with the final score Glasdrumman 3-12 Downpatrick 2-14.
This was a good performance from all the Glasdrumman players in achieving this victory, full of heart and passion. Ronan McDowell was strong in goals, commanded his square well and made a good save early on to keep the game alive for Glasdrumman. The full back line of Daniel McCartan, Martin O’Neill and Colm Carr were very determined in the tackle, winning a lot of ball from a very lively and experienced Downpatrick forward line. The half back line of Mark Trimble, Brian Burns and Art McCartan worked hard throughout and played some good ball into the forward line, also contributing important scores at vital times in the game.
Midfielders Sean McDowell and Pat Mallon showed a lot of grit and determination in driving the team forward and winning a lot of ball in the middle of the field. The half forward line of Raymond Magorrian, Gary McGreevy and James McDowell all had a good game, getting vital scores and generally keeping the Downpatrick back line under pressure throughout. The full forward line of Raymond Clarke, Declan Grant and Connaire Harrison all had a good game, getting themselves on the scoresheet also and making themselves available in good positions throughout. Substitute Christopher McDowell also played his part when called upon in the half back line, showing the same determination as the rest of his team mates. The Glasdrumman squad deserved their applause after this game for the grit, determination and the spirit they showed in turning this match around to earn a very important two points.

Glasdrumman : Ronan McDowell, Daniel McCartan, Martin O'Neill, Colm Carr, Mark Trimble, Brian Burns (0-1), Art McCartan (1-0), Sean McDowell, Pat Mallon (0-1), Raymond Magorrian (1-1), Gary McGreevy (1-0), James McDowell, Raymond Clarke (0-1), Declan Grant (0-1), Connaire Harrison (0-7).
Subs used : Christopher McDowell for Mark Trimble
Subs not used : John McAteer, Shane O'Neill, Sean Cunningham, Sean McVeigh, Shaun Brennan, Conor Clerkin, Christopher Cassidy, Gavin McCracken.