Downs oldest club recorded their first ever victory in the Felix Darby with a last gasp winner against a strong and youthful Newry Shamrock's seconds string in a sun kissed St Patrick's Park Mayobridge on Sunday afternoon. This was an excellent contest and a strong advocate for south Down reserve football. The Bridge started the strongest with their midfield on top and points from Noel Sexton, Paddy Smyth and Paul Quinn put them ahead but the Newry men fought back with the aid of a breeze to draw level. The only goal of the game came with twenty minutes gone when a long ball by Thomas O'Hare found the excellent 17 year old Paddy Smyth who took his man on to fire the ball to the net. Shamrock's to their credit with Ferghal McAvoy in good form hit back to draw level and leave it all square at the break.

The Bridge again started the strongest with points from Ciaran Maginnis and Paul Quinn to take the lead but the sky blues could not shake the Newry men off who fought back to draw the game with 5 minutes remaining. From then on the fitness of the Newry men told but some resolute, controlled defending especially from keeper Paul Rooney and full back line John Paul McPolin, Jonny Taylor and Mickey Kelly kept the scores and frees out.  The winner came with the last kick of the game when what seemed a hopeless ball was won back bravely by sub John McClorey who found Paddy Smyth who headed for the goal but was brought down to claim a free. Former Down player and Mayobridge veteran calmly slotted the ball between the sticks to the elation of the Bridge contingent. The cup was presented by the Darby family and south Down Board Treasurer Philp O'Hare to captain and man of the match Darren Fegan and the end of the game.

Final Score: Mayobridge 1-9 Shamrock's 0-11

Team  Paul Rooney, John Paul McPolin, Jonny Taylor, Mickey Kelly, Lee Quinn, Connor Magill, Ciaran Maginnis (0.1), Thomas O'Hare, Darren Fegan, Rory McPolin,  James Marron, Martin Sherry, Paul Quinn(0.2), Noel sexton(0.3), Paddy Smyth(1.3) subs used John McClorey, David John Clyde, Darren Gribben , Peter Ruddy other subs Calumn Gribben, Patrick Tumilty, Sean McLaughlin, David McVeigh, Shane Smyth

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