Over 400 fans packed out Phoenix Park this afternoon as Dinnington Town Coaches took on a Dinnington Town Select XI, in the annual Christmas club fundraiser.
Billed as a friendly, the game was anything but as both teams served up a fast paced and highly competitive game.
Dinnington Town Select XI took the lead midway through the first half when a deflected cross found the feet of Lee Lockerbie who slotted home with a neat finish from 10 yards.
Just after the half hour mark Dinnington Town Coaches were level as Ben Birks volleyed home from 30 yards after a wayward clearance.
Soon after, Dinnington Town Coaches took the lead with a header from Nicky Holland, following a free kick on the wing and Dinnington Town Coaches went in with a 2-1 lead at half time.
Dinnington Town Select XI started the 2nd half the stronger and had a number of good attacking opportunities without really testing the goalkeeper. Man of the Match Paul Gregory got Dinnington Town Coaches playing again with a great midfield display, and the Coaches wasted a number of opportunities to extend their lead. They were soon punished as Richard Spur pulled Dinnington Town Select XI level with a great header into the corner of the net from a corner.
The game continued to ebbed and flowed with the Dinnington Town Select XI keeper pulling off a number of great saves.
With 20 minutes to go, First Team Manager Gary Eades put Dinnington Town Coaches back in front with a superb effort from 20 yards that clipped the inside of the post before nestling in the bottom corner of the net.
In a frantic last 10 minutes both teams pushed for more goals, but to no avail, before referee Charlie Curtis blew the full time whistle with the final score of Dinnington Town Coaches 3-2 Dinnington Town Select XI.
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Photo can be found here.