On a cold frosty morning which decimated the fixture card this big Championship match was one of few to survive the weather.

It was a tale of two halves at the Green this weekend as DTI’s quest for their first Championship points ended in a frustrating 3-7 defeat to a clinical Southside United side.

Despite a spirited first-half comeback that briefly put the DTI lads in the driving seat, a second-half masterclass from Southside’s No. 12 proved the difference.

First Half: A See-Saw Battle

The match ignited early when Southside snatched the lead via a spectacular free kick, leaving the DTI keeper with no chance.

However, showing the grit that has defined their season, DTI refused to buckle. They surged forward, netting two well-worked goals in quick succession to turn the game on its head.

The momentum shifted back just before the whistle. Southside leveled the scoring, and DTI were forced into a desperate goalline clearance in the dying seconds of the half to keep the scores level at the break.

The Turning Point

Whatever was said in the Southside huddle at halftime clearly worked. They emerged for the second period with a renewed intensity, rattling off three goals without reply.

DTI briefly clawed their way back into the contest, finding the net to make it 3-5 and sparking hopes of a late miracle.

Those hopes were short-lived, however, as Southside’s “Poacher-in-Chief”—their No. 12—Craig Taylor completed a ruthless second-half hat-trick with three clinical finishes inside the penalty area.

Final Word

Two late goals added gloss to the scoreline for the visitors, perhaps unfairly reflecting the balance of play. While the 3-7 result underlines Southside’s dominance in the final third, DTI can take heart from a performance defined by tireless work rate and a refusal to quit until the final whistle.

Big Game Players

Adnan and Craig really stepped up and performed for their team today when it really mattered.

Taylor was the main man as he scored three fantastic goals which absolutely deflated the opposition.

Big Thanks

A big thanks to our Roving Reporter David Stoker who braved the cold and frosty weather to give you this match report.