They may not have seen too many wins, but Dungannon Swifts fans have certainly enjoyed their fair share of sensational goals this season.
The latest addition to an ever expanding collection came via the left boot of Johnny Topley, whose classy half-volley snatched a point against Donegal Celtic.
It was his first touch after coming on as a second half substitute, and a stunning way for the midfielder to mark his comeback from long-term injury.
And it proved crucial, rescuing a deserved point against the West Belfast side.
This result will have left boss Dixie Robinson with mixed feelings, and once again frustrated by his side’s failure to perform consistently for 90 minutes.
A poor first half saw the visitors lead through Declan O’Hara, but a dreadful goalkeeping blunder gifted Darren Murphy an equaliser soon after the restart.
Another Darren, Celtic’s Murray, put the visitors back in front and looked like slamming the brakes on Swifts’ vastly improved second half showing.
But then Topley came to the rescue with a goal every bit as memorable as the efforts from Dermot McCaffrey and Joe McCready which have lit up recent matches.
This was another of those clichéd game of two halves from Dungannon.
After a lacklustre opening 45 minutes, Swifts upped their game in the second period and looked the team more likely to win in the latter stages.
Taking just a point is disappointing. Dungannon had not won since the sides’ previous meeting last month – but Robinson had cause to be optimistic ahead of the rematch.
Donegal Celtic are one of just two teams that Swifts have beaten this season and do not have a good record at Stangmore Park, winning just once.
Yet they were on course to improve that record after O’Hara’s 30th minute opener.
It originated from a defensive mix-up. Adam McMinn’s failure to deal with a cross saw the ball reach Ryan Henderson, whose shot was deflected wide.
And the resulting corner from Kevin Keegan was met by O’Hara, with the defender outmuscled Ryan Mullan to head past the goalkeeper.
It was one of few chances in a low quality first half.
Dungannon were first to test the ‘keeper, with Michael Funston collecting a pass and driving forward before forcing Robert Robinson to make the block.
DC’s other effort came via Jonathan Harkness, whose long-range free-kick narrowly cleared the crossbar.
The game, like Dungannon, desperately needed inspiration – and moments after the restart it arrived in fortunate circumstances.
A horrible error from Robinson allowed Funston’s cross to slip from his grasp, and Murphy was waiting to knock the ball into an empty net.
Suddenly it was a different game – more open, passes finding their target, a greater energy and purpose from Swifts’ attacking players.
Yet DC threatened on the break and, after outwitting Mullan, Henderson’s angled strike drew a flying save from Niall Morgan.
The warning wasn’t heeded and another DC attack resulted in a second goal.
Eamon McAllister was allowed to drive up the right wing and he pulled the ball across for Murray, who got to the cross first and forced it over the line.
The goal drew an immediate response from Robinson. Shea Campbell and Ryan McCluskey were hauled off, with Shea McGerrigan and Topley coming on.
And the gamble paid instant dividends, with the latter drawing Dungannon level.
It followed more good approach play down the flanks, this time from Craig McClean. He crossed towards Topley who, after allowing the ball to bounce, scored with a stunning strike.
Dungannon had chances to snatch the points – Stefan Lavery just missed connecting with a ball across goal – but DC held on for a draw.
DGN SWIFTS: Morgan, Mullan, McMinn, McCaffrey, McClean, Funston (Lavery, 80), McCluskey (McGerrigan, 64), Fitzpatrick, Murphy, Campbell (Topley, 64), Ward
Subs not used: Montgomery , McCready
DONEGAL CELTIC: Robinson, Keegan, Harkness, Bradley, O’Hara, McAlorum (McNamee, 80), Henderson, Bradley, Murray, McAllister, McVeigh
Subs not used: Glenholmes, Fay, Muir, Lynch
Referee: Kevin Azzopardi (Malta)
