by DSFC Media | Dec 20, 2011 | Uncategorized
On the day a new era began at Dungannon Swifts, a face from the past returned to underline the huge task which confronts Rodney McAree.
Timmy Adamson reminded everyone of his class and quality with another goal as Crusaders pushed his former club deeper into the relegation mire.
The striker is one of a series of players to exit Stangmore Park in recent seasons, and this match illustrated once more how sorely he is missed.
For McAree it was a glimpse of the harsh realities of Irish League management.
He doesn’t need anyone to spell out Dungannon’s problems but they were all too evident in this match – low confidence, poor defending and little attacking threat.
They had several decent chances in a hugely encouraging first half, but lacked the cutting edge and sharpness to convert any of them.
Then, just five minutes after the restart, careless defensive play allowed Adamson to score.
The momentum swung in Crusaders’ favour with Swifts struggling to make an impact, and Stuart Dallas wrapped up the victory with a late second.
However, there were still positives for Dungannon’s new manager to take.
That includes an outstanding performance from 15-year-old Liam Donnelly who, on his first team debut, produced an assured, faultless display.
Yet while McAree is just days into his new job, he will realise that performances count for little and points are needed to drag the club away from danger.
Donnelly was one of four changes to the team which faced Coleraine, with McAree reshuffling a defence which had conceded seven goals in the two previous games.
And there were immediate signs of improvement on both matches, as Dungannon survived the first 60 seconds without conceding.
Indeed it could have been even better with the visitors dominating the early chances.
Michael Funston saw a 14th minute header go just wide after meeting a Craig McClean cross, while Johnny Topley also headed over from close range.
Their best chance, however, fell to Dermot McCaffrey. His header was on target but goalkeeper Sean O’Neill produced a top-class save to tip it wide.
Crusaders were forced into an early substitution when Michael Halliday suffered an injury.
David Rainey took his place, and had their first chance in the 33rd minute. David McMaster supplied the cross but the veteran striker’s header was off target.
After a slow start the Crues started to pile on the pressure towards the end of the half, and Rainey fired over after expertly controlling a cross from Dallas.
Niall Morgan made a decent save to thwart Adamson after a neat turn and shot, while McMaster’s deflected effort went wide with the ‘keeper struggling to get across.
Crusaders also had two unsuccessful penalty appeals. First they claimed a Colin Coates shot was handled by Topley while Rainey protested strongly after going down in the box.
In the closing stages of the half Funston, operating in a more advanced role, robbed Stephen McBride but saw his strike collected by the ‘keeper.
McAree would have been very happy with his side’s performance, but his mood changed within five minutes of the restart.
A deep cross from McBride reached Adamson and, after his initial effort wasn’t held by Morgan, he hooked the rebound past the ‘keeper to break the deadlock.
The Crues continued to threaten, albeit without testing Morgan.
Adamson twice went close, getting too much height on Gareth McKeown’s free-kick before heading McMaster’s cross inches over.
Chris Morrow also had a penalty appeal turned down after being floored by Adam McMinn’s challenge.
Dungannon had hardly threatened the home goal in the second half but had two decent chances as the clock ticked down.
First a long goal-kick was headed into the path of Funston, but O’Neill watched his 35-yard strike all the way and made a comfortable save.
Then Johnny Montgomery tried his luck from a similar distance, but his powerful free-kick was turned wide by the ‘keeper.
But as Swifts probed for an equaliser, Crusaders hit them on the break.
Rainey scampered forward, shrugging off the challenge of Funston. Morgan tried to block but the ball fell perfectly for Dallas to head home.
CRUSADERS: O’Neill, McKeown, McBride, Magowan, Coates, Morrow, Adamson, Dallas, McMaster (Snoddy, 77), Watson, Halliday (Rainey, 15)
Subs not used: Leeman, Cargan, McCann
DGN SWIFTS: Morgan, O’Neill (P Donnelly, 76), L Donnelly, Montgomery, McMinn, McClean, McCaffrey, Murphy (S Lavery, 66), Topley, Funston, Ward (McGerrigan, 76)
Subs not used: McKerr, C Forker
Referee: Tim Marshall (Irvinestown)
by DSFC Media | Dec 14, 2011 | Uncategorized
Dungannon Swifts will play Larne F.C. of the Belfast Telegraph Championship one, in the fifth round of the JJB Sports Irish Cup.
This fixture will be the first time the two teams have met since a two legged League Cup tie in 2009, which Dungannon won 8-4 on aggregate with a 3-1 win at Stangmore.
We Welcome the Inver Reds to Stangmore Park on Saturday 14th January 2012. K.O. 3.00pm.
The full draw is as follows:
Glenavon v Portadown
Linfield v Ballyclare Comrades
Crusaders v Warrenpoint Town
Coleraine v Larne Tech Old Boys / Rathfriland
Cliftonville v Ards
Lisburn Distillery v Ballymena Utd
Dungannon Swifts v Larne
Dundela v Ballinamallard
Bangor v Ballymoney Utd
Institute v Donegal Celtic
Newington YC v Glentoran
Coagh Utd v Loughgall
Banbridge Town v Sport and Leisure / Newry City
Killymoon Rangers v Carrick Reangers
Newbuildings v Dunmurry Rec
Derriaghy CC v Knockbreda / Dergview
by DSFC Media | Dec 13, 2011 | Uncategorized
After the resignation of Dixie Robinson this morning as Manager of the Club, The management committee acted fast in finding an able replacement for Dixie. They have tonight appointed Rodney McAree as the new first team caretaker manager at Dungannon Swifts. Rodney was first team coach under Dixie Robinson so is no stranger to the current group of players at Stangmore Park.
Rodney will decide on who his back room staff will be within the next few days. As it stands at the moment, Rodney McAree, Darren Murphy and Bryan Hutchinson will be in charge on Saturday at Seaview when we take on Crusaders.
The club is delighted to have made such a quick appointment and one that will be made very welcome by everyone at the club. Rodney has been around the club since he was a young lad, always on the heels of his father Joe, Current Club Chairman. Having had the experience of playing across the water for a number of Clubs including Liverpool F.C. and Fulham F.C. Rodney has been in plenty of changing rooms playing under different managers and has grasped onto plenty of tips from them all.
We would like to take the opportunity to wish Rodney all the best with his new caretaker role at Stangmore Park, they don’t come much better than First team Manager. We would also like to thank Dixie Robinson again for his time in the hot seat at the Swifts. It’s now all over to you ‘Rod’.
More news will follow later.
by DSFC Media | Dec 13, 2011 | Uncategorized
It is with deep regret that the club have accepted the resignation of Dixie Robinson.
Dixie requested a meeting with the Club Chairman Joe McAree and Vice chairman Jarlath Faloon this morning and resigned from his post as manager of Dungannon Swifts Football Club.
The management committee would like to highlight this was entirely his own decision and the club would like to take the opportunity to thank Dixie for all the work he has put into the club during very difficult financial times. We know this has not been an easy decision for Dixie being a Swifts man at heart and we will look forward to continue seeing him at Stangmore Park and wish him all the best in the future.
