Dungannon’s fine run of home form was brought to an abrupt end by a ruthless Coleraine side on Saturday, but the 3-0 scoreline did not tell the full story.
The Swifts matched the visitors for much of the game but conceded late in both halves to miss the chance to record a sixth straight win at Stangmore and climb out of the league’s bottom two.
Instead it was to be a ninth consecutive victory for the Bannsiders over Dungannon as they extended their unbeaten run in league and cup to 14.
The home side had lined out with four changes from the team hit by six at Glentoran last Tuesday, with Michael Ruddy, Cahal McGinty, Gerarda Bruna and Joe McCready coming in for Steven Scott, Padraig Lynch, Ryan Mayse and Oran O’Kane.
Coleraine were missing midfielder Jamie Glackin through suspension and Conor McKendry with injury, with Lee Lynch and recent signing Andrew Scott promoted to the starting 11.
From the kick-off there was no sign of the frailties on display at the Oval. Dungannon played with intensity and tested the Bannsiders’ backline with probing balls for the pacy Rhyss Campbell and Marc Walsh, although there were no clear-cut chances created by either side.
Caolan Marron and Mayowa Animasahun marshalled the defence and maintained a disciplined high line which repeatedly caught the Coleraine attack offside.
The Swifts did come within inches of taking the lead in the final minute of the half, when a ball sprayed out left by James Knowles was collected by Bruna and his low cross was deflected onto the bar by Coleraine skipper Stephen O’Donnell.
In stoppage time, however, it was the visitors who took the lead when Scott released top scorer Matthew Shevlin with a perfectly weighted pass and his shot was partially blocked by Declan Dunne, only to trickle agonisingly over the line as the keeper and McGinty both desperately tried to intervene.
The second half was a similar story, with Dean Shiels’ men enjoying possession but limited penetration and feeling themselves hard done-by when the second goal eventually came.
Cahal McGinty appeared to have been pushed over in the 81st minute before conceding a corner but despite appeals, play was allowed to continue.
Lynch’s resulting delivery was not cleared and fell to Coleraine subsitute Eamon Fyfe inside the six-yard box and he managed stab it in.
Dungannon played with more urgency, with Mayse coming close from distance, but the visitors extended their lead in the 89th minute when a Josh Carson cutback allowed the prolific Shevlin to slot home his 19th league goal of the season and 50th for the club.
Later he would be denied a hattrick when a header bounced onto the crossbar, while the Swifts had attempts from substitutes Padraig Lynch and Joe Moore.
Afterwards, Dungannon boss Dean Shiels rued the late first-half goal, which originated from a throw-in at the other end of the field.
“We were probably the better side in the first half but we concede one minute into injury time and they don’t, and that’s the momentum swing.”
He said the 3-0 scoreline flattered Coleraine, as his side took risks in the last 10 minutes to secure a point, and paid tribute to the team’s efforts.
“The effort of the players was everything, they gave everything they had. Second half we came out and responded well, we looked to play on the front foot again. I think we dominated the ball throughout the game, we took the ball off Coleraine, but in the last third they had more quality than us.”
Coleraine coach Oran Kearney said he had expected a reaction from Dungannon after the heavy defeat to Glentoran and praised his players for standing firm in the first half.
“They were patient to a man and at times, like a game of chess, we had to hold a certain area of the pitch and a certain territory, and wait and wait and wait and be patient and not get caught and not give them any injections or any big great hope more than anything else, and to a man I thought we were brilliant.”
Next up for Dungannon is a visit to Knockbreda in the fourth round of the Irish Cup, followed by an away trip to Crusaders in the league.
The Swifts then return to Stangmore three days later for a Valentine’s night date with second-place Larne.
Eighteen year old midfielder Steven Scott has signed a three year professional football contract with the Club.
Steven, the younger brother of fellow first team player, John, has grown up a stones throw away from Stangmore Park his entire life. To sign a professional deal for the Club is a dream come true for the Dungannon born lad.
“Signing a pro deal for your home town Club is something most people dream about when growing up as a young child. I aim to try and keep my place in the squad and push myself on into the starting XI when I can. I thank Dean (Shiels) for giving me this opportunity and thank all my youth coaches for helping get me to where I am today. I am excited about what the future holds for me!”
Steven Scott
First team manager, Dean Shiels, is delighted to have the eighteen year old sign his professional contract.
Steven is big player, he’s been superb in the team that won the Harry Cavan Youth Cup last year and he’s excelled in the U20’s this year. His development has really escalated in the last few weeks and he’s managed to get a couple of starts in the first team. We’re delighted to keep him . He’s a local lad who’s got a big future and obviously he’s got that connection with the Club with his brother John, and being from Dungannon. I’ve got really high hopes for Steven and I’m delighted his committed to the Club.
Manager – Dean Shiels
Pictured standing left to right: Dixie Robinson – Head of Youth Development, first team manager – Dean Shiels, and first team assistant
It’s been a busy day at Stangmore Park as we confirm our seventh signing of the transfer window. Dean Shiels welcomes striker, Michael O’Connor.
Michael is 24 years old and despite being still young he has a wealth of experience under his belt. Michael was a full-time player since starting at Dundalk as an academy player. His career to date has seen him play for Shamrock Rovers, Linfield, Ross County and most recently, Glentoran FC.
New signing – Chairman, Keith Boyd, New signing, Michael O’Connor and Manager, Dean Shiels.
“The move came quick and fast. I spoke to Dean on Monday of this week and now here we are the deal is done. I’m looking forward to it a lot. All the lads are the same age as me, young and hungry and wanting to do well. We will hopefully have a good season. Obviously I have my own goals for the season but I’m definitely a player with a point to prove. I’d like us to finish as high up the table as possible and see where it takes us.”
New Signing- Michael O’Connor
Manager Dean Shiels is excited about his new signing O’Connor;
“The Centre forward position we’ve been struggling all summer so I’m delighted to bring Michael in on a two year deal . He is a player who’s still very young but played for all the biggest clubs in Ireland north and south . I sense a great maturity about him now that was lacking before but His quality is unquestionable we will work hard to get the best out of him. I think he’s going to be a big player for the club.”
Manager, Dean Shiels has moved quickly to bring in centre back Darren Cole from Glentoran, on loan.
Having played previously for Livingston, Morton and then Rangers FC for about ten years before moving to Derry City and then on to Glentoran, Cole is eager to get involved at the Club.
“I play centre back but I can play full back and centre midfield. I played with Dean at Rangers and Derry city. It was easy enough for me to come here to Dungannon as we have a good relationship. The way he plays and the style of play is a real positive thing for me. I am looking to get three points from the get go, it’s about winning games. It’s a young squad but if you start getting points on the board early, you never know where you are going to end up. With the style of play and me being a bit older, I think I could try and help the younger players around me and learn off Dean himself. Hopefully we can have a strong start to the season.”
New signing – Darren Cole
“Darren is someone who I’ve played with twice I know him inside out. He’s played at the highest level in the champions league knock out stages with rangers.
He’s a very smart player with the highest quality. In possession and out of possession he brings so much to the team.
I’m delighted to bring a player of his class to the club.”
Manager – Dean Shiels
We would like to Thank Glentoran in making this move possible for Darren. Welcome to Stangmore Park, Darren. We wish you well in a Swifts shirt!
Dean Shiels has confirmed his fifth signing of the transfer window. We welcome defender, Mayowa Animasahun to Stangmore Park.
The 19 year old joins us at Stangmore Park on loan from Dundalk FC. Mayowa started out with Dundalk Schoolboys League club Glenmuir United, had a short stint at St Kevin’s Boys ahead of a three-year spell at Bohemians, before returning to his hometown club Dundalk at the start of August 2021.
New Signing – Mayowa with Manager Dean Shiels.
“Mayowa is a young player with great potential. Has strong attributes with his pace and 1v1 defending and can play at centre back or holding midfielder. He’s just coming back from a wrist injury so will take a wee bit to get up to match fitness.”
Manager Dean Shiels.
Mayowa is looking forward to getting involved at Dungannon. He played at Stangmore Park once when he was with St Kevins Boys Club in his youth days.
New Signing – Mayowa Animasahun.
“Most of my appearances last year were at centre back and a bit of midfield. I would describe myself an aggressive, strong player who likes to play off the front foot. I wanted to come to The Swifts to enjoy my football and play at a good level as well as bettering myself as a player. I am looking forward to getting started and meeting the fans.”
New signing- Mayowa Animasahun
Welcome to Stangmore Park, Mayowa. We wish you every success in a Swifts Shirt.
