Dungannon Swifts 3-3 Glenavon

by DSFC Media | Aug 31, 2013 | Uncategorized

The goals flowed as Mid-Ulster rivals Dungannon Swifts and Glenavon shared the points in a compelling derby clash at Stangmore Park.

This was a game which had everything, and more.

All that was missing was a winner– unless you count an enthralled audience which was kept on edge by 90 minutes of breathless action.

Two goals in the opening 30 minutes put Dungannon firmly in control, but the match turned on a chaotic eight-minute spell around the hour mark.

William Murphy and then Guy Bates hauled the visitors level, before Mark Patton’s clever chip capped a dramatic fightback.

But Darren Boyce slammed the brakes on the Lurgan club’s revival when he converted from the penalty spot 15 minutes from the end.

Both managers will feel they could have won. Glenavon twice hit the woodwork and had an effort cleared off the line, while Swifts skipper Ryan Harpur wasted a brilliant chance in the closing stages.

It had all started so well for Dungannon with an own-goal giving them a 13^th minute lead.

Ryan Harpur swung over a corner and William Murphy, under pressure from Stefan Lavery, headed past his own goalkeeper.

Boyce came close to adding a second when he glanced Terry Fitzpatrick’s cross towards goal, however, his effort was brilliantly tipped over.

But Andy Coleman was left helpless when Glenavon’s vulnerability from set-pieces was exposed again in the 30^th minute.

The goal was similar to the first as a corner was pitched in, this time by Jamie Douglas, and Ricky Copeland powered home a header.

For all the visitors’ defensive faults, they carried a real threat going forward, and Dungannon were warned the game was far from over on the stroke of half-time.

Kyle Neill’s free-kick was headed on for Bates but, 10 yards out, his low strike was brilliantly blocked by the goalkeeper’s foot.

The home side should have added a third on the counter-attack early in the second half.

Michael McKerr led the charge forward but took the ball too wide, when a quicker pass would surely have presented Lavery or Boyce with a tap-in.

And that wastefulness was ruthlessly punished as Glenavon came storming back.

It was sparked by Murphy, who redeemed his earlier gaffe by converting a long-throw from Gareth McKeown.

Suddenly it was Swifts’ defensive deficiencies being exposed.

Two minutes later another McKeown throw caused a scramble in the box, with Bates eventually stabbing home to equalise.

It was all Glenavon now, and they edged in front in the 67^th minute when Gary Hamilton released Patton and he lifted the ball over the ‘keeper.

Eight minutes, three goals, the game turned on its head. The drama, however, was far from over.

Glenavon striker David Rainey, who earlier saw a powerful drive smash back off the far post, hit the woodwork for a second time with a header.

And the miss was punished with 15 minutes remaining.

A needless foul on Harpur saw Dungannon awarded a penalty. With Matt Hazley injured, responsibility fell to Boyce, but he calmly converted to make it 3-3.

The final minutes saw both teams push for a winning goal.

Neill’s corner was cleared off the line by McKerr, while Hamilton curled a free-kick inches wide after the impressive Bates had been fouled.

The best chance, however, fell to Dungannon. Chris Lavery fed Harpur but, with the visitors’ defence peeling open, the midfielder’s tame shot was directed straight at the goalkeeper.

DGN SWIFTS: Buchanan, McKerr, Brennan, Copeland, Grieve, McCullough, Fitzpatrick (Hutchinson, 66), Harpur, S Lavery, Boyce, Douglas (C Lavery, 70)

Subs not used: Doyle, Glackin, Costello

GLENAVON: Coleman, Neill, McCallion, Murphy, Lindsay (McKeown, 32), Kilmartin, Bates, Rainey, Patton, McGrory (Hamilton, 61), Martyn (McCabe, 41)

Subs not used: Marshall, Singleton

Referee: Ian McNabb (Newtownabbey)

McCaffrey makes return to Stangmore Park

by DSFC Media | Aug 31, 2013 | Uncategorized

Dermot McCaffrey pictured alongside Swifts Vice Chairman Jarlath Faloon.

We are delighted to announce the signing of twenty-seven year old Dermot McCaffrey for what will be his second spell at the club. A solid, reliable and experienced defender, McCaffrey will come as no stranger to the majority of supporters having only left Stangmore Park in February 2012, to play full-time football with Derry City in the League of Ireland.

Dermy, a local lad from Clogher, learned his trade at Dungannon United Youth as a youngster before moving to Scotland in 2004 to take up full-time football with Scottish outfit Hibernian. Loan spells at Queen of the South, Livingstone and Arbroath featured either side of a two year contract with Falkirk. After leaving Scotland Dermy didn’t play any football for a short period of time before eventually joining Dungannon Swifts for his first spell in February 2010.

After Dermy expressed a big interest in returning to Dungannon Swifts, Darren Murphy, along with the help of some people on the Committee, have done their best in ensuring what will probably be our last addition to the squad, was made possible before the transfer window shuts tonight.

McCaffrey stated, “I enjoyed my time at Derry City but this season never really got going for me having only played seven games. I decided it would be better finding a new club to have a fresh start. I spoke to Murph about coming back to the Swifts and I was impressed with what he had to say. I’ve seen two games and have been really impressed with the players that are here. I can’t wait to get started and try to help the Swifts have a very successful season!” 

In February 2012  Darren Murphy who was head coach of the club at the time did not stand in Dermy’s way when he wanted to make the move back to full-time football but he did state ‘We are sad to see him go as he is an exceptional footballer’. However, it comes as no surprise that now Dermy is back at the club again, Murphy is over the moon!

” Dermy previously spent two years with us and I am absolutely delighted that he has chosen to come back to Stangmore Park. A great left footed centre half who is a good addition to the group, Dermy gives us a balance that we currently don’t already have. I am looking forward to working with him as he will bring experience and ability to a young squad.”

We as a club would like to take the opportunity to welcome Dermy back to Stangmore Park and we wish him every success in a Swifts shirt.

In other transfer news, striker, Josh Cahoon has went on loan to H&W Welders, Paul Stretton to Annagh United also on loan. and left sided player, Shane Mulgrew has agreed to return to the club. Welcome back on board Shane and all the best to Josh and Paul.

Ballymena United 2 Dungannon Swifts 1

by DSFC Media | Aug 27, 2013 | Uncategorized

A nine-match unbeaten record fell at The Showgrounds as Dungannon Swifts slumped to their first defeat of the new Irish League campaign.

Goals from Allan Jenkins and Shane Dolan gave Ballymena a deserved three points, ending a run which stretched back to February 2007.

And no-one could argue about the result, with Darren Murphy’s side outplayed over the 90 minutes.

It was a scrappy match at times which, despite producing numerous shots at goal, was low on quality and clear-cut chances.

Jenkins scored with the only real opportunity of the first period to give Ballymena a fully deserved half-time lead.

The real action came in a five-minute period around the hour mark.

Dungannon levelled against the run of play via Darren Boyce, who marked his first start for his new club with a first goal.

But the Tyrone side were on level terms for less than a minute, with the impressive Shane Dolan firing Ballymena back in front.

The result should have been sealed four minutes later, but Alan Davidson’s penalty came back off the crossbar.

This defeat sees Dungannon slip off the top of the table, but that was never going to last long.

Instead Murphy will be more aggrieved at the disappointing performance from his side, who seemed to lack belief, particularly in the first period.

The opening goal came from the game’s first corner after 14 minutes.

A left-foot delivery from Allen Teggert was met by Jenkins, unmarked at the back post, and he rose to power home a header.

Goalkeeper Gareth Buchanan pointed accusingly at his defenders, questioning why the midfielder had been left free.

Dungannon had chances but they were mainly efforts from distance.

Ryan Harpur’s free-kick was well struck but comfortably held by former Swifts ‘keeper Dwayne Nelson while James Costello, who was also facing his former club, went close with an effort which flashed narrowly off target.

Their best chance fell to Harpur, whose powerful drive was too hot for Nelson. Boyce was straight on the rebound but was denied by the ‘keeper.

Ballymena could have added a second via Johnny Taylor. He made a darting run to meet a long free-kick but his header was saved by Buchanan.

The visitors continued to probe for an equaliser. Fra Brennan sent a low effort wide while Harpur’s drive drew another save from Nelson.

Overall, however, it was fairly mundane stuff from Dungannon.

A particular disappointment was the lack of action in the Ballymena box, with all of Swifts’ chances in the first period coming from distance.

Ballymena should have doubled their lead at the start of the second half.

First Dolan’s curling effort came back off the bar, then the striker went close with another shot which Buchanan blocked.

And it seemed the home side would pay for those misses when Dungannon grabbed an equaliser.

Mark McCullough conceded a free-kick and Boyce hauled his side level, dispatching a low effort through the wall and into the bottom corner.

But the visiting fans’ celebrations were cut short within 60 seconds as Dolan made up for his earlier misses.

A corner reached Gary Thompson and he flicked the ball on for the striker, who put Ballymena back in front with a close-range volley.

Suddenly it was all going wrong for Dungannon, and they could have been further behind when Teggert was brought down in the area by the ‘keeper.

A penalty was awarded, but Davidson’s kick crashed back off the crossbar.

It was a lifeline for the visitors, but the Ballymena goal was rarely under serious threat on a frustrating afternoon for Dungannon.

BALLYMENA UTD: Nelson, Kane, McCullagh, Taylor, McBride, Thompson, A Davidson, Jenkins, Teggert (Ruddy, 89), Dolan (Liggett, 81), Lowry (Gawley, 46)

Subs not used: Stewart, Surgenor

DGN SWIFTS: Buchanan, McKerr, Grieve, Brennan, McMinn (Fitzpatrick, 81), Harpur, Hutchinson, McCullough, Boyce, Costello (Douglas, 81), C Lavery (Glackin, 58)

Subs not used: S Lavery, Mulgrew

Referee: Raymond Hetherington (Dungannon)

Presentation to Niamh Louise Charity

by DSFC Media | Aug 18, 2013 | Uncategorized

Joe McAree (Dungannon Swifts Community Relations Officer) (right) and Bob Armstrong (Ballinamallard United Chairman) (Left) present a donation of £600 to the Niamh Louise Charity at half time during the Danske Bank Premiership game between the teams. The money was raised at the pre-season Gary Bownes Cup between the teams.

Ryan Harpur: Captain of DSFC

by DSFC Media | Aug 18, 2013 | Uncategorized

Twenty four year old Ryan Harpur has been handed the honour of being Dungannon Swifts FC Captain. Ryan from Portadown who is a driving Instructor by day (all you Swifts folk learning to drive, get in touch and he may do you a cheap deal!) is relishing the season ahead.

Harpur who signed for the Swifts in December 2011, along with the Friars brothers who have both since departed, is not a complete stranger to the role. “ I have been fortunate enough to Captain Northern Ireland at School boy and Under 17 level, which was a massive honour for me. Being Captain of the Swifts certainly comes as a big honour to me also.

Being crowned Captain of the Swifts at a relatively young age hasn’t put Ryan under pressure.
“I don’t feel any extra pressure at all having been given the role! It’s a football match at the end of the day and we have to enjoy it. It certainly does help though with winning games, makes it a smoother journey for everyone.
I don’t think it will difficult to lead such a young team as we have a lot of talented young players in our team with an excellent team spirit to go along with it! Everyone works hard for each other as a unit and as long as we continue to do that we will do ok.”

When asked if Ryan thought his job as a driving instructor would help him in motivating the boys on the pitch at all he replied saying,
“I’m not really sure. I’m not the type of character to stand roaring and shouting at people in the changing room! I will try to lead by example and maybe give the odd rollicking, when I feel it’s deserved!”

Ryan is hoping that with his own personal performances on the pitch he can lead by example and hopefully encourage the younger players in the squad.
“As I said I’m not the type to roar and shout and smash doors in but I hope to lead by example with my performances on the pitch and hopefully act as a good role model.”

“There isn’t really anyone I base myself on though I do love watching Barcelona and in particular Xavi and Iniesta! They both have great awareness of what goes on around them which makes them world class players!”

At a time when Ryan wasn’t enjoying his football at Glenavon, Dungannon Swifts came to his rescue and it’s been all uphill from then.
“I am truly honoured and delighted to have captained Dungannon Swifts to our first win in the opening game of the season in a number of years, home or away! Dungannon Swifts means a lot to me. I know a lot of people in and around the club which makes you want to do well for those people. They work hard off the pitch. Dungannon signed me at a time when I wasn’t really enjoying football, since then that has changed and that is down to the club, which I am forever grateful for.”

Despite having been appointed captain at DSFC, Ryan says his game won’t be affected,
“Nothing changes at all. I will do my best on the pitch and give 100% just like every other player in our time. That’s what makes a good Captain.”

As Swifts manager Darren Murphy has stated in the local press, that he doesn’t set targets, takes one game at a time, so that they don’t dwell on getting to those places. Captain Harpur is firmly sticking by his manager,
“If murph is saying nothing then so am I !”

Outside of football Ryan is known to unwind with the odd spot of golf, in fact some might say he may be the next best thing to Rory McElroy….
“I obviously love my golf as most of the lads know, so I try to get out as much as possible between lessons during the week. I’m also looking forward to playing in Dungannon Swifts Golf day on Friday 23rd August. If you haven’t already entered a four ball, get involved, should be a great day’s entertainment”.

As this is his first time speaking as Captain of Dungannon Swifts FC, Ryan has asked to pass on this message.
“I would just like to encourage all the fans to get out and support the team. I believe we have a good young team that can do well this year if we stick together and play football on the ground as it’s supposed to be done! Up the Swifts!”
As a club we would all like to wish Ryan every success as Captain of Dungannon Swifts F.C.

(This article was produced for our match day programme on Saturday 18th August).