Warrenpoint Town 2 Dungannon Swifts 3

by DSFC Media | Aug 14, 2013 | Uncategorized

Matt Hazley in action for the Swifts

The 2013-14 Irish League season got off to a thrilling start at Stangmore Park where Dungannon Swifts spoiled Warrenpoint Town’s big day.

The Premiership newcomers were handed an instant glimpse of life in the top division as a late, late Matt Hazley strike snatched the points.

Hazley scored three minutes from the end to settle a pulsating match and give Dungannon their first opening day win for four years.

But it was cruel on Warrenpoint, whose first-ever game in the top flight ended in heartbreak.

The Co Down side looked to have salvaged a point when Liam Bagnall fired home an 85^thminute equaliser – only for Hazley to hit the winner 90 seconds later.

Although his side got off to a winning start, Dungannon manager Darren Murphy will be aware that there is still much room for improvement.

They struggled in the first half and fell behind to Kenneth Kearns’ 34^th minute opener.

But Murphy will take heart from the character his players showed in turning the game around and then scoring the match-winning third late on.

In terms of the result, it was three welcome points from an away fixture – with Warrenpoint designated as the home team because of their ground-share agreement with Swifts.

The team-sheet included four of Swifts’ summer signings.

Three were handed starts – Gareth Buchanan, Ricky Copeland and David McCullough – while Darren Boyce was named on the bench.

James Costello spearheaded the forward line and had two early chances, firing wide after a Stefan Lavery pass while shooting over from the edge of the box.

But it was Warrenpoint who edged in front. Stephen Hughes crossed from the right wing and Kearns’ shot was perfectly placed inside the left post.

Dungannon struggled to create anything of significance, the main chance falling to Ryan Harpur who headed over from Michael McKerr’s probing cross.

McCullough wheels away after putting the Swifts 2-1 up.

But they were handed a lifeline just before the interval when Lavery was tripped in the box by Bagnall. The penalty looked harsh, but was powerfully converted by Hazley.

The second half brought much improvement from Dungannon, but also the quality of the match.

Straight from the kick-off the ball reached Warrenpoint forward Ruairi Devlin, but his shot was brilliantly tipped wide by Buchanan.

It proved a turning point, with Swifts edging ahead in the 51^st minute.

A short corner routine ended with Harpur supplying a superb delivery into the box, and McCullough marked his debut by heading his new side in front.

Warrenpoint responded in positive fashion.

Hughes almost hit an instant reply when he connected with an inviting ball from Kearns, but his header crashed back off the crossbar.

The play shifted back upfield as Hazley’s searching pass found Costello, but his cross-shot drifted wide.

McCabe had penalty appeals turned away after he went down under a challenge from Harpur while Daniel Hughes’free-kick was safely collected by Buchanan.

But the real drama unfolded as the match entered its closing stages.

Copeland delighted with 3 points at the final whistle.

First Warrenpoint looked to have snatched a dramatic equaliser via Bagnall.

A defensive clearance was picked up on the edge of the box, where the midfielder was free to crash a left-foot drive into the far corner.

But Warrenpoint’s celebrations were cut short just 90 seconds later.

McCullough’s free-kick forward was headed down for Hazley, who controlled with his right foot before using his left to volley the winner.

WARRENPOINT TOWN: J Parr, Bagnall, Hutchinson, Boyle, Moan, Devlin, McCabe, S Parr, Kearns (Graham, 78), D Hughes, S Hughes

Subs not used: Mooney, Smith, McGrath, Johnston

DGN SWIFTS: Buchanan, McKerr, McCullough, Copeland, Grieve, PJ Lavery, Harpur, Hazley, Costello (Boyce, 70), Hutchinson, S Lavery (Fitzpatrick, 90)

Subs not used: Glackin, Brennan, C Lavery

Referee: Ian McNabb (Newtownabbey)

Soccer Academy launched at South West College

by DSFC Media | Aug 14, 2013 | Uncategorized

Soccer Academy launched at South West College supported by Irish FA and Youth Sport Omagh

South West College was delighted today to launch the Soccer Academy at its Omagh Campus.   The College has recognised for some time that it needs to include more practical elements in its sport programmes in order to give students improved access to first class coaching from different sports experts.

Over the last year, South West College has made substantial progress in developing Academies with the IFA and the GAA. It is currently seeking to firm up proposals for both Golf and Rugby academies at its campuses in Enniskillen and Dungannon.

From September 2013, students can enrol on either the Level 2 Diploma in Sport (one year course and the equivalent of 5 GCSEs) or the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (two year course and the equivalent to three A levels) depending on their GCSE grades.  Students must have a minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade C or above to enrol on the Level 3 programme.  Students will be given football coaching by a fully qualified IFA coach over four mornings per week at Youth Sport Omagh before starting the academic side of the programme back in the College.

Both programmes incorporate a mix of practical exercises, classroom lectures, external visits and case study exercises. Students will also receive training and assessment in a range of additional qualifications delivered by an IFA Pro Licence coach including the IFA Level 1 Award and beyond which will enhance their suitability as members of local soccer clubs.

Tom McBride, Head of Department at South West College told us: “this Sports Academy will not only give the students involved access to expert coaching but will prove invaluable in motivating them through the academic side of the programmes. They will witness at first hand the relevance to the soccer world of the academic modules they will study on the main programme including Nutrition for Sport, Fitness Testing and Training, Injury in Sport and Planning and Leading Sports Activities.”

Applicants for all courses in Sport Studies are expected to show a strong commitment to the sporting world and a strong personal statement of intent.  A large number of progression routes are available and includes opportunities to undertake an HND, a Foundation Degree or Degree depending on UCAS points gained.

Further information can be obtained from the College on 0845 6031881 or from www.swc.ac.uk

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Both courses are available to boys and girls over the age of 16. Therefore mature students can also apply and some flexibility will be exercised by SWC with regards to entry qualifications. All interested mature students must be interviewed by SWC staff.

BENEFITS:

.Opportunity to obtain academic qualifications – Level 2 Diploma in Sport (one year course and the equivalent to 5 GCSEs) or Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (two year course and the equivalent to 3 A-Levels).

Opportunity to develop soccer skills on a daily basis from IFA Pro Licence coach.

Opportunity to gain IFA recognised coaching qualifications.

Opportunity to represent South West College in soccer competitions and friendly games.

Opportunity to visit English or Scottish Clubs and play at their Academy facilities.

Opportunity to apply to Irish, UK and American Universities to further academic and soccer  careers.

Opportunity to apply to Irish, UK and American Soccer Coaching Camps.

ENROLLMENT will take place after the GCSE results are released on 14^th August 2013. The SWC staff in Omagh will deal with enrollment and they return from holiday on Monday 19^th August 2013.

FURTHER DETAILS contact Paul Kee @ 07971191054 or Sean Curneen @ 07711158122

Transfer News: Boyce and Burns sign.

by DSFC Media | Aug 8, 2013 | Uncategorized

New signing, Darren Boyce pictured alongside first team Coach, Rodney McAree.

As the start of the new 2013/14 season is within touching distance, Darren Murphy has moved swiftly to add a few more players to his squad. Striker, Darren Boyce and former Portadown defender, Andrew Burns have both signed for the club.

Twenty seven year old Boyce, from Bushmills, joins the club on a one year loan spell from Coleraine FC and is eager to get himself fit and involved.

” I am looking forward to getting started here at Dungannon Swifts. A loan deal is what I honestly wanted as at the end of my loan hopefully Oran will get me back involved at Coleraine and I’ll have helped improved things for the Swifts and my own game too. Dungannon is a fantastic club, Murph has a lot to say about  the club and in all my dealings with him he has more than impressed me. I am aware that there is a lot of travelling involved but I am willing to go for it and endure the long journeys alone of it helps improve my game. I am currently a wee bit behind in pre season compared to the rest of the boys but in a few weeks I’d expect to have caught up with them and fighting the bit out for my place in the team. The players are very welcoming and made me feel part of the team instantly.” 

Defender Andrew Burns is highly enthusiastic after having been given the opportunity by Murphy to prove himself.

” I am more than pleased that Murph has given me an opportunity. I had a start/stop season last year which was frustrating for me as I just want to get involved and get playing. I plan to try and get a good full season under my belt at Stangmore and hopefully win a place in the team. All the boys are quality here at Dungannon and I mean that. Both on the pitch and off the pitch, from their skill, through to their personalities, a real good bunch of characters. The club itself is a very homely club which makes it so easy to fit in. “

Defender – Andrew Burns

Speaking of his new signings Darren Murphy said,

” I would like to thank Oran Kearney and Colin McKendry of Coleraine FC for all their help in the signing of Darren Boyce on loan. Without them this deal would have been impossible and I can’t express enough thanks. Darren is a proven goalscorer in the Irish League and I’m absolutely delighted to get him on loan. He adds healthy competition for the other strikers already here.

Andrew Burns comes to us after playing for Portadown last season. He came along on trial over the course of pre season, can play right back or centre back, and he done very well. Andrew wants an opportunity to prove himself and gain confidence again, and I am more than willing to offer him that opportunity. He’s a good lad and I’m happy to have him at Stangmore.”

In other transfer news, goalkeeper Jonny Curran has left due to work committements. “I’d like to thank Jonny for all his efforts over the last 18 months. We will still continue to hold his registration if in the future he is able to make a comeback, he will be more than welcome to come back to us.” said Murphy

First team squad players Jamie Glackin and Paul Stretton have both re-signed for the club on one year deals.