MID ULSTER CUP ROUND TWO RESULT.
Dungannon Swifts 5-2 Tandragee Rovers
Goals scored by: Stefan Lavery x2, James Costello, Matt Hazley & Marc McConnell.
Swifts team:T Murphy, McKerr, McMinn, Brennan, Magee, PJ Lavery, Fitzpatrick, Hazley, Glackin, Costello & S Lavery
Used Subs: M McConnell, J O’Rourke & R Devlin.
Unused Subs: G Hutchinson & C Grieve.
It was a significant day at both ends of the league as Dungannon Swifts edged closer to safety while all but finishing the Crues’ fading title dreams.
A somewhat fortunate goal from Neal Gawley saw the Tyrone side claim a credible point in North Belfast to halt a run of four straight defeats on the road.
But for a late equaliser from Jordan Owens and a crucial goal-line clearance, the outcome could have been even better for Dungannon.
Regardless, manager Darren Murphy will reflect on another encouraging performance at a ground which has become notoriously difficult for visiting teams.
Crusaders have lost just one league game at Seaview since the start of 2012, and are unbeaten here in the Premiership this season.
Yet they needed that 80th minute Owens’ header to snatch a barely deserved point.
James Costello also saw a late effort cleared off the line, yet the Crues’ relief will be tempered by the realisation that their championship hopes are over.
They now trail cross-city rivals Cliftonville by 14 points with just 30 left to play for.
Indeed Stephen Baxter’s main focus is now on ensuring second place doesn’t slip from their grasp, with Linfield drawing level with them at the weekend.
Meanwhile Swifts stay 10 points ahead of the relegation places and, with games running out, they are well placed to secure their senior status.
Seaview has never been a welcoming place for Dungannon, who had won just once in their last 10 visits to the stadium.
However, they seemed on course to improve that record after taking a 40th minute lead.
It followed a terrific cross from Matt Hazley to Gawley who forced the ball home after his initial header had been blocked by the goalkeeper’s legs.
The goal came at some cost to the winger, however. He sustained a head injury in the process and had to be substituted.
Otherwise this was a game which took time to come to life, with the opening half hour producing few chances.
Early on David Rainey chased a ball into the box and got a shot on target while Chris Morrow also went close with a couple of efforts.
At the other end James Costello fired into the side-netting after combining well with Gawley.
Hazley then tried his luck with a powerful drive which Yohann Lacroix gathered at the second attempt.
Crusaders, despite boasting an impressive home record, were second best across the park with too many passes going astray.
Swifts could have made it 2-0 early in the second half when a turn of pace from Stefan Lavery took him past Colin Coates, however, his drive from a difficult angle was well stopped.
They did enjoy some good fortune at times, though.
Timmy Adamson should have levelled against his former club, but failed to connect with a cross from David Magowan.
Later David McMaster and then Adamson saw efforts come back off the same post – both times the ‘keeper was rooted to the spot.
The Crues were starting to ask more questions, and they levelled with 10 minutes remaining.
A long ball from Jamie Mitchell was cleared only as far as James Knowles, and Owens got ahead of Cameron Grieve to head home the return cross.
It should have been the signal for a dramatic finish, but the feared Crues’ onslaught never came.
Indeed it was Dungannon who could have snatched a late winner when Costello’s effort was cleared off the line by Morrow eight minutes from the end.
CRUSADERS: Lacroix, Gibson (Mitchell, 46), Magowan, Coates, McBride (McCready, 80), Robinson, Morrow, McMaster, Snoddy, Rainey (Owens, 46), Adamson
Subs not used: McClean, Leeman
DGN SWIFTS: Curran, McKerr, Grieve, Brennan, Montgomery, O’Neill, Hutchinson, Harpur, Hazley, Costello, Gawley (S Lavery, 41)
Subs not used: Fitzpatrick, PL Lavery, McMinn, T Murphy
Referee: Alan Black (Antrim)
For anyone that would like to view the Swifts boys doing their version of the famous ‘Harlem Shake’. Follow the link below, sit back, relax and prepare to see the Swifts players and manager like never before.
Dungannnon Swifts Harlem Shake
They have not had much to cheer about this season, but Dungannon Swifts fans were celebrating after a fully deserved victory over Portadown.
A vastly improved team display secured three crucial points and, of equal significance for supporters, the bragging rights in Mid-Ulster.
This fixture has normally been dominated by the Ports but a Johnny Topley header and an own-goal from Chris Ramsey turned the recent form book on its head.
After two straight defeats, compounded by dismal performances, Darren Murphy had demanded a big response – and he got it.
Ryan Harpur was the driving force in a dominant display which saw Dungannon control the match from first whistle to last.
Portadown had lost just once in their previous 14 visits to Stangmore Park but were shut out time and again by Dungannon’s defence, with Adam McMinn particularly impressive.
For Dungannon, the slow march to survival continues.
This was three points they would have hoped for rather than expected.
But with Lisburn Distillery and Donegal Celtic both winning on Saturday, the result was critical, especially with a tough run of matches on the road before their next home fixture on March 16.
Just like the last two games Dungannon made a bright start and took a first half lead, however, this time they managed to stay in front.
Indeed they should have gone ahead inside the first 60 seconds.
Cameron Grieve’s strike was blocked on the line, Matt Hazley was similarly thwarted before the ball fell to Harpur, but his back-heel was saved.
Murphy stood shaking his head on the touchline, unable to fathom how Swifts hadn’t scored.
Later in the half James Costello went close with a thumping 25-yard effort but it failed to catch out David Miskelly, who parried the ball away from danger.
However, he was helpless to stop Dungannon taking a 28th minute lead via Topley, who had been paired alongside Costello in attack.
It began when Andrew Burns lost possession just outside the box. The danger was cleared but Michael McKerr, operating at right-back, pumped the ball back in for the midfielder to head home.
Portadown were without several key players, including star striker Gary Twigg, and their absence was sorely felt as they struggled to create chances.
Their main threat came from set-pieces. Kevin Braniff got two free-kicks on target but both were saved by goalkeeper Jonny Curran.
The Ports’ best chance came late in the half. Darren Murray timed his run perfectly to meet an Aaron Burns pass but sent his header just over.
Portadown went close again after the restart as Braniff put an effort wide following a cross from Neil McCafferty.
Yet they continued to labour and, with 58 minutes played, McFall brought on Joe McNeill in a bid to inject more attacking dynamism into his side.
However, his plans were in tatters just seconds later as Ramsey gifted Dungannon a second. 
Good play between Ryan O’Neill and McKerr down the right flank ended in a probing cross which the hapless defender turned into his own net.
The Ports’ best chance of a goal came in added time. Richard Lecky’s effort crashed off the crossbar with Curran thwarting Braniff on the follow-up.
DGN SWIFTS: Curran, McMinn, Hazley, McKerr, Hutchinson, Grieve, Topley (Cahoon, 50), Harpur, Friars, O’Neill, Costello
Subs not used: Montgomery, PJ Lavery, C Lavery, Gawley
PORTADOWN: Miskelly, Mackle, Redman, Ramsey, Breen (Patton, 77), Aaron Burns, Murray, Braniff, Mouncey (McNeill, 58), Andrew Burns (Lecky, 64), McCafferty
Subs not used: McArdle, Rooney
Referee: Colin Burns (Newtownabbey)
There was a time this season when Dungannon Swifts would finish games strongly, but suddenly they seem to have become a 45-minute team.
For the second weekend running, they allowed an early lead to slip as Linfield claimed what ultimately proved a comfortable victory.
The damage was done in the second half as goals from Gary Browne, Philip Lowry and Mark McAllister secured the points.
But it was a hugely frustrating afternoon for Darren Murphy.
He could only watch as a promising performance from his side, marked by Ryan Harpur’s 20th minute opener, rapidly unravelled in the second half.
It contrasts with the early stages of the campaign when Dungannon secured some vital results by scoring late goals, including a stoppage-time equaliser in this fixture in October.
Instead, Saturday was a similar story to events at Glenavon seven days earlier.
Afterwards, Murphy accused some players of not giving 100%, particularly his attacking unit who he felt did not give enough support to the defence.
That was particularly evident in the second period when the central pairing of Harpur and Grant Hutchinson became overrun at times.
This was the only Premiership game of the day and an opportunity for both sides to make progress in their respective quests at the top and bottom of the league.
Ultimately it was Linfield who took that chance, cutting the gap on leaders Cliftonville to 15 points.
And while the title is realistically beyond the Blues’ grasp now, this was a reminder that they will be back stronger than ever next term.
A strong start from Linfield almost brought a goal after 15 minutes.
McAllister, operating in a deeper attacking role, supplied a cross which was touched into the path of Michael Carvill, but his low drive struck the base of the post.
The Blues have shown a weakness at the back this season, conceding 35 times before Saturday, and sloppy defending almost gifted Dungannon the lead.
A back-pass from David Armstrong caught his own ‘keeper out but Ross Glendinning reacted sharply to tip the ball away from danger.
The Blues failed to heed the warning, however, and were behind moments later.
Matt Hazley stole possession and cut in from the left. Although his powerful shot was blocked, Harpur was on hand to fire home the rebound.
But for the second weekend in succession, the lead lasted barely five minutes.
Carvill’s cross caught the home defence asleep and Brian McCaul was left free at the back post to equalise with a downward header.
The Blues could have gone ahead two minutes later through Matthew Tipton.
He beat the offside trap to collect Lowry’s clever pass, but Jonny Curran stretched out an arm to divert the ball away.
Dungannon suffered a setback just before the break when Hazley, again a driving force in midfield, was forced off through injury.
His departure was perhaps a factor in a poorer second half performance, however, those still on the pitch must take their share of the blame too.
Linfield seized control and deservedly edged ahead in the 68th minute via Browne.
Billy-Joe Burns eased past PJ Lavery and set up Browne, who swept home with a right-foot finish from just inside the box.
And the points were secured four minutes later. This time Browne was the provider, supplying a cross to Lowry, and he had time and room to control before slotting home.
McAllister proved a real handful on his return to Stangmore Park and made it 4-1 late on, converting after a cross from Ross Clarke.
DGN SWIFTS: Curran, O’Neill, Montgomery, McMinn, Grieve, Harpur, Hutchinson, Hazley (Cahoon, 46), C Lavery (Gawley, 64), PJ Lavery (McKerr, 75), Costello
Subs not used: Fitzpatrick, Topley
LINFIELD: Glendinning, Armstrong, Gault (Mulgrew, 68), Murphy, Lowry, Carvill, Burns, Tipton (Browne, 41), McCaul (Clarke, 84), McAllister, Quinn
Subs not used: Hanley, Ervin
Referee: Andrew Davey (Belfast)
Guy Bates scored twice as the Lurgan Blues secured a first Premiership win since mid-December, halting a dismal six-game losing run.
But that tells only part of the story of a dramatic and at times ill-tempered Mid-Ulster derby.
A chaotic match saw Glenavon recover from a goal and a man down as Dungannon’s hopes of stretching their unbeaten Premiership run imploded.
How Swifts managed to throw this game away from such a good position will leave Darren Murphy bewildered and frustrated in equal measure.
They seemed on course for another vital win when James Costello scored his first goal for the club, minutes before Niall Henderson was sent off.
But Bates soon levelled from the penalty spot, signalling the start of a dramatic turnaround.
Dungannon themselves were reduced to 10 men in the second half when Emmet Friars was red-carded for a professional foul.
Mark Farren then put Glenavon in front before Bates’ late, late strike secured the win.
Although bitterly disappointing for Dungannon, they can have few complaints with the result.
The home side showed a greater drive and determination, particularly in the second half, albeit they benefited from some shocking defending.
With Glenavon climbing above Swifts in the table, it is a gentle reminder that Premiership survival is not yet secured.
Dungannon had won the sides’ previous two meetings this season, and were on course to make it three when they raced into a 21st minute lead.
Ryan Harpur was the architect and Costello’s header went in via the underside of the crossbar.
The home side’s chances suffered a further hit when they were reduced to 10 men.
Henderson appeared to swing an elbow at Matt Hazley, resulting in a red card. He also clashed with Harpur, unhappy with his role in drawing the referee to the incident.
Suddenly Glenavon were faced with a similar situation to the last meeting here in late August, when they played an hour with 10 men.
But unlike that game, when Dungannon held on for a 1-0 win, the home side were soon level.
Jonny Curran was penalised for bringing down Farren in the area, and Bates crashed home the resulting penalty with a powerful strike.
Dungannon almost retook the lead late in the half. Chris Lavery was played through on goal, but his low drive drew an impressive stop from Andy Coleman.
Glenavon started the second half strongly and had a massive penalty shout when Farren seemed to be taken down in the box by Curran.
However, referee Mervyn Smyth rejected their appeals – and booked the striker for diving.
It was a big call, but Dungannon’s luck did not hold.
Two minutes later Friars was red-carded for pulling back Bates outside the box and, to make matters worse, it led to a second Glenavon goal.
The free-kick was fired into the wall, but Gary Hamilton switched it to Farren at the back post and he converted with a side-foot finish.
Costello nearly levelled again with a snapshot before a Glenavon counter-attack ended with Kyle Neill’s strike being deflected just off target.
The game was now end-to-end, with Harpur’s cross-shot being tipped over by Coleman.
Yet Glenavon always looked the more likely to score on the break and they secured the points four minutes from the end.
A long ball from Mark Haughey caught out the visitors’ defence and Bates rounded the ‘keeper before hammering home their third.
GLENAVON: Coleman, Neill, McCallion, Haughey, Kilmartin, Bates, Farren (Rooney, 79), Brown, Henderson, Hamilton (McGrory, 72), Gardiner (Doherty, 57)
Subs not used: Dane, McDaid
DGN SWIFTS: Curran, O’Neill, Montgomery, Friars, Grieve, McKerr, Harpur, Hutchinson, C Lavery (PJ Lavery, 64), Hazley (Topley, 59), Costello (Cahoon, 75)
Subs not used: McMinn, Brennan
Referee: Mervyn Smyth (Belfast)