by DSFC Media | Feb 6, 2013 | Uncategorized
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)
by DSFC Media | Jan 28, 2013 | Uncategorized
The IFA have confirmed that our Danske Bank Premiership fixtures against Glentoran and Linfield that were postponed recently will now be played on the following dates:
Tuesday 5th February: Glentoran v Dungannon Swifts at the Oval. Kick Off 7.45 pm.
Saturday 9th February: Dungannon Swifts v Linfield at Stangmore Park. Kick Off 3.00 pm.
by DSFC Media | Jan 25, 2013 | Uncategorized
The PSNI have advised that all supporters travelling to the match tonight should be made aware the Far Circular Road (the road the entrance to Stangmore Park is situated on) will be closed to traffic coming from the Killyman end. The road will be open for traffic travelling towards Killyman only.
All the Linfield buses have been asked to park along this road so please note the road will be very busy.
All supporters travelling should leave more time for their journey in case of any potential delays.
Thank you.
by DSFC Media | Jan 19, 2013 | Uncategorized
It was a Matt finish at Stangmore Park, where two goals from midfielder Hazley edged Dungannon Swifts closer to Premiership survival.
He struck twice in the first half of Tuesday night’s game to secure the points against Glenavon and take Dungannon above the Lurgan club in the table.
They were Hazley’s first goals since signing for Swifts in the summer.
His second was particularly noteworthy, a stunning strike from a seemingly impossible angle just moments after Glenavon had levelled.
It was Dungannon’s second successive league win and takes them nine points clear of the relegation zone – plus they have the comfort of a game in hand.
This derby didn’t need any extra spice, but with both sides fighting against relegation there was more than just Mid-Ulster pride at stake.
Add in the large number of ex-Glenavon players in the Dungannon squad – six in the team and three on the bench – and it made things all the more interesting.
Another was sat in the stand with Swifts boss Darren Murphy serving a one-match ban, meaning first team coach Pat McGibbon took temporary charge.
And it was one of those former Glenavon players who gave Dungannon a dream start.
Just six minutes had elapsed when Hazley picked up possession in midfield, cut inside and curled a long-range strike into the bottom left-hand corner.
The midfielder had played a big hand in Swifts’ first chance minutes earlier, setting up James Costello, but his weak shot was easily saved.
Glenavon went close via a Kyle Neill free-kick while Guy Bates appeared to be tripped in the box by Johnny Montgomery – but stayed on his feet rather than go down.
Bates poked another effort just wide from an Andy McGrory cross before Mark Farren wasted a glorious chance to draw them level.
Poor defending allowed Glenavon to cut through the home defence but, after a one-two with Bates, the former Derry City striker shot straight at the goalkeeper.
They had another great chance when Andy Kilmartin played in Farren. He was denied by the ‘keeper with Ciaran Doherty’s follow-up cleared off the line by Adam McMinn.
Hazley’s early goal now seemed a long time ago, and even more so when Farren drew the visitors level in the 41st minute.
McGrory chipped the ball forward and Bates’ knockdown fell perfectly for the striker, who fired home with a low drive from just inside the box.
But their celebrations were soon cut short as Dungannon retook the lead within 60 seconds.
Again it was via a Hazley wonder strike. He eased past Doherty before crashing home a powerful effort from a seemingly impossible angle.
Glenavon introduced a former Dungannon player, Niall Henderson, for the second half.
However, they struggled to recapture the attacking threat they had earlier as the match dipped in quality.
Neil’s corner struck the woodwork while Bates saw an effort deflected wide.
The main action came towards the end, beginning with Dungannon substitute PJ Lavery who had a great chance to wrap up the point – but his low effort was diverted wide by the ‘keeper.
Farren had a late chance to snatch a point only to be foiled by Jonny Curran.
Another great Lavery run looked to settle the match, but his cross-shot was just ahead of namesake Chris Lavery who was free at the back post.
DGN SWIFTS: Curran, Montgomery, McMinn, Friars, Cahoon (PJ Lavery, 75), Costello, Grieve, R O’Neill , Hutchinson (C Lavery, 75), Harpur, Hazley
Subs not used: Brennan, Glackin, Gawley
GLENAVON: Coleman, Neill, Haughey (Shannon, 64), Kilmartin, Doherty, Bates, Farren, Lindsay, Brown, Hagan (Henderson, 46), McGrory (Mitchell, 70)
Subs not used: Turkington, McDaid
Referee: Colin Burns (Newtownabbey)
