Dungannon Swifts 1 Donegal Celtic 0

by | Mar 14, 2012 | Uncategorized

Dungannon Swifts are just 90 minutes from another appearance in the Irish Cup final after edging past Donegal Celtic at the second attempt.

A stunning goal from teenager Stefan Lavery was the difference in a tight quarter-final replay at Stangmore Park on Monday night.

It took Dungannon into the semi-finals for only the second time, and a step nearer to exorcising the ghost of their 2007 cup final defeat to Linfield.

They will now play Crusaders on March 31 for a place in the final.

Head coach Darren Murphy believed Dungannon’s second half performance merited the win.

“In the first half it was a tight game but we asked the players to do a few things differently at half-time and they did that,” he said.

“Once we got ahead DC had to change their game plan. They came forward and we created a few more chances and could have had a few more goals.

“But overall in cup football the most important thing is the result and for us to be in the semi-finals is absolutely fantastic for the club.”

The winning goal was scored in the 59th minute by Lavery, who signed a new two-year contract with Dungannon last Thursday.

He was released by a long goal kick and, showing pace and skill, eased past Kevin Keegan before squeezing the ball home from an almost impossible angle.

“Stefan might be small in stature but he is brave and doesn’t shirk a challenge,” added Murphy.

“The ball was knocked up and Stefan managed to get between their defender and the goalkeeper, and it was a fantastic finish from a really tight angle.

“It’s capped off a really good week for Stefan, who has just signed a new deal at the club.”

A late goal from Conor Forker had taken this tie to a replay after a thrilling first game in West Belfast, but the striker found himself on the bench on Monday night.

He watched on as both teams made a positive start, with Robert Robinson producing a fine save to turn JP Gallagher’s early strike around the post.

Ryan Henderson then tested Niall Morgan with an effort from the edge of the box.

A superb move involving Darren Murray and Henderson then set up Kieran O’Connor, but the DC midfielder steered his strike wide of goal.

Unfortunately the game didn’t live up to its early promise, degenerating into a midfield scrap.

A curling strike from Stephen McAlorum was pushed away by the ‘keeper in the 34th minute, before Ryan Harpur’s long-range effort forced Robert Robinson into action moments later.

The early stages of the second half brought little improvement – until Lavery’s stunning strike.

Dungannon were now controlling the game, albeit they struggled to land chances on the visitors’ goal.

The visitors almost snatched an equaliser through Paul McVeigh, but Morgan stretched out a hand to tip his strike around the post.

Michael Ward had two late chances to seal Swifts’ progress.

First he was played through by Marc Brolly but the goalkeeper made a vital interception, then in the final minute he shot straight at Robinson rather than squaring to Harpur.

DGN SWIFTS: Morgan, O’Neill, Montgomery, E Friars, Gallagher, Ward (C Forker, 90), Harpur, Fitzpatrick, Brolly, S Lavery (Funston, 70), Topley

Subs not used: L Donnelly, Murphy, McClean

DONEGAL CELTIC: Robinson, Keegan (McAllister, 63), Harkness, Bradley, McNamee, Burns, O’Connor (Bradley, 56), McAlorum, Henderson (C Murray, 77), P McVeigh, D Murray

Subs not used: G McVeigh, O’Hara

Referee: Brian Turkington (Belfast)

Carling Premiership game off

by | Mar 10, 2012 | Uncategorized

Unfortunately Donegal Celtic v Dungannon Swifts has been called off today.

A pitch inspection was carried out at 10.15am and the pitch was deemed unplayable.

Our next game is at Stangmore Park this Monday night v Donegal Celtic in the quarter final replay of the Irish Cup.

Kick off 7.45pm.

Morgan & S.Lavery contract news.

by | Mar 9, 2012 | Uncategorized

         

The Swifts management team, of Murphy and McAree, have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure they hold on to two of our highly talented youngsters.

Teenage Striker Stefan Lavery and 20 year old ‘keeper Niall Morgan who have worked their way through the ranks from Dungannon United Youth have both agreed to remain at the club until at least the end of the 2013/14 season.

Stefan Lavery has agreed to sign a new 2 year contract and Niall Morgan has agreed a one year extension to his current contract. 

First team coach Rodney McAree said ” We are delighted with the news that both players will be at the club until at least the end of the 2013/14 season, they are both going to be a big asset to the club in the years ahead of us. Both Stefan and Niall are great prospects who are improving all the time, it’s an added bonus that they are both from Dungannon and products of D.U.Y..”

Niall Morgan has also received the Carling Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Association Player of the Month Award. Congratulations to him.

“I am delighted for Niall, and he deserves it because he put in some superb performances and kept clean sheets. He is young and in his first senior season but he is maturing all the time. But Niall would tell you himself that without the 10 other lads in front of him, he wouldn’t be getting this award.So it is nice recognition for the whole squad,” said Head coach Darren Murphy.

Congratulations to Niall from everyone at DSFC.

We wish both players continued success in their Swift Careers.