by DSFC Media | Sep 26, 2011 | Uncategorized
Dixie Robinson celebrates his birthday this week but the Dungannon Swifts manager can be forgiven if he isn’t in the mood for much merriment.
Robinson cut a frustrated figure as he left Stangmore Park on Saturday evening after this hugely disappointing performance and result against Lisburn Distillery.
The Whites put a black mark on the festivities by condemning a desperately poor Dungannon to their fifth loss in nine league matches this season.
Goals from Gary Liggett and substitute Jordan Hughes saw Swifts concede the points to a side who are likely to be one of their main relegation rivals.
As Robinson later admitted, Dungannon deserved little from this match.
Their first half performance ranks as one of the poorest seen this season, worse even than their opening 45 minutes against Glenavon the previous weekend.
In that match a late Swifts equaliser did much to mask an otherwise dire display.
But they cannot rely on that good fortune every week, and on Saturday there was no late salvation.
Dungannon’s play, particularly in the first half, lacked energy, focus and effort and was punished through Liggett’s 41st minute header.
There was some improvement in the second half, albeit little in terms of goalmouth action for all Swifts’ possession and pressure.
Michael Ward and Craig McClean both missed golden chances, but otherwise the opposition goal was rarely under threat.
Hughes, a 64th minute replacement, then wrapped up the win in stoppage time.
But it was the abject first half display which set the tone for a hugely disappointing afternoon, capped by Liggett’s goal four minutes from the break.
Mark Patton pumped a corner towards the back post, and the striker’s header was deemed to have crossed the line before McClean knocked the ball clear.
It was no more than the Whites deserved after dominating the chances.
Only a terrific Niall Morgan save denied them in the fourth minute. Pat McShane crossed towards Jordan Forsythe whose downward header was scooped away by the goalkeeper, while Liggett’s follow-up attempt smashed into the side-netting.
David Cushley twice went close, shooting wide from distance and then testing Morgan following a neat turn and shot on the edge of the box.
Joe McCready carried Swifts’ main threat and forced three decent efforts on the visitors’ goal in the closing 15 minutes of the half.
First he tested Billy Brennan with a free-kick from the edge of the box before sending a terrific individual effort narrowly wide of the left post.
However, his best chance came just before the break. A Michael Funston corner fell perfectly but McCready was denied by the ‘keeper’s legs.
He turned provider after half-time, dropping a cross onto the head of McClean, but unfortunately the defender’s effort was straight at Brennan.
Robinson sent on Stefan Lavery and Shea McGerrigan as he chased an equaliser, but it was a Distillery substitute who almost created a second for the visitors.
Hughes’ pass released Patton but, after timing his run perfectly to beat the offside trap, the midfielder placed his shot the wrong side of the back post.
Dungannon piled on the pressure in the closing 20 minutes, albeit rarely testing the ‘keeper.
They did have one terrific chance, however. A touch from Darren Murphy sent Ward through on goal, but his effort clipped the outside of the left upright.
It was a poor miss and it could have been swiftly punished. Moments later Distillery broke up field but Hughes’ strike was blocked by Morgan.
Yet the Whites would not be denied, and they wrapped up the points in stoppage time. McClean lost possession on the edge of the box and Hughes took full advantage, lobbing the ball over a stranded Morgan and into the far corner.
DGN SWIFTS: Morgan, O’Neill (McGerrigan, 59), McClean, Murphy, McMinn, Montgomery (S Lavery, 59), Ward, McCready, Funston, Fitzpatrick, McCaffrey (Campbell, 75)
Subs not used: Forker, Baldwin
LISBURN DISTILLERY: Brennan, Callaghan, McShane, McCullough, Patton (Traynor, 83), Liggett, Cooling, Ferguson, Cushley (Hughes, 64), Forsythe (Thompson, 72), Hall
Subs not used: Gardiner, O’Connor
Referee: Raymond Crangle (Belfast)
by DSFC Media | Sep 22, 2011 | Uncategorized
Dungannon Swifts will play Cliftonville in the third round of the League Cup after booking their place with a convincing victory over neighbours Loughgall on Tuesday night
The graft of the Championship underdogs proved no match for the craft and quality of their top-flight opponents as Dungannon easily navigated what could have been an awkward tie.
A fine early goal from teenager Stefan Lavery settled any nerves before a superb second half strike by Terry Fitzpatrick ended the Villagers’ hopes of an upset.
A 72nd minute own-goal from Gregg Hall extended Swifts’ lead before Shea Campbell sealed a convincing win in the final minute.
Dungannon boss Dixie Robinson was pleased to progress.
“We were a bit sloppy in the first half but we brought on a couple of players later in the game and ran out comfortable winners,” he said.
“It was important to progress, our objective was to be in the hat for the next round and we’ve done that, so overall I’m very pleased.”
Next up is an away tie at Solitude on October 12, and the Reds will certainly provide a tougher test.
Despite being big favourites, Robinson took no chances with his team selection, fielding a strong side with reinforcements waiting to be brought off the bench if required.
Lavery’s 13th minute strike gave Swifts the perfect start.
Dungannon fans have been treated to some spectacular goals in recent games and this was no exception. The young striker controlled a cross from Shea McGerrigan before finishing in style with a powerful shot into the top corner.
The pace and skill of McGerrigan had been a real threat in the first half.
Earlier the midfielder had advanced down the left wing and delivered another good ball towards Conor Forker, whose header was punched clear by Marc Robinson.
Forker went close later in the half with an overhead kick, while Craig McClean also drove a shot well wide after another cross had been fisted clear by the ‘keeper.
By contrast Niall Morgan was a spectator for most of the first half. Indeed the only problem for Dungannon was an early injury which forced Michael McKerr off.
Summer signing Tom Baldwin took his place in the back line and, as debuts go, it certainly wasn’t the most taxing of nights for the young defender.
The one concern Robinson would have had was Swifts’ tendency to give away the ball, albeit Loughgall lacked the quality to capitalise on these mistakes.
They were more of a threat after half-time, however, testing Morgan on several occasions.
The best chance came just after the hour mark when Dale Malone crossed and Jeff Brady’s side-foot effort was pushed wide by Morgan.
But within two minutes Dungannon had put the tie beyond them.
Again it was a goal to remember, Fitzpatrick taking up possession on the edge of the area before hitting a superb strike into the roof of the net.
The third after 72 minutes was less memorable – certainly for Hall – who headed a cross from Campbell past his own goalkeeper.
Campbell, a 57th minute replacement for McGerrigan, then sealed the win in the final minute, rounding the goalkeeper before sliding home the fourth.
DGN SWIFTS: Morgan, McKerr (Baldwin, 16), McMinn, McClean, McCaffrey, Fitzpatrick, McGerrigan (Campbell, 57), Donnelly (Ward, 57), Funston, S Lavery, Forker
Subs not used: Montgomery, Murphy
LOUGHGALL: Robinson, Hall, Brady, Guy, Stewart, Taggert (Pedlow, 54), Hawthorne, Ferguson, Verner, Malone, Keenan (Doyle, 54)
Subs not used: King, Hull , Herron
Referee: Colin Burns (Newtownabbey)
by DSFC Media | Sep 21, 2011 | Uncategorized
Dungannon Swifts have been drawn away to Cliftonville in the third Round of the IRN BRU League Cup. This fixture will be played on Wednesday 12th October.
The Full draw is as follows:
Bangor v. Ballymena United
Carrick Rangers or Sport & Leisure Swifts v. Limavady United
Cliftonville v. Dungannon Swifts
Donegal Celtic v. Dergview
Glentoran v. Portadown
Linfield v. Glenavon
Lisburn Distillery v. Crusaders
Newry City v. Coleraine
by DSFC Media | Sep 19, 2011 | Uncategorized
New signing Joe McCready scored a superb late equaliser as Dungannon Swifts heaped yet more misery on Mid-Ulster rivals Glenavon.
The struggling Lurgan side were minutes from claiming their first win of the campaign when the striker curled home a sublime strike to rescue a scarcely deserved point.
All too often this season Dungannon have complained that the quality of their performances have not been reflected in the results, and this was another such occasion.
But while it has usually been a case of falling just short after an encouraging display, this time they will acknowledge that a draw was more than their efforts merited.
Certainly Marty Quinn will wonder how his side didn’t claim all three points.
They dominated for long periods of the match, and took a fully deserved lead when Diarmuid O’Carroll scored from the penalty spot with 14 minutes remaining.
But then, with Glenavon seemingly on the brink of a first victory, McCready struck.
It was his first goal since completing a deadline day move from Institute, and capped another encouraging performance from the young forward.
McCready has given Dungannon’s attack an extra dimension, and his footwork and movement proved a handful to the visitors’ back line all afternoon.
This result keeps the pressure firmly on Quinn. He has vowed to turn things around, but it is uncertain how much time he will be given to try and resurrect the once mighty club’s fortunes.
He can, though, take many positives from this game. Glenavon dominated from the outset and had two early chances to edge ahead.
First Andy Graham swung over a cross towards Ryan Harpur, but he headed wide with an effort which should have at least hit the target.
The same two combined soon afterwards, this time Graham setting up Harpur. His 20-yard strike was much better, beating the goalkeeper but crashing back off the upright.
At the other end, veteran goalkeeper David O’Hare was making his first start of the season after an injury to regular stopper Andrew Coleman.
But it took Dungannon 32 minutes to force him into action, their first chance coming when McCready took a pass from Terry Fitzpatrick before shooting straight at O’Hare.
They came close to taking a half-time lead, however, through Shea Campbell. The striker took aim from the left side of the box but saw his clever attempt bounce off the crossbar.
Glenavon had another lucky escape early in the second half. A corner from Dermot McCaffrey was knocked on for McCready, but his close range header was cleared off the line by Harpur.
Yet the Lurgan side continued to dominate and, just after the hour mark, forced three good attempts on the Dungannon goal in as many minutes.
First Graham directed Harpur’s free-kick into the path of Mark Miskimmin but, just three yards out, the striker somehow lifted the ball over the bar.
Next Niall Henderson sent Peter McCann through on goal but he placed his shot just wide of the back post, before a stinging O’Carroll drive was beaten away by Morgan.
But Swifts’ luck would not hold, and in the 76th minute Glenavon edged ahead.
Adam McMinn fouled Henderson inside the box, resulting in a penalty. O’Carroll’s firmly struck kick gave the ‘keeper little chance.
It seemed Glenavon’s luck had finally turned – until McCready’s late equaliser.
The striker picked up possession 25 yards out and, with the visitors’ defence backing off, he curled a sublime strike past O’Hare to rescue a point.
DGN SWIFTS: Morgan, O’Neill, McCaffrey, McClean (McMinn, 46), Montgomery, Fitzpatrick, Murphy, Ward (S Lavery, 67), Funston, Campbell (McGerrigan, 71), McCready
Subs not used: McKerr, Forker
GLENAVON: O’Hare, Shannon, Jay Magee, Haughey, Henderson, Harpur, O’Carroll, Miskimmin (D Magee, 71), Turkington, Graham, McCann
Subs not used: Johnny Magee, Hagan, Doherty, Brennan
Referee: Stephen Weatherall (Belfast)
by DSFC Media | Sep 12, 2011 | Uncategorized
A stunning strike from Dermot McCaffrey helped ease the pressure on Dungannon Swifts as they claimed a crucial victory in West Belfast.
The defender has earned a reputation for scoring spectacular goals and added another to his personal collection with a brilliant 25-yard effort against Donegal Celtic.
This was only Dungannon’s second win of the campaign, but was thoroughly deserved after an encouraging performance against this season’s surprise package.
The Hoops have claimed some impressive scalps, including wins over Glentoran and Crusaders, but were handicapped by the absence of several key players on Saturday.
McCaffrey’s 25th minute goal was the highlight of a first half which ended in ugly scenes after Celtic midfielder Niall Atkinson was sent off for a reckless tackle.
Although the home side upped their performance after half time, Michael Ward killed off the game in the closing minutes when he scored from the penalty spot.
That goal – his first of the campaign – is bound to lift the striker’s confidence, as will another clean sheet for young goalkeeper Niall Morgan.
The win takes Swifts six points clear of basement side Glenavon, who are the next visitors to Stangmore Park.
Dixie Robinson will be desperate to build on this victory – Swifts have found back-to-back wins hard to come by – to keep the pressure on their Mid-Ulster neighbours.
So far this season Dungannon’s best performances have come in the latter stages of games, but this time they impressed at the outset.
That was despite an early back injury to Johnny Topley which forced Robinson to reshape his midfield, with Michael Funston drafted off the bench.
And the substitute could have scored with his first touch. The DC goalkeeper dropped a cross from Craig McClean on Funston’s head, but he had little time to react and the ball fell safely before being hacked clear by the home defence.
Robert Robinson, fortunate that his error had not been punished, somewhat redeemed himself with a good save to block PJ Lavery’s low strike soon afterwards.
But there was nothing he could do about McCaffrey’s stunning opener.
Picking up the ball in midfield, the defender unleashed a 25-yard drive which had pace and accuracy, leaving the ‘keeper helpless as it arrowed into the top corner.
The home side had entered the match badly weakened by the loss of Ryan Henderson and Paul McVeigh, who were both out through suspension.
And their absence was sorely felt throughout the 90 minutes, with DC’s attack lacking the cohesion and potency which is normally brought by the pair.
The Hoops’ best chance of the half came from Atkinson, who also entered the match early after an injury to Johnny Harkness. Darren Murray redirected a throw-in towards his feet but, six yards out, the midfielder pulled his shot wide of the target.
His afternoon soon got worse, however. As the game entered stoppage time, Atkinson lunged two-footed at PJ Lavery, resulting in a straight red card.
But if Dungannon thought that would signal a comfortable afternoon, they were badly mistaken.
Donegal Celtic came storming back in the early minutes of the second half, forcing three good efforts on the visitors’ goal in as many minutes.
First Eamon McAllister tested Morgan, forcing the goalkeeper to divert his strike wide, before Jonathan Gowdy’s header was blocked on the line.
But their best chance fell to Murray, who broke clear only to see his stinging strike brilliantly beaten away by Morgan as he closed in on the target.
The introduction of Joe McCready provided Dungannon with fresh legs in attack, and he displayed flashes of skill in an encouraging 35-minute cameo.
He also had a chance to open his Swifts’ account but was just unable to get his head to a Ryan O’Neill delivery which swept across the six-yard box.
There were still reminders of the DC threat, however.
A corner found Darren McNamee but he headed wide at the back post, while Gowdy’s driven effort got past Morgan but rebounded off the upright.
Dungannon made sure of the points with a second goal late on. Mark Burns was penalised for handling inside the box, and Ward scored from the spot.
DONEGAL CELTIC: Robinson, Keegan, Harkness (Atkinson, 8), McNamee, Burns, Lambe (Glenholmes, 85), Bradley, Lynch (Fay, 66), Murray, McAllister, Gowdy
Subs not used: Harper, Muir
DGN SWIFTS: Morgan, O’Neill, Montgomery, McCaffrey, McClean, Fitzpatrick, Topley (Funston, 6), Murphy, S Lavery (Campbell, 71), Ward, PJ Lavery (McCready, 56)
Subs not used: McGerrigan, McMinn
Referee: Mervyn Smyth (Belfast)
by DSFC Media | Sep 5, 2011 | Uncategorized
A month into the new Irish League season and already it is proving as difficult as many feared and indeed expected for Dungannon Swifts. Another disturbingly ineffective attacking performance contributed to this defeat as Crusaders got their title challenge back on track at Stangmore Park. A Colin Coates penalty in the first half and a late second from David McMaster secured the points as Dungannon slumped to their fourth defeat so far. And while there are mitigating circumstances – they have had arguably the toughest start of all 12 teams – it matters little in the harsh world of top division football. This was a game which summed up Swifts’ fortunes. On one level the problems are simple. Dungannon are not creating enough chances, and against Crusaders their attacking play again lacked an incisive edge. But it also underlined longer term issues, with the return of striker Timmy Adamson and goalkeeper Sean O’Neill serving as a reminder of the quality which has been lost. Ultimately it was in those two areas where Saturday’s match was won and lost.
In a game of few chances, Crusaders had players who were capable of taking advantage, while O’Neill made several terrific saves to thwart Dungannon. As with other games, Dixie Robinson could point to an encouraging performance at times, but football is a business where the result is all that really matters. It is also about scoring goals, and currently that is something Dungannon are struggling to do. Perhaps Joe McCready, signed on transfer deadline day from Institute, will help given time. He was drafted straight into the starting line-up but was a peripheral figure for much of the match.
It was Crusaders who had the first chance after 23 minutes. Ciaran Gargan cut in from the left but his strike was deflected onto the crossbar by Craig McClean. O’Neill then denied his old side, producing an instinctive block to keep out Johnny Topley’s bullet header after a free-kick from namesake Montgomery. Adamson had recovered from injury after missing his side’s Monday night loss to Donegal Celtic, and led the Crues’ attack. The striker was watched closely by Swifts’ defence throughout the half, his one chance coming in the 37th minute from a Ryan McCann cross which he headed well over. The deadlock was broken five minutes before the break. Stephen McBride’s run into the box ended when he was taken down by Topley, and Coates powerfully converted the resulting penalty.
Both goalkeepers were called into action after the break. First Niall Morgan denied Paul Leeman, using his legs to block a low strike from the full-backafter he was picked out by McBride’s probing free-kick. Then, when Ryan O’Neill was fouled 25 yards from goal, the Crues ‘keeper prevented Dermot McCaffrey’s terrific effort dipping under the crossbar. Adamson had a sight of goal but, after meeting another searching McBride delivery, he directed the ball into the side-netting. Dungannon continued to probe for an opening, with Michael McKerr, Shea McGerrigan and Stefan Lavery all drafted off the bench as Robinson went for broke. It left them exposed at the back, however, and Crusaders nearly added a second on the counter-attack. After Stuart Dallas was brilliantly denied by the ‘keeper, the ball dropped for Chris Morrow but his low strike was cleared off the line by Darren Murphy. Then O’Neill produced a superb save to thwart Dungannon, thrusting out a hand to fingertip Topley’s header around the post. Crusaders wrapped up the points a minute from the end, Adamson squaring to McMaster whose crisp, right-foot strike gave Morgan little chance.
DGN SWIFTS: Morgan, O’Neill, McCaffrey, McClean (McGerrigan, 72), Montgomery, Fitzpatrick (S Lavery, 77), Murphy, Ward, Topley, Campbell (McKerr, 59), McCready
Subs not used: Funston, Donnelly
CRUSADERS: O’Neill, Coates, Leeman, McKeown, McBride, Dallas, Gargan (McMaster, 30), McCann (Morrow, 62), Watson, Adamson, Halliday (Rainey, 71)
Subs not used: Caddell, Owens Referee: David Malcolm (Belfast)
Dixie Robinson is pictured with Peter Hutton of Global Cinemas Dungannon who kindly sponsored the match. Thank you.
