by DSFC Media | Aug 29, 2011 | Uncategorized
It was the late, late show at Stangmore Park as Dungannon Swifts finally got their season up and running against Carrick Rangers. Just as fans were contemplating another night of frustration, along came Conor Forker and then Shea Campbell to end Swifts’ profligacy and sweep away the gloom. The pair have scored many goals for Dungannon down the years, all the way back to when this fixture was contested in the second tier of Irish football. Yet few will have been as important as the ones which snatched victory in the dying stages of Friday night’s match. An early howler from Niall Morgan had gifted Carrick the lead, while his counterpart Chris Keenan pulled off a fine penalty save to preserve that advantage to the interval.
But Dungannon upped their performance in the second half and midfielder Johnny Topley, by day a postman, delivered the equaliser with a first-class strike. And then a match which had been a story of two goalkeepers became one of two substitutes. Forker had only been on the pitch five minutes when he put Dungannon in front for the first time, finishing off Campbell’s sweeping cross at the back post. Then in stoppage time Campbell himself drove forward and unleashed a shot which was diverted past the ‘keeper by defender Michael Deans. Defeat was cruel on Carrick who for long periods had seemed on course for a second successive away win, but Irish League football can be a very unforgiving place. These three points lifted Dungannon off the foot of the league and above Carrick. And while few will pay any attention to the table at this early stage, Dixie Robinson will be mightily relieved their brief sojourn at the bottom has ended. Yet for much of this match it seemed it would be another frustrating evening, with a blunder from Morgan literally handing Carrick the opening goal. The young goalkeeper allowed Johnny Montgomery’s defensive header to slip from his grasp, and Stephen O’Neill slotted into the empty net. Philip Donnelly, one of three players drafted into a changed line-up, occasionally created moments of promise, but wasted a great chance later in the half. Set up by Michael Ward’s enterprising approach play, the teenager miscued his shot when a clean strike would surely have posed problems for Keenan.. No matter. Dungannon continued to press and probe, and another venture forward from Donnelly handed them a lifeline in the 32nd minute. An innocuous challenge by David McAlinden resulted in a penalty. The decision was harsh at best, but justice was done when Dermot McCaffrey’s kick was parried away by Keenan. Carrick remained a threat and Paul Heatley had a chance to double their lead soon afterwards. Sent through on goal, he opted for a second touch when it wasn’t needed, allowing Morgan to intercept. Another of the recalled players, PJ Lavery, and Ward both had sight of goal towards the end of the half, albeit neither could take advantage. The same two tested Keenan in the early stages of the second period. Ward’s angled strike on the hour was easy for the ‘keeper, the thumping 25-yard strike from Lavery moments later less so, but still dealt with.. The pressure was building, however, and in the 71st minute it finally told. Ryan O’Neill played a free-kick across to Topley and his 30-yard effort flashed past Keenan, perhaps a little too easily given his earlier heroics.. It breathed new life into Dungannon’s challenge. Robinson, not content with a point, dispatched three attacking players from the bench. Stefan Lavery had an instant impact, supplying a cross for Ward to head wide. He also played a big hand in the goal which gave Dungannon an 88th minute lead. His pass released Campbell, who advanced forward before sliding the ball across to another substitute, Forker, who converted with a neat finish. The goal floored Carrick, and their night took another disappointing turn when Deans turned Campbell’s shot into his own net in stoppage time. DGN SWIFTS: Morgan, O’Neill, McCaffrey, McClean, Montgomery, Fitzpatrick, PJ Lavery, Ward (C Forker, 83), Topley, Donnelly (Campbell, 72), McGerrigan (S Lavery, 62) Subs not used: A Forker, Murphy CARRICK RANGERS: Keenan, Murray, Hogan, Hutchinson (Deans, 67), Lagan, McAlinden, Owens, Anderson (Smith, 80), O’Neill, McDowell, Heatley Subs not used: Valko, Harmon, McClean Referee: Mervyn Smyth (Belfast)
by DSFC Media | Aug 22, 2011 | Uncategorized
A new season, but unfortunately for Dungannon Swifts, the same old Linfield.
Nobody really needed reminding of the champions’ ability but they demonstrated it anyway with a comprehensive, four-goal victory at Stangmore Park.
Seasons come and go but some things never change, and the sight of the Blues in full stride, even at this early stage, is indeed an ominous one for the rest.
They were ahead inside 10 minutes through Robert Garrett’s sublime strike, and had the final say when Rory Patterson scored in the final minute.
And so the week ended with Linfield again top, already three points clear, while Dungannon are stuck at the opposite end of the table.
While few would bet against the Blues finishing the campaign at the summit, Dixie Robinson can be cautiously optimistic that Swifts’ fate is not sealed.
A fortnight into the season is not the time to pass judgement, and especially when it has included a tough double-header against Belfast’s Big Two.
Better teams than Dungannon will suffer at the hands of Linfield in the coming months.
The Blues’ quality across the pitch was apparent on Saturday, from the outstanding Chris Casement in defence to the abundance of talent they possess in the forward areas, so much so that Patterson was again restricted to a place on the bench.
In midfield Garrett more than compensated for the absent Jamie Mulgrew with a dominant display, and it was one of his driving runs which fashioned the first goal.
Breaking forward from midfield, Garrett collected a pass from Mark McAllister along the way before rifling the ball into the top corner from 12 yards.
Although Dungannon tried to respond and forced a series of corners, all were easily dealt with by the visitors’ back line.
Instead it was Linfield in control, and McAllister wasted a glorious chance to double their advantage later in the half. He was sent clear by Garrett but wanted too long on the ball, allowing Craig McClean to race back and clear the danger.
The resulting corner from Damian Curran picked out Philip Lowry, but his header struck the crossbar before rebounding to safety.
But Swifts’ luck did not hold, and Linfield did get a second in the 37th minute.
The ball was going out of play when McClean intervened to concede a needless corner. Curran’s delivery found Lowry whose effort was stopped on the line, Peter Thompson’s follow-up was blocked before McAllister fired home at the third attempt.
Half-time allowed Robinson to try and inject some fresh energy and belief into his players, and he pushed Michael Ward into a more advanced role.
However, any hopes of a comeback were ended by a third Linfield goal. McAllister set up David Armstrong, whose crisp, right-foot drive found the bottom corner.
Linfield could have further stretched their lead. Thompson headed wide from Garrett’s free-kick then Daryl Fordyce lifted an effort inches off target.
With an hour played, it seemed David Jeffrey thought the points were secure.
Thompson and Garrett were withdrawn, but any sense of relief for Dungannon ended when Patterson and then Michael Carvill took their places.
They did, however, pull a goal back. Shea McGerrigan supplied the corner and Johnny Topley escaped Casement’s attention to convert from six yards.
Philip Donnelly had brought energy and impetus to Swifts’ play since his introduction, and one goal-bound effort drew a decent save from Alan Blayney.
Linfield, though, had the final say, capping a fine performance in the final minute.
Carvill’s pass pierced the Dungannon back line and sent Patterson racing clear, and he calmly slipped the ball beyond Niall Morgan to seal another fine victory.
DGN SWIFTS: Morgan, O’Neill, McCaffrey, McClean, McMinn, Fitzpatrick, A Forker (Donnelly, 74), Ward, Topley, Murphy (McGerrigan, 62), Lavery (C Forker, 62)
Subs not used: Campbell, Montgomery
LINFIELD: Blayney, Armstrong, Curran, Lowry, Thompson (Patterson, 62), Fordyce (Burns, 82), Garrett (Carvill, 65), Ervin, Watson, McAllister, Casement
Subs not used: Douglas, McCaul
Referee: Stephen Weatherall (Belfast)
by DSFC Media | Aug 21, 2011 | Uncategorized
The club would like to Congratulate our Under 16 team in becoming All Ireland Champions yesterday when they beat Ashburn United in the Champions of Champions final.
The U16s, along with Manager Mark Jennings, travelled to Dublin to play Ashburn United in this All Ireland tie. Dungannon came out worthy winners beating the Ashburn team 4-1.
Goals were scored by R. McQuaid x2, Eoin Teague and Marc McConnell.
This is a fantastic achievement for such a talented side from Dungannon. Eight Members of the team featured in the Co Tyrone Premier Milk Cup team this year.
Captain Eoin Teague is pictured above receiving the Cup.
Well done boys from everyone at Dungannon Swifts.
by DSFC Media | Aug 15, 2011 | Uncategorized
A lack of attacking firepower again proved costly for Dungannon Swifts as they crashed to their first defeat of the new campaign at the Oval.
An unfortunate own-goal by Adam McMinn and a classy strike from Darren Boyce secured victory as Glentoran’s 100% start to the season continued.
But this was far from the comprehensive defeat some had feared – or the polished performance which was expected by Glens fans.
Indeed while Dungannon left East Belfast empty handed, there were many positives for Dixie Robinson to draw from a spirited display.
Little separated the sides, apart from the slice of luck which handed Glentoran the first goal and the careless error which gifted them their second.
The crucial difference was in the final third, where the home side displayed a greater clinical edge than Dungannon.
Michael Ward and Stefan Lavery worked tirelessly throughout the 90 minutes, but neither possess the power and physical presence missing since Timmy Adamson departed.
Perhaps that will come from Shane Coney, who could soon be available, while the imminent return of Shea Campbell is another boost.
Robinson though will be encouraged by his team’s fearless performance.
This had been their first big test of the campaign against a Glentoran side aiming to wrestle the Gibson Cup back across the city.
Last season the Glens had twice slipped up in this fixture, but they have started strongly this time and seized control of the game in the first half.
There was a huge element of luck to the strike that broke the deadlock after 17 minutes, however.
Johnny Taylor’s cross was touched off for Jim O’Hanlon, and his right-foot effort was going well wide until it ricocheted off McMinn’s chest and past the helpless goalkeeper.
But if Dungannon were unfortunate to concede the first, then the second goal – which came at a time when they were pressing for an equaliser – was down to sheer carelessness.
Johnny Topley played a lazy pass which was seized by Stephen Carson, he slipped a clever ball through to Boyce who controlled, turned and slotted home.
It was harsh on Dungannon, who for long periods had taken the game to their opponents.
They had the first chance inside two minutes. A corner from Stefan Lavery came out to McMinn whose half-volley cleared the crossbar.
It was a positive sign which typified large parts of Swifts’ performance in the first half.
They almost levelled within seven minutes of going behind, with Michael Funston’s effort being cleared off the line by Richard Clarke.
Soon afterwards a pass from Topley released Darren Murphy down the left. He took aim with a powerful, low drive which was diverted into the side netting by Elliott Morris.
Yet Glentoran also looked capable of adding to their lead, and Niall Morgan pulled off a terrific block to deny Andrew Waterworth after he had outpaced McMinn.
Two minutes later a harmless shot from Clarke was spilled by Morgan, fortunately the goalkeeper collected at the second attempt before Boyce could capitalise.
And when a Carson corner reached David Howland, his firmly struck effort through a crowded box was deflected just past the far post.
The second Glentoran goal just before half-time could have crushed Swifts’ morale, but they continued to search for a route back into the match after the break.
PJ Lavery and Shea McGerrigan were drafted off the bench in a sign of their positive approach.
They had one superb chance carved out by McGerrigan. He pulled the ball back but Murphy, eight yards out, dragged his shot wide.
Complacency had slipped into Glentoran’s game and they were losing the midfield battle, however, Dungannon lacked the firepower to take full advantage.
They did ensure a nervous finish by pulling a goal back seven minutes from the end.
A free-kick was awarded on the edge of the box and Dermot McCaffrey knocked the ball to Ryan O’Neill. His shot was low and firm, but should not have beaten the ‘keeper so easily.
GLENTORAN: Morris, Nixon, Hill, Clarke (McGuigan, 64), Taylor, O’Hanlon (Murray, 81), Ward, Howland, Waterworth (Gibson, 60), Boyce, Carson
Subs not used: McGovern, Hogg
DGN SWIFTS: Morgan, O’Neill, McMinn (Montgomery, 73), McCaffrey, McClean, Ward (McGerrigan, 64), Funston (PJ Lavery, 59), Fitzpatrick, Topley, Murphy, S Lavery
Subs not used: Donnelly, Forker
Referee: Colin Burns (Newtownabbey)
by DSFC Media | Aug 14, 2011 | Uncategorized
Team news for res. team v Glentoran.
James Haughey Scored the only goal for the Swifts team.
Dungannon Swifts Reserve team:
Johnny Curran, Stein Montgomery, Daniel Jackson,Joe Collins, Dean McMahon, Kane Connor, Dermy Thornton, Daryl Magee, Ronan McBearty, James Haughey, Dale noble.
Subs used: Niall Kelly for Kane Connor , Fintan Kelly for Ronan McBearty.
Unused sub: Matthew Walsh
by DSFC Media | Aug 13, 2011 | Uncategorized
Glentoran 2-1 Dungannon Swifts
OG, Boyce R. O’Neill
Today’s team at the Oval:
Morgan, O’Neill, McMinn,McCaffrey,McClean,Funston, Topley,Fitzpatrick, Murphy,S Lavery, Ward
Used Subs: PJ Lavery, McGerrigan and J Montgomery.
Match photos are now online in our gallery section.
Dungannon Swifts Reserves lost 2-1 to Glentoran Reserves today at Stangmore Park. James Haughey got the one and only goal for the reserve side. More team news to follow.
