Dungannon U11s        3

Coleraine    U11s        2

DUY U11’s latest fixture was against an undefeated Coleraine side.

The first half proved to be a very highly contested and was easy to see how both  these teams had an unbeaten start to the season. After 5 minutes play Robbie Brown broke the deadlock after pouncing on a loose ball and placing it in the corner of the net. Coleraine then took control of the match and DUY goalkeeper Josh Cardwell had to make some great saves. DUY were just hitting back on the break with Jack Madden showing some great wing play down the right.

On 20 minutes Coleraine levelled with a powerful shot saved by Josh Cardwell but the referee adjudged it over the line. Within a minute Coleraine were in front a flowing move finished in style by their centre forward. At this stage DUY were very edgy and started to give possession away but with some encouragement from the coaches began to settle and were rewarded when just on the half time whistle Dylan O’Hagans shot was adjudged over the line by the referee 2-2 at half time.

The second half was again end to end but the difference between the teams was the goalkeeping, Josh Cardwell again and again stopped Coleraine who looked like they were going to take control of the match. DUY were again catching Coleraine on the break and when Jack Madden broke into the box he was taken down by the goalkeeper for a penalty. Dylan O’Hagan took it but just placed it wide. But Dylan was going to made up for his mistake he worked tirelessly and then his chance came. Ryan Cush won the ball passing on to Jack Madden who released Dylan who made no mistake with a great finish. DUY saw out the remaining 5 minutes and indeed looked like increasing the score.

Both sets of teams deserve great credit for a super match of Junior football which was enjoyed by all the supporters and coaches.

Man of the match for a brilliant goalkeeping display went to Josh Cardwell. Well done to both teams next match Donegal Celtic.

Paul Donaghy, Shea Gordon, Daniel Kerr and Naoise Martin were invited to Belfast last Monday and Tuesday evening to take part in the trials with Liverpool Academy. Both nights saw the boys perform well under the watchful eye of 2 coaches from Liverpool that had come over especially to view the Northern Ireland talent, as well as the normal academy coaches.

Congratulations to all the boys on such a great performance and for representing Dungannon United Youth so admirably at these trials and fingers crossed they will be hearing from the coaches in the LIverpool Academy soon.

Well done boys.

Dungannon United Youth Annual Presentation dinner took place last Friday evening in the Ryandale, Moy.

It was an evening of celebration for all the teams who participated in either the Mid Ulster Youth League or the National Youth League this season. There was a phenomenal turn out of approximately 300 players, parents and supporters as well as star guests Rodney McAree, Darren Murphy, Johnny Montgomery, Christopher Hegerty and Dennis McElhatton.

Joe McAree, Chairman of Dungannon United Youth officiated the presentation, welcoming everyone and congratulating all the players on yet another successful season.

The Awards presented were for:

· Top Goal Scorer

· Most Improved Player

· Player of the Year

The hard task fell to each of the coaches to decide the players who were to receive the awards. David Tate, Under 16 Swifts Coach started the proceedings.

Under 16 Swifts Winners (Managed by David Tate)

Top Goal Scorer: Stefan Lavery

Most Improved Player: Brian Fox

Player of the Year: Shannon Crooks

Under 15’s Mid Ulster Winners (Managed by David Magee)

Top Goal Scorer: Tiernan McKay

Most Improved Player: Daire Martin

Player of the Year: Sean Molloy

Under 14’s National Winners (Managed by Karle Farquahar)

Top Goal Scorer: Kevin Curran

Most Improved Player: Rian McHugh

Player of the Year: Garbhan McManus

Under 13’s National Winners (Managed by Gary Boyd)

Top Goal Scorer: Matthew McIlvenna

Most Improved Player: Ross Lavery

Player of the Year: Matthew Young

Under 13’s Mid Ulster Winners (Managed by Gary Maguire)

Top Goal Scorer: Ben Nixon

Most Improved Player: Daniel Moore

Player of the Year: Donal Mallon

Under 12’s National Winners (Managed by Kieran “Pudgie” Robinson)

Top Goal Scorer: Ryan Coleman

Most Improved Player: Craig Gibson

Player of the Year: Lorcan Mallon

Under 12’s Mid Ulster Winners (Managed by Jason Toner)

Top Goal Scorer: Conor Campbell/Caolan Mulgrew

Most Improved Player: Nathan Comick

Player of the Year: Gary Molloy

Under 11’s Mid Ulster Winners (Managed by Joe McAree and Tony Courtney)

Top Goal Scorer: Paul Donnelly

Most Improved Player: Paul Donaghy

Player of the Year: Naoise Martin

Colts Winners (Managed by Paul Crilly)

Top Goal Scorer: Dylan O’Hagan

Most Improved Player: Tyler Blair

Player of the Year: Robbie Brown

This year’s Achievement Award went to Daryl Magee who played this season with the Under 15’s Mid Ulster Team.

Congratulations to all the winners of awards!

Special thanks to the Ryandale for putting on such a lovely meal for all the DUY guests, to Donnelly Bros for continuing to sponsor the DUY teams, to The Glackins for providing such great music and entertainment for the evening. Thanks also to Mary and Gerry Small from Greystone Builders Merchants and Podge Quinn from Quinn’s Corner for donating prizes for the raffle.

Thanks to all the coaches of Dungannon United Youth for all their hard work this year and good luck for next year. Many thanks also to Dixie Robinson, Joe McAree and Carol McAree for all they do!