U14s DUY 2 Linfield 1

After 5 weeks since their last outing DUY played host to defending champions Linfield on Saturday last. Played in almost perfect conditions this was going to be a big test to see how far the boys have come this season. The opening 10 minutes was hard fought as both teams tried to get on top. The first chance of the game fell to DUY player Ross Lavery but lost his footing inside the box. Then it was Linfields turn when Christian Stewart picked up the ball in midfield and ran at the Dungannon defence, he beat 3 players but his shot was poor and straight at Mark Brown. Linfield had the best chance of the half to go 1 up when awarded a penalty but failed to make the most of it as Stewarts effort come back of the post. Dungannons best chance of this period fell to Joesph McVeigh as he tried his luck from 22 yards only to see it bounce of the crossbar.

Half time DUY 0 Linfield 0.

The second half began as the first ended with both teams defending well and little chances being created. This game really exploded into life in the 47^th minute when the Linfield keeper made a long trow to his left winger who played in his center forward and his first time strike with the left boot went in underneath Brown, this was the first goal DUY conceded in 4 games. Dungannon now had to make a few positional switches in order to try salvage something from the game and within 10 minutes of this happening the sides where level, in one sweeping move Donnellys kickout fell to Marc McConnell, he sent Lavery down the line beating two defenders in the process and picked out Matty Young in the box, with little options available Young seen Eoin Teague in space and from the very edge of the 18 yard line his strike nestled into the top corner of Linfields goal for his 7th of the current campaign. DUY was not going to settle for one point, instead they lifted themselves by putting more pressure on the blues back four and where awarded a penalty with just 7 minutes left on the clock when Ryan Leech was fouled by the giant center half, it was time for a cool head and alot of people where amazed to see Jamie Smith step up with the ball, he sent the keeper the wrong way and celebrated with his first goal for the club since joining at the start of last season. As the clocked ticked down Linfield trew everything at DUY, if they managed to get past the defense they found Brown having the game of his life in goal. This was 3 hard fought points by each player involved and as Gary Boyd said after he was pleased with the result but not so much the performance, this does keep his team top of the league and now its 14 straight wins on the bounce.

Full time DUY 2 Linfield 1

Team Mark Brown, Aidan Obrien, Jamie Smith, Liam Donnelly, Joesph McVeigh, Marc McConnell, Kris Lowe, Eoin Teague, Ryan Leech, Matty Young, Ross Lavery. Subs McIlvenna for Obrien, Mullan for Leech, Watson for McIlvenna, Leech for Teague, Teague for Mullan. Man of the match this week goes to DUY keeper Mark Brown. 

DUY would like to thank this weeks sponsor Dominic Lyons of “the garden corner” for his kind generousity so soon after the xmas break.

In the pic is Dominic Lyons with DUY players Liam Donnelly and Matty Young.

National League Dungannon United Youth U12’s met with Ballymoney at the Junior Stadium, Dungannon last Saturday and secured another 3 points to keep them in contention of the National League title run.

DUY U12’s showed some glimpses of their usual style within the 60 minute match although it was apparent that they had had a period over the past few weeks without matches.

Shea Gordon was quick to put DUY ahead with a great goal ten minutes into the match when he beat the Ballymoney ‘keeper which seemed to settle the Dungannon boys.

Half time came and changes were made to the starting Dungannon line up and this resulted with a further two goals from DUY with Ballymoney only having one attack on goal.

Dalaigh Jones secured goal two for DUY and Samuel Haugh increased his goal scoring tally with DUY’s third and final goal of the match.

After the match Manager Joe McAree said: “We blew hot and cold throughout the game. Our final pass and our finishing was very poor and only Paul Donaghy and Shea Gordon stepped up to the benchmark. Quite a few of the team need to show a lot more passion and desire if we are to continue our push for a top four place.”

Man of the match was awarded to Paul Donaghy for his continuous effort throughout the game. Congratulations Paul!

Many thanks to Paul Donaghy Hartes Pharmacy for the sponsorship of this match!

DUY U13 Nationals met Ballinamallard at the Junior Stadium in Dungannon

Final score – 6 – 3

Goal scorers: Ryan Moore (2) Ryan Coleman (1) Stevie Corr (1) Ben Hall (1) Reece Teague (1)

Man of the Match was awarded to: Craig Gibson

DUY U12 National League Team travelled to Mallusk last Saturday to meet Carniny Youth for the first time this season.

The DUY National team came out with a determination to win from the very beginning and Daniel Kerr was rewarded with the first goal of the match when he volleyed the ball passed the Carniny Youth ‘keeper.

Gavin Corr was quick to get his name onto the score sheet bringing the score to 2 – 0. Before the half time whistle blew, Paul Donnelly also netted a goal bringing the half time score to 3 – 0.

Due to the frost from the previous evening, the ground was heavy going and this made it very difficult for the DUY National League team to play consistently good football, although there certainly was signs of it at times throughout the match.

Donnelly’s eye for goal continued into the second half when he scored a further two for DUY, netting himself a hat trick.

With Dungannon United Youth U12 National League Team 5 – 0 up the referee made the dubious decision to give a penalty to Carniny Youth for handball when a DUY player was struck on the chest by the ball. The Carniny Youth ‘keeper stepped up and faced DUY ‘keeper Tom McDermott. McDermott dived the right way but the ball beat him giving the opposition a goal.

DUY U12 Nationals scored a further three goals in the second half – two for Samuel Haugh and one for Cian Murtagh before Carniny Youth got a consolation goal with the last kick of the ball, making the final score to 8 – 2 in Dungannon’s favour.

Manager Joe McAree said “What with the heavy overnight frost, I was just thankful that the game went ahead because we needed to our good run going and in the first half the team played some great football which enabled us to score a few cracking goals.”

Assistant Manager, Tony Courtney reiterated Joe’s thoughts by saying “Our boys played well today and created plenty of goal scoring opportunities. It was good to see Paul Donnelly get his hat trick and Daniel Kerr, as usual had a great game.”

Man of the match was awarded to Daniel Kerr for his performance. Congratulations!