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 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!