Dungannon U-16’s travelled to Preston over the Easter holidays to take part in the Morecambe & Lancaster Easter Cup and duly returned home deserved winners of the competition. They played 5 matches in total over 4 days, achieving a 100% record, scoring 25 goals and conceding only 3.

Their first group match was against a Limerick team, Corbally Utd. The boys got off to a good start when Lavery finished well after a good pass from Mayse. McKenna doubled the lead midway through the half, slotting home from 12 yards after good work by Lavery on the left. Early in the second half Lavery got his second with an excellent diving header from Fox’s cross. McElroy scored the fourth after a good run and finish. Final score 4-0.

Their second group match was against Kuwait Premier and this turned out to be a very one-sided affair. The boys eventually running out 13-0 winners with goals from Lavery(3), Fox(2), Kelly(2), McElroy(2), Wallace(2), Girvan and Mayse also on target.

The third group match was against a Scottish team, Glenrothes Junior FC. It was important for the boys to win this game to be sure of finishing top of their group.

They started off slowly with very few clear cut chances being created. The breakthrough eventually came midway through the second half. A long throw from McCammon was headed on by McKenna to Arnold, who controlled the ball and finished well from 10 yards. The second goal came courtesy of a McElroy free kick from 25 yards. Final score 2-0.

The semi-final was against another Scottish team, Fauldhouse. The boys got off to a tremendous start, a brilliant run and cross from McElroy was volleyed home by Fox at the back post. The defence stood firm and limited the opponents to very few opportunities. Dungannon scored 2 further goals in the first half, both from Wallace who finished well both times when one on one with the keeper.

Tiredness seemed to take its toll in the second half, the boys conceding their first goals of the tournament, the Scottish team bringing the score back to 3-2. Indeed things could have been much worse, Goodfellow in goals making some vital saves, particularly an excellent tip over the bar from a close range header. However the boys rallied well in the closing stages and held on to deservedly take their place in the final.

The final was against Corbally Utd, the Limerick team who they had previously met in the group stage.

The boys got off to an excellent start, a deep cross from Fox found Lavery at the back post and he finished from close range. Dungannon had the majority of possession but failed to capitalise, both Wallace and McElroy hitting the wordwork. With 5 minutes of the first half remaining, Corbally equalised when the defence failed to clear a corner. It was important for the boys to hit back straight away and they duly obliged. Collins headed on a corner and McKenna stabbed home from close range. In the last minute of the half, Girvan rose high to head home a McElroy corner.

The boys remained on top during the second half and created plenty of chances, Fox and McElroy both going close, Lavery also volleying against the bar. Final score 3-1, cue massive celebrations from the team, coaches and supporters.

With 5 matches in 4 days this was very much a squad effort with every man playing his part. Full squad as follows: Declan Goodfellow, Kyle McCammon, Dale Long, Joe Collins, Martin Girvan(Capt), Brian Fox, Johnny McKenna, Ryan Mayse, Paul McElroy, Philip Wallace, Stefan Lavery, Shannon Crooks, Adam Stockdale, Dillon Arnold, Conor O’Neill, Fintan Kelly, Ryan McElroy.

DUY under 11’s travelled to Preston to make their debut in the Easter Cup Competition, playing in an age group more than 1 - 2 years older than the majority of their team which gave the boys an uphill challenge.

Friday saw them lose both their matches. They firstly lost 3 - 2 to Springfield JFC. Dungannon goal scorers in this match were: Paul Donaghy and Gavin Corr. The second match that day saw them defeated by Hamilton Accies 4 - 2 with Paul Donnelly netting DUY goals in this match. Although losing both matches, the young Dungannon team did themselves proud as they had the majority of the play and numerous attempts on goal, but nothing seemed to go their way.

The following day saw them play the group favourites, St. Peter’s. Unbelievable guts and determination saw the DUY boys pull back a 1 goal deficit and draw this match. The equalizing goal was scored by Shea Gordan, ably assisted by Connor Murtagh who produced a cross into the box.

Knowing they were out of the Cup Competition did not cause the Dungannon boys to drop their head as the Trophy Competition was still open to them.

Sunday saw them take on Gleniffer Thistle where DUY beat them 4 - 2, although the score line could have been bigger with the amount of possession DUY had. Goal scorers were: Connor Murtagh (2), Daniel Kerr (1) and Paul Donaghy (1).

The under 11’s had a couple of hours rest before having to play Red Rose Juniors in the semi final. Tensions were high in this match and nerves played a big part, seeing the DUY boys go behind on 2 occasions, but with determination and grit, they pulled the match back and in the last couple of minutes netted the winner! Daniel Kerr (1) and Shea Gordan (2) were the scorers in this match.

Early Monday morning saw the final of the Trophy Competition where DUY met their earlier conquerors, Hamilton Accies once again. On this occasion the tables were turned. Once again Daniel Kerr and Shea Gordan got the goals that counted. 2 - 1 was the final score line, in Dungannon’s favour.

Afterwards manager Joe McAree said that Shea Gordan’s and Daniel Kerr’s goals were goals worthy to win any final. His assistant Tony Courtney also added that “all the players had moments of brilliance, but their greatest asset were their team spirit, determination and never say die attitude. All the players gave their all.”

Although it was an extremely difficult decision, Manager Joe McAree named Naoise Martin as his player of the tournament for his hard work, drive and phenomenal work rate over the 6 games. Well done Naoise

!

Congratulations to the team on fantastic performances on the pitch and excellent behaviour off the pitch!