Dungannon U-16’s 3 Ballinamallard U-16’s 1

(After Extra Time)

Dungannon U-16’s took on Ballinamallard on Monday night in the semi final of the knock out cup.

What a classic encounter it turned out to be, Dungannon proving the stronger and emerging deserved winners after extra time.

The match was played in Omagh, the pitch surface was poor after a long season, and this did not allow Dungannon to play their usual passing game.

The boys had the majority of the play in the first half but created very few clear cut chances, McElroy fired over after a good run and cross from Wallace, McKenna also heading over from an Arnold corner. Half time 0-0.

The second half was more of the same, Dungannon having most of the possession but finding it difficult to break down a packed Ballinamallard defence.

The clearest chance fell to Lavery who turned well in the box, only to see his shot come off the post.

Ballinamallard created one good chance, when their midfielder shot wide when well placed.

The breakthrough came with 2 minutes of normal time left. Lavery broke away on the left and found his way into the box, the Ballinamallard defender committed a rash tackle from behind and a penalty was awarded. McCammon stepped up and coolly slotted home the pressure spot kick.

However from the kick off, the boys seem to lose their concentration and allowed the Ballinamallard forward in to equalise.

1-1 after normal time, 5 minutes each way of extra time.

In the first period Dungannon had all the possession and this pressure finally paid off when McCammon headed home at the near post from a McElroy corner.

Ballinamallard came forward in the second period, but the defence stood firm, Goodfellow in goals also making an excellent save low down at his near post.

The win was sealed very late on with the decisive third goal. McKenna won a header in midfield which fell to Lavery and his well placed shot from 18 yards beat the keeper.

The final whistle was met with a mixture of both relief and celebration.

An excellent hard working performance over the 80 minutes from all the boys and a well deserved victory.

They now go on to meet Cookstown in the final, a date and venue to be arranged.