Dungannon United Youth met with Linfield F.C on 16th May 2009 in Ulidia Playing Fields, Belfast for the final of the Northern Ireland Cup.

Dungannon’s journey into the final saw them meet and beat Templepatrick Alexander, St. Oliver Plunketts Youth Club, Corpus Christi and Glendowan, conceding 2 goals and netting 13.

Linfield was never going to be an easy match. Their winning streak in their league and their reputation proved that, but as always, our Dungannon United Youth Under 11’s relish a challenge and went to Belfast with the drive and determination to bring the Northern Ireland Cup back home with them to Dungannon.

Right from the initial blow of the whistle, DUY came out fighting, mounting pressure on the Linfield defence and within 2 minutes Paul Donnelly had put Dungannon in the lead with his well placed goal.

Dungannon raised their game further and were rewarded with a second goal within a short amount of time, scored this time by Shea Gordon.

Linfield tested the Dungannon defence on a few occasions, but all attempts were dealt with by the DUY defence and goal keeper, Jordan Hazleton did brilliantly when needed, to pull of some excellent saves.

The second half saw attempts made on both ends of the pitch, but no goals scored. The Dungannon United Under 11 team fought hard and were justly rewarded winners of the 2009 Northern Ireland Cup for the Under 11 Category.

Congratulations to Shea Gordon who was awarded Man of the Match for his excellent display of football in this NI Final. Well done Shea.

Considering the Dungannon boys are all home grown and had to beat a very strong Linfield team containing some of the countries top players - this win must go down as the clubs greatest ever!

This victory is testament to the hard work and quality coaching of everyone involves with DUY.

Praise and thanks has to go to Joe McAree and Tony Courtney for their organisation and belief in the DUY under 11 team. Their attention to detail in training these group of boys have created a solid and committed team.

The support of the parents and fans have shown this team throughout this season has been nothing short of amazing and this result is surely as precious to them as it is to the players and coaching team.

Dungannon United Youth continues to produce quality players from the local community and long may that success continue.

DUY under 11’s have 2 more finals to play this week. Firstly they are meeting Armagh in the Mid Ulster League Play off on Tuesday 19th May 2009 and secondly they will be meeting Armagh again in the Mid Ulster Knock Out Cup Final (date to be confirmed!) Good luck with these matches lads.

2 down - 2 to go! You can do it!