Dungannon Junior Stadium was the venue that witnessed the return to form of the DUY Under 12’s. Up until this match, they had recorded two wins and a defeat in the National League, but Saturday past saw them play with the fighting team spirit and determination that was evident throughout last season.

The visitors to the stadium were Ards Youth and although they are bottom of the National League Table, the DUY management and supporters did not expect the 9 – 0 victory which the young lads achieved.

The opening minutes saw Dungannon stamp their authority on the match with consistent pressure on the left side of midfield with Connor Murtagh making penetrating runs deep into the Ards defence. It was under this pressure that an Ards defender found the back of his own net to open the score for the Dungannon boys. DUY added two more goals in this half. The first by Connor Murtagh and not to be outdone, his cousin Cain Murtagh added the third goal on his debut for the Dungannon side.

A second half change saw goal keeper Jordan Hazelton move into a centre forward role and Gavin Corr replace him in nets. Paul Donnelly joined the game when he replaced Caolon Corr upfront. With these switches made, the game seemed to open up for the Dungannon boys and Samuel Haugh started to dominate the right side of midfield. In this, his fourth match in the National League for the DUY team, Samuel scored his first goal for the side. After netting this goal the Ards defence were unable to stop Samuel as he added two further goals to achieve his hat trick. Further goals were added in this half by Daniel Kerr, Jordan Hazelton and a second for Cain Murtagh.

It was in this half that the DUY team thrilled the large crowd of supporters with some excellent first touch football which belied their young ages. The simple things were done well, starting with the defence seeing the ball early and making good passes into their midfield players which opened up play for the forwards to apply non stop pressure on the Ards goal keeper.

The final substitution of the game was made in this half when Matthew O’Toole replaced Tomas Carney in the left back position. Matthew played well in this role and let very little passed him.

Manager Joe Mc Aree stated after the match that he was pleased to see Sam Haugh on the score sheet and that Cain Murtagh had a very promising debut. He awarded Man of the Match to Samuel Haugh for his outstanding play on the right side of midfield as well as the hat trick he scored. Well done Samuel.