Saturday past saw Dungannon United Youth Under 12’s play their 3rd game in the National League. After having lost last weeks  match to a very strong Larne side, the boys knew they had  to improve their standard of play whilst taking on Ballinamallard in this away match.

The Dungannon side still looked as if 2 or 3 of their players hadn’t shaken off the injuries received last week and the large travelling loyal supporters hoped that this would not affect the young side too badly.

The opening fifteen minutes saw both teams well matched, with chances for both sides.

At times we caught flashes of the free flowing football the DUY team played last year, but they still could not find a way passed the Ballinamallard defence. In fact it was the home team who opened the scoring when a good pass split the DUY defence, leaving the centre back and full back lost for pace as the Ballinamallard centre forward cooly slipped the ball passed DUY keeper Jordan Hazelton.

It was obvious half way through the first half that midfielder Shea Gordon was unable to run off a re-occuring thigh injury and changes would have to be made.

The second half started with Adam Willoughby coming on to replace Shea Gordon.

The Dungannon boys kept pushing forward for an equalizer which eventually came when centre back Naoise Martin came forward and headed the ball into the back of the net from an excellent corner delivery from Daniel Kerr. This gave the Dungannon lads the confidence to apply more pressure in hope of a winner. When the ball was hit into the goal area, right back Tomas Carney took his chance well and put the Dungannon boys into the lead.

Daniel Kerr could have increased the score line further only to see his superb 25 yard free kick rebound off the cross bar.

With their heads up, our under 12’s continued pushing forward and were causing the Ballinamallard defence all sorts of problems.

New signing, Caolan Corr, scored his first goal for the Dungannon side, extending their lead further.

A second substitution was made shortly after the third goal when Matthew O’Toole replaced an injured Connor Murtagh.

After the match, Manager Joe McAree said “I am pleased with the second half response my players gave after our half time talk. I feel we got our just rewards by winning 3 - 1. Naoise Martin and Dalaigh Jones were just outstanding today. You would be hard pushed to find more determined and harder working players anywhere. I am also impressed with the work rate of Caolan Corr, who played only his third match for Dungannon United Youth.”

Assistant Manager, Tony Courtney added “After a poor start and going a goal down, the boys battled hard to come back and grab victory with a determined second half performance. After the equalizer went in there was only going to be one winner as the team finally started to show signs of last years desire to win.”

Joe McAree awarded Man of the Match jointly to Dalaigh Jones and Naoise Martin as both boys played some outstanding football. Well done boys!

The Under 12’s next match is against Ards Youth at home next week.