Dungannon U12’s threw away their chance at progressing further up the National League table this Saturday past when they lost 2 – 1 at home to Oxford United Stars.

Although they enjoyed the majority of the play, once again it was blatantly clear that there was no one to convert their many chances.

It has been evident in the last few matches that goals are hard to come by and none more so than within this particular match.

Dungannon went behind when Oxford United Stars, against the run of play scored the opening goal and within ten minutes scored a second. After not letting the DUY boys settle on the ball, it looked ominous that a defeat was on the cards, as there was nobody in midfield at this stage who seemed able to put their foot on the ball and take control of the game. Just before half time, Gavin Corr pulled a goal back for Dungannon after a fantastic run by Shea Gordon which split the Oxford defence.

The second half saw no change in the team by management. The DUY boys seemed to come out with the bit between their teeth and kept pushing forward in hope of an equaliser but with continuous balls played into the danger zone, only to be wasted, as there was no one on hand to convert.

The game became scrappy in places and it was noticeable that the DUY defence was becoming stretched as the need for an equaliser was evident for DUY to salvage anything from this game.

With 15 minutes remaining, fresh players were brought on, but it seemed a little too late at this stage.

Manager Joe McAree said after the match that “We started well and had a couple of early chances which we didn’t take. At times we defended poorly on the edge of our own area and this was how we conceded the opening goal. The second goal was clearly crossed in by a player in an offside position and at the end of the game it is that goal that beat us. Overall we had the majority of the attacking play, but we couldn’t make it count. Daniel Kerr’s strong runs and shooting ability was badly missed today.”

Although Oxford United Stars are below Dungannon in the League table, this was not glaringly obvious in this match. Well done to Oxford United Stars on their win and here is hoping that the DUY U12’s can soon start to emulate last season’s achievements when matches were won by determination, skill and a will to win, which unfortunately seems to be lacking in the team so far this season.

DUY’s next match is away to Maiden City. Come on DUY – we know what you can do!