DUY U12 players, managers and travelling supporters were broken hearted last Thursday night when Dungannon United Youth U12 team were put out of the National League Cup after failing to beat Linfield on penalties.

Dungannon started slow, their usual determination not evident as opposed to Linfield who came out from the beginning looking to rectify their loss from the week before. DUY played some great football in the first half, but their fire was only simmering as Linfield stood tall against any potential attacks on goal.

The first goal on the score board came when Linfield beat the Dungannon defence half way through the first half, which was what the blue and yellow army needed to get a little aggression to start fighting for the win that would take them to the final of the knock out cup. Their renewed energy was rewarded when a free kick from the half way line by Paul Donaghy found Samuel Haugh who sent the ball into the back of the Linfield goal bringing the half time score to 1 - 1.

The second half was again equally contested with Linfield scoring a phenomenal goal from a free kick that would rival any premiership effort. Tom McDermott, DUY keeper made a valiant effort to save the ball but it was too far into the top right hand of the goal. DUY fought hard and again equalised when Shea Gordon beat the Linfield keeper.

Full time: DUY 2 - 2 Linfield

As this match was to produce a finalist for the National League Knock Out Cup, the game went to ten minutes extra time each way. Throughout both half’s DUY were the superior side, playing the better football and denied any chances they had of taking the lead. Decisions that should have gone Dungannon’s way were not given but the lads battled on relentlessly trying to score the winner. The full time whistle on extra time blew and the match went to penalties.

DUY opted to take their penalties first but were denied winning their place in the final when Linfield won 5 - 3.

Man of the match was awarded to DUY no 7, Samuel Haugh. Congratulations on a brilliant performance!

Although the boys were slow at starting in this match, they fought with their usual dogged determination and passion and were unlucky not to put the game to bed in the second half or extra time.

The management and travelling supporters could not be prouder of their performances throughout the season and wish them all the luck in their final league match of the National League next Thursday against SOPFC (Time and venue to be confirmed) and against Glendowan in the Northern Ireland Cup Final at the end of May