Stangmore Park played host to the NI Cup match between DUY U12 National League Team and Newry City U12’s last Monday evening. The prize was a place in the semi final to meet Linfield.

Dungannon never really featured in the first half of this match, mistiming passes and allowing Newry to control the run of play. The home side were unable to put their foot on the ball and control the game and play was scrappy with Newry able to capitalise on this when mid way through the first half they scored against DUY.

Half time: Dungannon United Youth 0 – 1 Newry City

Manager Joe McAree’s half time talk worked wonders as the second half saw far better football from the blue and yellows. Their usual grit and determination started to show through as they improved their passing of the ball and took control. They were rewarded for their efforts when Shea Gordon made a run from midfield and equalled the scoring shortly into the second half. Aaron McCammon wasn’t long to add his name to the score sheet when he beat the Newry ‘keeper to put the DUY boy’s in the lead. Samuel Haugh brought the score to 3 – 1 when he whipped through the Newry defence and hit the ball into the back of the net. With five minutes remaining of normal time, Newry were awarded a dubious penalty. Dungannon ‘keeper Gavin Corr managed to get his fingertips to the ball, but was unable to push it past the post.

Full time score: Dungannon United Youth 3 – 2 Newry City

Man of the match was awarded to Dalaigh Jones. Congratulations Dalaigh!

Manager Joe McAree said after the match that “We struggled throughout and looked jaded and off the pace. Having said that we still deserved to win and look forward to meeting Linfield.”

Assistant Manager Tony Courtney echoed Joe’s sentiments by saying “We didn’t play well and could have been 2 down at half time, but we fought back and can now look forward to a semi final against Linfield”

DUY meet Linfield in the next round of the Northern Ireland Cup, who they defeated in last years final to be crowned NI Cup Winners 2009. The winner of this match will take their place in the final on the 29^th May!