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DC 3–1 Dungiven Celtic

Pharmacy Supplies League Cup Semi Final

Draperstown stormed into the Intermediate League cup final with a powerful display against Dungiven at Cahore Park. Two stunning goals from Eamon Murray and a third from Gavin Bradley was enough to see off Dungiven and land a final place for Celtic against Oxford in the New Year’s Eve final. The only down side to the game was the sending off of John Paul McConnell which to say the least was harsh in the extreme, and puts his place in the final in doubt.

This was a deserved victory for Draperstown, their first in four games Despite not getting the results in recent weeks and with Higgins and Conway suspended and others not available, their approach to the game was positive from the kick off. Gavin Bradley and Ryan Sinclair both returned from long injury lay offs and both put in very creditable performances. Indeed it was Bradley who had the first opportunity in the 4^th minute when put in by Murray he forced a good save from Henry in the Dungiven nets. It was all Draperstown in this opening period and Haskins brought a very good save from Henry on 10 minutes. The opening goal arrived on 19 minutes and it was just reward for Celtic’s attacking game. Seamus Bradley’s great cross was met by Eamon Murray who powered in a header from 12 yards which gave Henry no chance. Six minutes later and it was two nil, when Henry dropped Haskins’ cross and Gavin Bradley was on hand to slot the ball home.

Such was Draperstown’s superiority that Dungiven’s first effort on goal came from O’Hara on the half hour mark, and that flew well over. Right on half time Darren McKillion headed just wide from Haskins’ corner, but Celtic ended the half where they started, well on top.

The second half saw little early difference. Seamus Bradley shot just wide on 46 minutes but the home fans were soon celebrating Celtic’s third. Kevin Murray’s long pass found brother Eamon who, having timed his run to perfection hit a sublime volley over Henry and into the net from 20 yards for the goal of the game. The same player almost made it four two minutes later when he just failed to make contact from Haskin’s header as Dungiven appeared to be in disarray. The last 20 minutes belonged to the visitors as they sought to get back into the game. McConnell saved very well from Darryl O’Kane but could do little to prevent Dungiven from scoring in the 75^th minute though there appeared to be a blatant foul on Caulfield before the ball was struck home.

With McKillion and Quinn dominant in the heart of the Celtic defence Dungiven were finding it difficult to create any real chances. McConnell’s sending off, in the 82nd minute, after some pushing and shoving in the Celtic penalty area was a controversial decision as Dungiven’s McKeever only received a yellow, his second of the game, for the same action. Quinn took over in goals for the remaining 10 minutes during which Draperstown defended strongly and were able to see the game out. So, a great result and a very good performance with McConnell’s dismissal leaving a bitter sweet taste in the mouth of the Celtic fans.

Next First Team Fixture

McGrogan Memorial Cup | Monday 27 July 2010
V
Draperstown Celtic v Broadway Celtic