DC Youth 2-1 Dungiven Youth
March 29, 2010
NWCDYL Semi Final
Draperstown Youth reached the final of the NWCDYL Cup with a narrow 2-1 win over local rivals Dungiven at a blustery Cahore Park on Saturday morning. It was a scrappy game that had everything – goals, good goalkeeping, penalties, a sending off and extra time.
Both teams were nervous at the start but it was Draperstown who had the first chance at goal on 3 mins. The ball was won by Tiernan Flanagan and his pass found his brother Piaras who shot wide from a tight angle. This was to be Draperstowns’ only shot at goal for a further 20 mins as Dungiven dominated the half. Straight from the kick-out the ball found its way to Duddy whose well hit shot was superbly tipped away by Scullion. However from the resulting corner Draperstown were still getting organised when Moore nipped in ahead of a static Draperstown defence to give Dungiven a 1-0 lead. Dungiven continued to dominate the game –putting in more tackles, closing down players and hassling the Draperstown team at every opportunity. It was the 25th minute before Draperstown had their only other decent chance when a kick out from Scullion found McGuigan who passed to Convery and his shot was just wide. That brought the first half to an end.
Draperstown started much brighter in the 2nd half and on 6 mins, after a good spell of pressure a 25 yard shot from O’Hara looped over the keeper to make it 1-1. For the rest of the half both teams struggled in the breeze and many mistakes were made on both sides. That was the story of the 2nd half until the final minute on the game when the Draperstown right back was adjudged to have fouled the Dungiven winger while making a clearance and the referee awarded a penalty. The Dungiven forward smashed the ball home. However the drama had not finished as the referee made the penalty be retaken as it was hit before the whistle was blown. This time Scullion saved low to his left to send the game into extra time – 10mins each half.
The first half of extra time went much the same way as the second half of the game until5 mins into the half Draperstown scored when the Flanagan brothers combined well and the elder Flanagan slid the ball home at the back post. That was probably the only clear cut chance of the half. The second half began and Draperstown tried to get a decisive third but again Dungiven battled well and made life difficult for the hosts. With about 3 mins left in the game Dungiven had an appeal for a penalty turned down when the ball struck a Draperstown defender. The ball did strike the arm of the defender but it would have been a very harsh decision as the player knew little about it and the referee got the decision right. The Dungiven protests led to a second yellow card for 1 of their team and he had to leave the field. Dungiven tried to battle back but Draperstown hung on determinedly for the win and their first cup final.
Team: C. Scullion, M. McAuley, J. English C. McCabe (Capt.), S. O’Hara, C. McKenna, O. Hegarty , P. Flanagan, T. Flanagan, C.Convery, R. McGuigan
Subs: C. McAuley (for C. McCabe) C. McDevitt, D. Doyle, Z. Elalilou, S. McBride
Scorers: O’Hara, P. Flanagan
Man of Match: Chris Scullion
Next Fixture – League
Donemana U14 vs. Draperstown at Donemana. Kick off 11am.
Milk Cup Trails
The first of the open trials for the Milk Cup squad has been announced for Wednesday 31st March 2010 with a 6.00pm kick off. All Draperstown players who registered for trials in Magherafelt should be at Meadowbank for registration at 5.30pm SHARP!
Mini Soccer
The Draperstown Celtic Football Skills Development Centre is to re-open on 10 April 2010. If you are interested in helping out at the Centre or have any queries please contact Paul McCallion, the club’s Development Centre Co-ordinator on 07841344253. Further details will be on our website and in the local papers closer to the time.
Draperstown Youth Teams
It is hoped that Draperstown Celtic will have 2 youth teams next season, competing in the following age groups:
Under 16 – Born on or after 01/01/1995
Under 14 – Born on or after 01/01/1997
The new youth season will begin in September 2010 with squad training beginning around May 2010. If you are interested in playing for Draperstown Celtic at the above age groups more information can be obtained by contacting the Youth Development Officer, Paul McCallion on 07841344253.
DC SDC Scoops Award
March 26, 2010
Draperstown Celtic has been named The Co-operative Insurance Football Development Centre Monthly Award winner for March 2010.
The Co-operative Insurance Football Skills Development Centre won a bag of coaching equipment including footballs, bibs, discs, mini-goals, hurdle cones, poles and first -aid bag provided by The Co-operative Insurance, sponsor of The Co-operative Insurance Football Development Centres.
Draperstown Celtic Co-operative Insurance Football Skills Development Centre, now in its fourth year, caters for over 50 children from the Draperstownarea under the guidance of Co-ordinator Paul McCallion and his team of volunteer coaches.
Paul was delighted to receive the reward: “It’s great news that our centre has won the March monthly award and the fantastic equipment that The Co-operative Insurance has provided will be put to very good use.
“The centre introduces children to football and helps them develop their skills, have fun and make new friends, whilst teaching them important qualities such as respect, discipline and teamwork. By introducing them to the fundamentals of football and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, we hope that they will develop and progress as promising young footballers.”
The Co-operative Insurance Football Development Centres is one of the central programmes within the Irish FA’s Grassroots Development Plan and provide boys and girls, aged from 6 to 12, with the opportunity to play football and develop their skills regardless of ability.
The Co-operative Insurance Football Development Centres is now in its second year with separate centres across Northern Irelandfocussing on either the skills or games element of a young player’s football development.
There are currently 59 Co-operative Insurance Skills Development Centres across Northern Ireland catering for 5,460 children (4,642 boys and 818 girls) with 14 Co-operative Insurance Games Development Centres catering for 3,101 children (3,000 boys and 101 girls).
Aileen Walters, Sponsorship Manager for The Co-operative Insurance, added: “We fully support the Irish FA’s grassroots coaching emphasis on small-sided football and skills development. Small sided-games provide a more enjoyable experience for children, more time on the ball means more fun and the increasing numbers of boys and girls taking part supports this.
“The programme has provided coaching to around 8,500 boys and girls across Northern Irelandand this gives us an excellent platform to extend our strong tradition of supporting football at grassroots level across theUK.”
For further information on The Co-operative Insurance Football Development Centres, please contact Ian Stewart, National Co-ordinator for The Co-operative Insurance Football Development Centres on Tel: 028 90 669 458 or Email: istewart@IrishFA.com.
DC 4-2 NFC Kesh
March 23, 2010
NI Intermediate League Challenge Cup R1
Draperstown stormed through to next round of the Challenge Cup with a solid win over Kesh. By no means did Celtic have things all their own way; indeed at two all most spectators would have expected Kesh to eventually take the win but the visitors appeared to run out of steam and two goals from McGuigan and McKillion sealed the win.
Both sides were missing players with the absence from the starting line up of Mark Jones of Kesh being a blow for the visitors while Celtic again were missing several first team regulars. But it was Celtic who opened the game at a lively pace, with Conway and Sinclair picking up from last week’s game by exerting their influence in mid-field. Kesh were dealt another blow when Nicky Noble was substituted on 9 minutes having struggled right from the kick off. This was compounded on 12 minutes when Celtic opened the scoring when Darren McKillion scored from close range when Kesh failed to clear a corner. Two minutes later and the lead was doubled when Haskins latched on to Murray’s pass and fired past McCusker from 20 yards for a stunning strike, his fourth of the season.
Little had been seen of Kesh as an attacking force up to then but they should have pulled a goal back on 16 minutes when a good run on the right by Nathan Cashel saw him cross for Alan Johnston who, from 4 yards headed horribly wide when it was easier to score. Most of Kesh’s good attacking play was through Cashel but he did lack the support up front. Celtic had opportunities to increase the lead before half time. McCusker saved well from McGuigan’s header on 26 minutes while 10 minutes later Fitzpatrick cleared well from Murray when it seemed the striker was about to turn in Haskin’s cross. Kesh got themselves back into the game in a rather bizarre manner when from a corner on 45 minutes Celtic’s keeper McConnell punched the ball into his own net to give the visitors a lifeline going into the second half. A rare mistake from the usually very reliable McConnell.
The second half saw Kesh take the game to Celtic at every opportunity, but solid defending kept goal scoring chances to the very minimum. But there was very little anyone could do when Lyons latched onto a loose ball and crashed home a great equaliser from 25 yards giving McConnell no chance. The visitors now had the upper hand, in terms of possession but on a break, Quinn’s pass was met by Murrays’s header forcing McCusker into a fine diving save. Draperstown introduced two substitutes at this stage and the impetus of the game once again swung in their favour. They went back into the lead on 75 minutes when McKillion’s pass found Adrian McGuigan who forced his way past a defender before hitting a good goal past McCusker.
Alvin Johnston was forced off with an injury for Kesh before Emmett McKillion latched onto Murray’s headed pass to shoot past McCusker and put Celtic firmly in the driving seat. Indeed the same player could have further increased the lead but his header was clawed away from the top corner by McCusker on 85 minutes. Draperstown were able to see out the remainder of the game well in control and put themselves into the next round where they are away to Mountjoy Utd.
DC 2-0 Mountjoy
March 18, 2010
NI Intermediate League
Draperstown enjoyed a comfortable win over a surprisingly lack lustre Mountjoy side. The visitors had been leading the league for a number of weeks but their performance on Saturday suggested that any chance they have of reclaiming the top spot are remote to say the least. Goals inside the first half hour from Eamon Murray and Gareth Haskins paved the way for the victory and Mountjoy rarely troubled the home defence.
The opening minutes were scrappy, devoid of any real skill though there was a lot of endeavour. Celtic’s Conway and Sinclair were busy and productive in mid field, not allowing the visitors to settle and it was from a sublime Sinclair pass that Murray opened the scoring on 19 minutes with a great lob over Gilfillen. Gavin Bradley fired just over the bar as the home side sought to extend the lead and they did so on 30 minutes with another fine goal. Adrian McGuigan broke down the left wing before putting in a fine cross which Gareth Haskins met with a firm header past Gilfillen and Draperstown were well on their way to the three points even at this early stage. Just to prove the point Gilfillen had to be at his best to prevent Murray scoring from a 20 yard free, with a fine save at the foot of the post.
With the wind advantage in the second half, more was seen of Mountjoy as an attacking force. But there was little inventiveness or quality in their build up play and Mclean and McKillion were able to deal with the threat of Matthews and Northern. Mountjoy did have a goal ruled out for offside on 58 minutes and that was as close as they came to getting back into a game which even they knew was quickly going beyond their reach. Benny Heron came on for his usual cameo appearance and as usual was soon proving a thorn in the side for Mountjoy.
His skilful and direct play is a joy to watch and he was very unlucky with a right foot curling shot which Gilfillen got a fingertip to and deflect onto the post and away to safety. The game did peter out in the final minutes with Celtic content with the two goals and a fourth victory in their last five games, as they strive to improve their league position.
Moyola u15 1-3 DC Youth
March 17, 2010
North West & Coleraine Youth League
Draperstown travelled to the superb new 3G pitch and facilities at Mill Meadow on Friday evening to play Moyola in a top of the table clash. A hard fought and tense game was however spoiled by a very poor and biased performance by the referee.
Draperstown started the brighter and played some good football on the excellent surface without really troubling the Moyola goalkeeper. In the 10th minute Draperstown were awarded a throw and the long throw by McGuigan was collected by Convery whose well hit shot was deflected across the goal and turned in by T. Flanagan at the back post. Moyola did not let their heads drop and came storming back and were just denied an equaliser when a shot struck the post. There then followed a 10 minute spell when neither team created a chance and the match became a midfield battle. Draperstown could have gone ahead but a well hit volley by Convery was magnificently turned away by the Moyola keeper. Within 5 minutes of that chance Moyola had equalised when a defensive mix up presented the Moyola winger with a clear path and his cross was turned in by the centre forward.
The second half was a tough affair with both teams trying to get a winner but with no clear chances at either end. Moyola’s best chance came when the left winger beat the Draperstown right back but a thundering tackle from Draperstown captain Cahir McCabe snuffed out the chance. This tackle seemed to inspire Draperstown and in the last 10 mins Draperstown exerted the most pressure and began to get shots on target. Another goal did come Draperstowns way when a long clearance from O’Hara left Convery 1 on 1 with the Moyola centre-half, the defender had no match for Converys pace and he volleyed the ball wide of the keeper to make it 2-1. Draperstown did not sit back and try to defend the lead and the next attack saw P. Flanagan fly up the left wing before he was cynically cut down by the Moyola right back. From the resulting free kick McGuigan stepped up and hit a magnificent shot into the top corner to make it 3-1 and ensure the 3 points went to Draperstown.
A tremendous team effort leaves Draperstown 2 points behind leaders Moyola and with Moyola still to visit Cahore the stage is set for an exciting run in.
Team: C. Scullion, M. McAuley,J English , C. McCabe (Capt.), S. O’Hara,, P. Flanagan, C. McKenna, O.Hegarty T. Flanagan, R. McGuigan, C. Convery
Subs: Z.Elalaoui, C.McAuley, C. McDevitt, D. Doyle, T.Greenwood
Scorers: T. Flanagan, C. Convery, R. McGuigan
Next Fixture
No fixture confirmed at time of print
League Cup Semi Final
Draperstown Vs Dungiven on 27th March at Cahore Park. Kick off 11am
Training
No training on Wed 17th March – next training will be notified by Teamer.
Fundraising Draw
Thanks to all the players who made a massive effort in selling the tickets and to anyone who bought a ticket – it was very much appreciated by all at the club
Mini Soccer
The Draperstown Celtic Football Skills Development Centre is scheduled to re-open on 10 April 2010. If you are interested in helping out at the Centre or have any queries please contact Paul McCallion, the club’s Development Centre Co-ordinator on 07841344253. Further details will be on our website and in the local papers closer to the time.
Draperstown Youth Teams
It is hoped that Draperstown Celtic will have 2 youth teams next season, competing in the following age groups:
-
Under 16 – Born on or after 01/01/1995
Under 14 – Born on or after 01/01/1997
The new youth season will start in September 2010 and if you are interested in playing for Draperstown Celtic at the above age groups more information can be obtained by contacting the Youth Development Officer, Paul McCallion on 07841344253.
Glasgow Celtic Draw Winner
March 15, 2010
The draw for the Celtic package weekend took place on Friday, March 12th and the winning ticket belonged to Brian Hutchinson from Tobermore. Brian is very instrumental in the South Derry Grassroots scheme of which DC are a part. Brian has also done quite a bit of coaching in the primary schools in the Draperstown area. So well done to him and a big thanks to all those who sold or bought tickets.
We hope to be able to run a similar draw next year.
The package includes tickets for 2 people to attend Celtic v Motherwell on April 10th. These are Business class tickets, not usually available to the general public, which allow access to the best seats in Celtic Park with full access to the Celtic suite with complimentary bar before and after the game, a buffet lunch at half time and the presentation of a signed Celtic shirt after the match by one of the players. (A strict dress code will apply to the winners)
Also include are 2 nights accommodation in the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow and 2 return flights from Belfast.
Tickets for this great prize are only £5 each with 3 for £10. Tickets will be on sale soon from all committee members and The Market Inn and the draw will take place at a club function in The Market Inn on Friday March 12th.
The Business Class Glasgow Celtic Experience
The Business Class Lounges offer you the opportunity to entertain clients in an informal setting.
Members enjoy a pre, post, and half-time cash bar facility and the opportunity to purchase a variety of snacks pre match, as well as premium match seating.
Seasonal package includes:
- Access to fully licensed lounge pre & post match
- Premium viewing padded seats on the North Stand
- Complimentary official match day programme
- Complimentary half-time snacks, teas & coffees
- Priority for all away match tickets, including semi-finals and finals
- Right to buy a car parking permit
For further information on the Business Class experience: http://www.celticfc.net/hospitality/premiumhospitality.aspx
DC Skills Development Centre
March 15, 2010
Draperstown Celtic Skills Development Centre News
On Saturday 13th March 2010 an under 11 squad travelled to Limavady to take part in the launch of the Limavady CIS Football Games Development Centre. The team were invited to attend by the Grassroots Development Officer for Limavady, Joe Doherty. The Games Development Centre gives young players the opportunity to put into practice the skills they acquired at the Skills Development Centres. Other clubs in attendance were Limavady Youth, Magherafelt Sky Blues and Tobermore.
The basis of the Centre was a round robin league. This meant that a total of 3 games for the squad. The boys played some excellent football and recorded results of 1 victory, 1 draw and 1 loss keeping 2 clean sheets along the way. All the young Draperstown players certainly did the club proud but a special mention goes to Peter Armour for his hat – trick and to Aaron McBride for his player of the day performances. We hope to see more of them in the future.
Squad: Peter Armour, Aaron McBride, Paul Donnelly, Adam Manning, John Paul Devlin, Cormac McCallion, Mark Farrelly, Faolan McGuigan, Euan McBride.
Draperstown Centre Skills Development Centre wins Award
After the matches were completed the Draperstown Skills Centre was presented with the IFA Skills Development Centre of the Month award. Joe Doherty, on behalf of the IFA, presented the Centre with a bag of coaching equipment including footballs, bibs, discs, mini-goals, hurdle cones, poles and first-aid bag.
New Season of Draperstown Celtic Skills Development Centre
The Draperstown Celtic Development Centre will begin its new season on 10th April 2010 and is open to both boys and girls from P3 – P7. If you need more information contact Paul McCallion, the Centre Co-ordinator on 07841344253.
DC Youth 8-0 Coleraine u14
March 8, 2010
North West & Coleraine Youth League
Draperstown resumed their league campaign on Saturday after a lengthy break due to the poor weather. They recorded an 8-0 victory but this was not Draperstown’s best performance and they know they will have to raise their game and improve their finishing if they want to contend for the league title. The game started well for Draperstown and after 3 minutes they took the lead after a great move involving M.McAuley, Greenwood, T. Flanagan and P.Flanagan who finished well. Coleraine tried to respond straight away and it took a good block from McCabe to prevent a goal scoring chance.
Within minutes of the Coleraine attack O’Hara broke out of defence skipped past three tackles and his shot was just wide. Draperstown were dominant at this stage and a great ball from T.Flanagan was met first time from R.McGuigan but he was ruled offside and the goal disallowed. However the second goal was not long in coming and a good angled shot from T.Flanagan made it 2-0. Two minutes later T.Flanagan could have had another when he showed good skill and strength but his shot hit the post.
Draperstown continued to dominate the game but some wasteful shooting meant the half finished at 2-0. The poor finishing by Draperstown continued after the break and they should have had another 3 goals within 10 minutes of the restart. A break through did come on 15 minutes when long throw from R.McGuigan was collected by P.Flanagan and his chip made it 3-0. Draperstown continued to press and the difference in strength and size in the squads began to tell and O’Hara scored twice in quick succession to make it 5-0.
It seemed that all the Draperstown players were looking for a goal and this resulted in a lack of discipline in the Draperstown team. This allowed Coleraine to have a couple of half chances but they could not capitalise on them. A Draperstown corner caused confusion in the Coleraine penalty area and sub Z. Elalaoui finished smartly to make it 6-0. With 10 minutes left Draperstown were awarded a penalty when Elalaoui was pushed by the Coleraine centre – half. McGuigan stepped up and made it 7-0. There was still time for another Draperstown goal and after good work on the right O.McGuigan found Lagan whose excellent cross was met by P.Flanagan sliding in for his hat-trick.
Team: C. Scullion, M.McAuley, C. McCabe (Capt.), S. O’Hara, C.McAuley, C. McDevitt, T.Greenwood , D. Doyle , P. Flanagan, T. Flanagan, R. McGuigan
Subs: A.Lagan, Z.Elalaoui, O.McGuigan
Scorers: P. Flanagan (3), T. Flanagan, R. McGuigan,(pen) O’Hara(2), Elalaoui(1)
Next Fixture
Fri 12 March 2010: Moyola at Mill Meadow Castledawson. Kick off to be confirmed
Training
Training continues on Wednesday nights in Cahore Park at 6.45pm. All players must attend training.
Fundraising Draw
All and unsold tickets should be returned at training on Wednesday night.
Mini Soccer
The Draperstown Celtic Football Skills Development Centre is scheduled to re-open on 10 April 2010. If you are interested in helping out at the Centre please contact Paul McCallion, the club’s Youth Development Officer on 07841344253. Further details will be on our website and in the local papers closer to the time.
Draperstown Youth Teams
It is hoped that Draperstown Celtic will have 2 youth teams next season competing in the following age groups:
Under 16 – Born on or after 01/01/1995
Under 14 – Born on or after 01/01/1997
The new youth season will start in September 2010 and if you are interested in playing for Draperstown Celtic at the above age groups more information can be obtained by contacting the Youth Development Officer, Paul McCallion on 07841344253.
Magherafelt Sky Blues 2-1 DC
March 8, 2010
NI Intermediate League
Magherafelt’s impressive run of victories continued on Saturday with a deserved victory and the bragging rites over a lethargic Draperstown side. Local derbies are usually feisty affairs but this was not the case, especially in the first half where Celtic were poor, the Blues totally dominant in all areas and they could have gone in at half time with more than a two goal lead, had they taken more of the glorious chances they created.
This was Celtic’s first game in three weeks and it certainly showed in the opening half. They looked sluggish all over the park and did not get to grips with the pace and basic work ethic of Maghrafelt and in games such as these you have to match like with like.
And yet the first goal chance fell to Celtic’s Gavin Bradley on 10 minutes. His free rebounded off the Blues’ wall back to him and his volley from 20 yards had O’Neill scrambling to save and then block Higgins’ follow up. If the first 15 minutes of the game was pretty drab stuff it was certainly brightened up with a classic strike from Ciaran Mallon who from 25 yards hit a left foot shot past McConnell’s into the top right corner. He will not have hit many better in his career. This certainly gave the Blues the impetus they needed and with Larkin and Brady in full flow further chances were created, especially for Nicman who contrived to miss two very good opportunities which would have killed the game off in the first half hour.
Celtic had a great opportunity to snatch an equaliser on 45 minutes when Murray set up Bradley whose effort was cleared off the line and immediately Magherafelt broke down the left with Darren walls who put in a cross for Nicman who totally miskicked with the ball falling invitingly to Aaron Hawe who did not spurn the opportunity.
The second half saw more of a game with Draperstown coming out looking a different side after some home truths being put to them at the interval, and while there were no teacups thrown, one gets the idea. Tackles were now being won, challenges being made and opportunities being created. O’Neill dived full length to parry McLean’s volley while the same player was later unlucky to see his turn and shot just go the wrong side of the post. Magheraflet were still a threat and with the introduction of Ciaran Monaghan there was always pace in their play. A Walls’ free was well saved by McConnell before Celtic got back into the game with a good goal. Bradley did well on the left before delivering a perfect cross to Murray who slotted home in typical fashion from close range. Larkin almost restored Magherafelt’s two goal lead with a great run and shot but it was Celtic who finished strongly but were not able to force an equaliser despite good pressure.
So Magherafelt continue on their quest for their first intermediate league title while for Draperstown they need to remember the second half as they simply did not turn up for the first.
Next First Team Fixture
V 
Draperstown Celtic v Broadway Celtic
Under 15 Presentation Evening
The under 15 Presentation evening has been arranged for this Saturday evening 19th June 20.Re: Technical Issues
issues resolved..Technical Issues
Currently having a few technical problems with the website, hopefully be resolved ASAP.Quick League Table
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