DC travelled to Cookstown Fairhill for the second Saturday in a row but this time they got the correct result and looked more like the DC of last season. The young Celts started brightly and with Doole and Lagan supplying the front two of Glass and Flanagan the Tullyvallen team were under pressure straight away. The first goal arrived after five minutes when Glass played a great ball in and Flanagan smashed home. This further settled the Celts and their passing became more fluent and goal number two was not long in arriving when the same players combined and Flanagan wrong footed the keeper, rounded him and scored in an empty net.
The return of Lagan definitely helped DC and he was giving the Tullyvallen defenders a torrid time. Indeed if it had not been for the Tullyvallen keeper the score could have been a lot higher. Glass was also having a great game and his link up play with the central midfield of Convery and Scullion was a joy to watch. Within the first 20 mins the game was dead and buried as Flanagan scored his third with a nice shot to the bottom corner. The DC defence of Doherty, McCloskey, McGuigan and Mullin looked solid and it was great to see McCloskey back to his best after injury. The first half finished with another DC goal with Doole swinging in a great cross come shot which floated over the keeper into the far top corner. Half time 4 – 0.
The second half saw the introduction of McLaverty up front and his impact was immediate when he hit a ferocious shot into the roof of the net giving the impressive Tullyvallen keeper no chance. Tullyvallen did snatch a goal back when the DC defence and midfield switched off and let in the Rangers forward who finished smartly. That was the last chance Tullyvallen had as McGuigan marshalled the defence superbly even playing through the pain barrier after picking up a nasty wrist injury. Normal service resumed and DC went further ahead when a great surging Doole run was stopped by a cynical trip. The midfielder picked himself up and drilled a great penalty into the bottom corner. It was all Draperstown and McLaverty added a further two goals to claim his hat –trick and the route was completed 5 mins from time when Flanagan cheekily lobbed the keeper for his fourth goal of the game. Final score 9 – 1.
A great team performance from DC who needed to bounce back from last week’s poor performance and they did it in style. Best wishes to Odhran and we hope his injury clears up quickly.
Thanks to the supporters who made the trip to Cookstown – as always it is much appreciated. Thanks to John Doole for his continued sponsorship of the Energy drinks
Squad: Conor Gallagher, Roddy Mullin, Odhran McGuigan, Roghan McCloskey, Jack Doherty, Mark Doole, John Eddie Convery, Ciaran Scullion (Capt.), Peter Lagan, Tiarnan Flanagan, Conor Glass – Eunan O’Kane, Pearse Grant, Adam McLaverty
Goals: Flanagan (4) McLaverty (3) Doole (2)
Player of Week: Ciaran Scullion
Northern Ireland Senior Ladies (1) VS DC U15 (0)
Following their excellent performance several weeks ago against the NI U17 Ladies squad the DC U15 were invited down to Belfast to help the NI Senior ladies prepare for their Euro qualifier against Bulgaria.
The DC lads gave a good account of themselves against a very impressive NI side. The first period was a very entertaining game and both sides played some great football without really testing either keeper. The first period ended 0-0. Both teams made several changes and again both sides played well without really worrying the other keeper. Slowly however the NI team began to dominate and their quick movement of the ball began to take its toll on the young Celts. They tested the DC goal on a few occasions but the lads were able to keep another clean sheet in the second period.
In the third period the ladies began to exert a greater influence on the game and with yesterday’s game catching up on the Celts they had long periods of desperate defending. The NI goal arrived ten minutes from time when following a corner the ball came of the post and it was the NI forward reacted quickest to knock the ball home. All in all a great game and a great experience and work out for the squad
Thanks to Alfie, Gail and the squad for the invitation down and also for the reception we received. After the game the NI manager took some time to speak to the boys and complemented them on their style of play, their attitude, their efforts and their behavior. Thanks very much Alfie – much appreciated. It is nice that an International manager recognises the work and efforts of the club for the youth. The boys did the club proud and represented DCFC very well. The NI management team has again invited the lads down in another month or so to help prepare for another tournament. This is quite an honor for any Youth Team and just shows the regard that our boys are held in. Long may it continue. Well done boys!!!!
Squad: Conor Gallagher, Roddy Mullin, Roghan McCloskey, Ryan McGuigan, Pearse Grant, John Eddie Convery, Ciaran Scullion (Capt.), Mark Doole, Tiarnan Flanagan, Peter Lagan, Adam McLaverty, Eunan O’Kane, Eoghan Gilmore.
DC U14 vs. Coleraine U14s
Draperstown Celtic 0: Coleraine 4
Next Fixtures
U15 – Sat 22nd Oct – Lisnaskea @ Dungannon White CityKO 10.30am
U14 – Sat 22nd Oct – Coleraine U15 @ Cahore Park. KO 11.00am
Training
Under 15 training – Thursday night 7pm @ Back Row 3G pitch
Under 14 training – Wednesday night 8pm @ Back Row 3G pitch
Floodlit Football (P6 & P7) – Friday night 8pm @ Back Row 3G pitch
All cost £2.00
Celtic Club Shop
In association with Live 4 Soccer, Celtic have prepared a range of 12 products such as replica youth tops, hoodies, jackets etc with can be personalised with names and numbers. Order forms can be downloaded from the club website. Forms and further details regarding sizing, printing etc can be obtained by contacting Paul on 07841344253 or visiting the merchandise page on the website www.dc-fc.net.
If you have any queries on youth football at Draperstown Celtic please contact the Youth Officer (Paul McCallion) on 07841344253
