On Sunday 02nd Oct the DC U15 squad travelled to Antrim to play the NI U17 ladies team. This friendly was arranged to help the NI squad prepare for a tournament abroad. The other teams in the NI group were Finland, Israel and England. It was a great game that was played in a friendly but competitive spirit and was an excellent workout for both teams. Both teams played some really entertaining and attractive football and after 90 minutes play DC came away with a 3 – 1 victory. The DC Goals were scored by a NI own goal, Mark Doole and John Eddie Convery. The Northern Ireland goal was a stunning shot that left the DC keeper no chance.
Thanks to Niall, Alison and the rest of the NI U17 Management team for the invitation. The boys did the club proud and represented DCFC well and this was recognised by the NI coaches who have invited the lads down for another game against the NI Ladies senior squad. This is quite an honor for any Youth Team and the Under 15 squad is the first of any DC squad to play against an International team.
Squad: Conor Gallagher, Odhran McGuigan, Roghan McCloskey, Jack Doherty, Mark Doole, John Eddie Convery, Ciaran Scullion (Capt.), Connlaoth McElhone, Adam McLaverty, Tiarnan Flanagan, Conor Glass, Eunan O’Kane, Pearse Grant, Danny Gillespie
Cookstown Youth 3-2 DC U15
DC travelled to Cookstown for this local derby match and came home on the wrong end of a 3 – 2 score line. It was not really a case of Cookstown winning but more a case of the Celts losing the game. DC got off to a very sluggish start and within 12 mins found themselves 2 down. The first goal arrived after 7 mins when the Draperstown defence were guilty of ball watching and a hopeful cross into the area was met by a totally unmarked Cookstown forward at the back post. DC did not learn their lesson and paid for it 5 mins later when Cookstown scored their second goal – another hopeful punt into the box and yet again the same player was unmarked at the back post and had the simplest of headers. This seemed to wake Draperstown up and they began to get into the game but Cookstown held on to halt time and went in 2 – 0 in the lead.
DC started the second half in determined mood and pulled a goal back in the first minute as a result of a penalty. Doole had made a great weaving run into the box and when his clever cut inside left the defender stranded the defender brought him down. Glass stepped up and drove the ball into the bottom corner. At this stage it was all DC and Cookstown held on to their slender lead. Again another defensive error cost Draperstown and more slack marking led to a Cookstown midfielder scoring his teams’ third goal. To their credit the young Celts came back into the game and when Convery scored with a 20 yard drive into the bottom corner it was game on again. At this stage it was all DC and Cookstown reverted to just kicking the ball and hoping for a break and this almost happened on a couple of occasions. DC peppered the Cookstown goal and with 4 chances in the last 10 mins they could have won the game but Cookstown held on for the victory.
Best wishes to Conor Gallagher and Roghan McCloskey who both had to come off injured during the game. Get well soon lads!!!
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, Odhran McGuigan, Roghan McCloskey, Jack Doherty Mark Doole, John Eddie Convery, Ciaran Scullion (Capt.), Connlaoth McElhone, Adam McLaverty, Tiarnan Flanagan, Conor Glass – Eunan O’Kane, Pearse Grant Roddy Mullin
Goals: Glass (1) Convery (1)
Player of Week: Odhran McGuigan
DC U14 vs. Tobermore
Cancelled due to waterlogged pitch
Next Fixtures
U15 – Sat 15th Oct – Tullyvallen Rangers @ Cookstown Fairhill KO 10.30am
U14 – Sat 15TH Oct – Coleraine U14 @ 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
Under 12 training (Development Squad) – Friday night 8pm @ Back Row 3G pitch
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
