Draperstown Celtic Football Club is again hosting the annual Damian McGrogan Memorial Cup, now in its 14th year and played in proud memory of one of the clubs great stalwarts,player and friend to many.

This annual pre-season tournament is now a firm fixture on the local football calendar, and with a very competitive spirit shown over the years by all participating teams it has proven to be a great preparation source for all clubs as they commence their new season.

This years tournament will kick-off on Monday 26th July between 2008 winners Newtowne F.C and Irish Intermediate League team Killymoon Rangers. Tuesday27th sees host club Draperstown Celtic with their new management team of Marty McGuigan and Chris Larkin up against progressive Ballymena outfit Broadway Celtic. Wednesday sees Intermediate League’s Dungiven receive a bye unfortunately for the competition  into the next round by virtue of a very late withdrawal of  local opposition. The opening ties conclude onThursday 29th July with the tie of the round when cup holders Magherafelt Sky Blues take on local rivals Tobermore United.

The Semi-Finals wil be played the following Monday 2nd & Tuesday 3rd August,with the Final scheduled on Friday 6th August 2010.

All games will kick-off at 7pm and if level after 90 minutes the game will be decided by a penalty shoot-out.

Monday 26th July: Game A – Newtowne FC 6-0 Killymoon Rangers

Tuesday 27th July: Game B – Draperstown Celtic 1-1 Broadway Celtic *

Wednesday 28th July: Game C – Dungiven p-p Bye

Thursday 29th July: Game D – Magherafelt Sky Blues v Tobermore Utd

Monday 2nd August: SEMI-FINAL (1) Newtowne FC v Draperstown Celtic

Tuesday 3rd August: SEMI-FINAL (2) Dungiven v Winner Game D

Friday 6th August: Winner Semi-Final 1 v Winner Semi-Final 2

Kick off 7pm Sharp at Cahore Playing Fields.

45minutes each way to be decided on a penalty shoot-out in the event of a draw.
All games played under IFA rules.

* Broadway withdrew due to other committments

Pharmacy Supplies Intermediate League Cup Final.

Draperstown Celtic were crowned Northern Ireland League cup winners on Friday night after goals from John Higgins and Gavin Bradley secured the victory over a hotly favoured Oxford side. Played at Dungiven, the big crowd were treated to a very evenly contested high tempo game which hung in the balance right until the final whistle. Draperstown were worthy winners, make no mistake of that. Despite coming into the game on a poor run of form and results, it appeared that they would have it all to do against the current league leaders who had easily dispatched Celtic in the Challenge Cup semi final only a few weeks ago. But there was to be no repeat of that 4-0 scoreline on this occasion and Celtic would regain the trophy having won it last in 2004. The success was also a fitting way for manager John McKee to complete his 3 year tenure in charge of the side and to know that his side put in a performance which he could be very proud of.

Celtic began the game on the backfoot, wary of the Oxford strike force of David Campbell and Carlin who had caused so much trouble in their last meeting. Oxford had a claim for penalty turned down in only the second minute when Carlin went down under a challenge by Ally McLean and Carlin also fired over from 8 yards in the 23rd minute when in a good position. Celtic were rarely seen as an attacking in the half force as Oxford dominated with the majority of the game being played in Celtic’s last third of the pitch. The half ended goalless, a reflection of the excellent defending by the Celtic back four in which Mclean excelled all through the match.

The second half was to see a different approach from Draperstown. They were more attack minded and with Higgins and Bradley coming more into the game Celtic were soon causing Oxford some defensive problems. This new attitude paid off after only 3 minutes of the half when Gavin Bradley stole past his marker and found John Higgins in the box. Celtic’s captain rode two challenges before slotting the ball past Walker for an excellent goal The Celtic support was now daring to believe that this might be their night but only 5 minutes later their hopes were temporarily dashed when Carlin finished clinically past McConnell with a first time strike.

Some would have expected Oxford to push on from here and take control of the game, but it was Draperstown who continued to play the more positive, incisive football. Gary Conway found Bradley with a delightful ball but the forward’s touch deserted him at the vital moment and Walker was able to clear the danger. A further good chance again fell to Bradley on the hour mark when he ran on to Eamon Murray’s pass but fired past the far post.

The game was now very open and end to end, but again the Drapertown back four held Oxford at bay and again the Derry City side were not able to cause McConnell any real problems. The last ten minutes saw Draperstown on the attack and further chances almost brought the winning goal. Bradley stabbed the ball wide at the near post while Walker almost allowed a shot to squirm past him but was relieved to see it spin past the post. The whistle at the end of 90 minutes saw the game go into extra time and already Celtic supporters were thinking of the chances which had gone a begging.

The first period again saw Draperstown take the game to their opponents but neither side were able to create a decent chance as fatigue was becoming a factor. However the Celtic pressure told five minutes into the second period of extra time when Higgins found Bradley in the box who turned his marker before firing past Walker.

The last ten minutes saw Oxford throw everything at Celtic in the search for the equaliser and they must have thought they had snatched when Logue volleyed a powerful shot from 6 yards but McConnell pulled off the save of this or any other season to push the ball over the bar. Oxford’s hearts sank, the Celtic “casuals” cheered their keeper and a minute later the final whistle was sounded to spark off great scenes of celebrations which were to continue long into the night.

The victory was certainly built on a quite superb defensive performance in which McLean was Man of the Match but he was closely followed by the rest of his team mates whose attitude and commitment were the real factors of this cup success.

Intermediate League

Draperstown surrendered their unbeaten home record this season with a tame defeat at the hands of Dungiven in what was a poor match last Saturday. Both teams were well under strength and with neither side in the hunt for league honours, it was more of a case of getting another game played in what will be a very busy league schedule in the remaining few weeks of the campaign.

Dungiven started brightly and took the lead on 9 minutes when a ball over the top allowed the forward to run on and score easily. Celtic came into the game more and were rewarded on 14 minutes when Higgins was taken down in the box for a penalty. The same player tucked the ball into the far corner for the equaliser. Both sides had opportunities to take the lead as the half wore on. Marty McGuigan fired just over from 20 yards while Haskins volleyed wide after a good cross from Adrian McGuigan.

The second half was only 4 minutes old when Dungiven got their second and ultimately the winning goal. McLean handled an inswinging corner and the resultant penalty was easily dispatched. Draperstown had plenty of possession but lacked the skill and guile to open up a resolute Dungiven defence. Right at the death however, Kennedy had a glorious opportunity to grab an equalise but managed to lift the ball over the bar when a goal seemed certain.

So note a game that will live long in the memory, but one that gives an indication of the work needed in the summer months, certainly for Draperstown, if they are to remain competitive throughout next year’s campaign

NI Intermediate League

John Mc Kee was forced to ring the changes with no fewer than seven players unavailable but those who came in put in a solid performance against a stubborn Strabane side at Cahore Park. While the game itself was hardly a classic the goals scored certainly came into this bracket. Strikes from Sinclair and Higgins for Draperstown and a fine effort from Strabane’s  Roulston were certainly the highlights and Haskin’s finish also had a touch of quality about it.

With neither side having set the league alight this season, the game did not have a great deal riding on it but Celtic still have a league cup final appearance and places are most certainly up for grabs as far as manager McKee is concerned. The early exchanges were quite even as both sides sought to overcome the hard pitch but Ryan Sinclair brought the game to life with a simply outstanding goal on ten minutes. Picking up the ball just inside the Strabane half he strove forward and seeing Devine off his line hit a glorious left foot arching shot from fully 35 yards which gave the keeper no chance. A wonderful goal which was matched, perhaps bettered, by John Higgins 4 minutes later. Higgins, making in first start in a number of weeks following injury, controlled the ball 20yards from goal and beat Devine with a measured shot in off the crossbar to leave Celtic in the driving seat .

Strabane showed they weren’t out of the game when Farniouk did well to tip McCallion’s free over the bar on 17 minutes, but Draperstown should have extended their lead on 20 minutes when Murchan’s cross was headed just wide by Joe Crossett. Draperstown did take the foot off the pedal and Strabane got back into the game with a goal which matched the quality of the earlier strikes. Roulston hit a thunderous goal from 25 yards into the top corner giving Farniouk no chance. Devine did well to stop Higgins from scoring at the end of the half but the home side were well worth their half time lead.

The second half did not have the fireworks of the first, indeed for the first 25 minutes there was very little goal mouth action. Caulfield produced a good surging run and shot which Devine did well to smother with mcCallion clearing Haskins’ follow up shot.  Strabane’s McCallion also did well to clear Kennedy’s effort off the line after his shot had beaten Devine. Draperstown made sure of the points on 82 minutes when Haskins ran onto Caulfiled’s pass and lobbed Devine from the edge of the box for another quality goal.

Celtic also hit the post before Kennedy almost got the goal his performance deserved but he fired over the bar as Draperstown finished the game well in control.A decent performance from Draperstown which was needed after last week’s mauling at the hands of Oxford and the goals certainly showed that there is some quality in the side. They have to be matched with a more positive attitude and commitment especially with a final looming. Manager John McKee will expect nothing less.

NI Intermediate League Challenge Cup QF

A solid, workmanlike performance from Draperstown saw them through a difficult quarter final tie away to Mountjoy. Despite having had a comfortable league win at home to the same opposition a few weeks ago, Celtic knew this would be a difficult game against a much more physical side. The key to the win was Draperstown’s ability to take advantage of the few chances they created and also the performances of keeper Marcin Farniouk and Ryan Sinclair in midfield. Farniouk, brought in for the non availability of McConnell was the busier of the two keepers but unlike Gillfiillen in the home goals, he was safe in all that he did. An absolutely superb save from Derek Matthew’s free kick on 57 minutes went he score was 0 -0 was only bettered by his penalty save from Gibson in the 90th minute when Celtic were leading by 2-0. But it is goals which win games and Sinclair was instrumental in both to round off his best performance to date in a Celtic shirt.

Mountjoy certainly enjoyed the better of the first half and they certainly had the majority of the possession. Adams was prominent for them on the right hand side and he was helped by good performances from Bute, Thompson and Gibson. The latter in particular looked the most likely to score for the home side, but he never really tested Farniouk in Celtic’s goal despite having a couple of good opportunities. Conway and Sinclair were holding their own in the Celtic midfield as the visitors grew in confidence. Gillfillen saved from Emmett McKillion while Sinclair was narrowly wide with a header from a Bradley corner.

The second half saw Celtic replace Seamus Quinn with Gareth Haskins who was forced off with a back injury sustained in the last minutes of the first half and the first ten minutes again saw the home side in the ascendency, but without creating good openings as Darren McKillion and Ally McLean were solid in the heart of the Draperstown defence. Mountjoy almost took the lead on 57 minutes when Derek Matthews curled in a great free kick but Farniouk pulled off a remarkable save to touch the ball onto the bar and away. Mountjoy were still wondering how the score was still 0-0 when Sinclair took the game by the scruff of the neck on the hour mark. His shot from 25 yards appeared to have beaten Gillfillen all ends up but the keeper somehow pushed the ball onto the cross bar and as Eamon Murray looked to score from the rebound Gillfillen kicked the ball clear for the corner. But there was to be no reprieve for the home side. Haskins’ corner was not cleared and Gavin Bradley scored from close range. Six minutes later and it was 2-0. Sinclair again picked up possession in midfield, sublimely strove forward and from 25 yards struck a stunning strike past Gillfillen. A goal worthy to win any game and well deserved from a player whose Celtic’s career has been blighted by injury this season.

The final 20 minutes saw Mountjoy attempt to get back into the game. Celtic had to replace the hard working Gary Conway and Emmett McKillion who were both injured and this allowed the home side to begin to dominate possession again. Farniouk saved well from a David Matthews’ header while Haskins did well to prevent the same player from scoring at the near post. However as the game entered injury time, the referee awarded a penalty kick for an innocuous challenge but Farniouk dived to his left to parry Gibson’s spot kick. The last few minutes saw Celtic create a couple of good opportunities to score a third but they were more than happy with a two nil win which moves them into the semi final for the second season running.

The semi-final will be held on Saturday 17th April in Templemore, Derry against Oxford Utd Stars.

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.

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.

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

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.

NI Intermediate League

Question: When is a goal not a goal?

It appears that the answer to that problem is when Benny Heron hits a screaming drive from 25 yards which hits the inside of the left hand post, rebounds behind the keeper onto the right had stanchion and back out. Oh and the other part of the answer is that the referee is the only person in the ground who did not see what had happened.

The phantom goal was certainly the main talking point of the game which Celtic fully deserved to win. Indeed added to Heron’s wonderful “goal” was a missed penalty from Eamon Murray which should have resulted a greater margin of victory. The early exchanges did not give much of a clue as to the later excitement. Indeed UUC had plenty of early possession but the Draperstown back four appeared to dealing comfortable with the early pressure but their concentration was badly lacking on the half hour when a harmless looking free kick was allowed to bounce on the six yard line and Paddy Trolan pounced to put the students a goal up after 30 minutes.

Celtic have conceded first in their last 3 outings but have come back strongly and Saturday was no exception. With Garteh Haskins and Adrian McGuigan operating well on both wings, Draperstown soon had UUC under pressure. A series of corners brought the equaliser on 35 minutes when Bradley’s in swinging corner was headed past his own keeper by Handford. The visiting side appeared almost handed Draperstown the lead right on half time when Haskin’s great cross was hit against his own cross bar by McLoughlin as he attempted to clear the danger.

The second half was largely dominated by Draperstown who had UUC on the back foot from the re start. The lead was gained on 47 minutes when Haskins’ great pass found Caulfield on the right with space and time to pick out the in rushing McGuigan who volleyed home from 12 yards for a good team goal. Haskins almost finished off another good on 57 minutes attacking move when he volleyed just wide of the McGeough’s post after an excellent Murray pass. Such was the dominance of Celtic at this stage that only a despairing challenge prevented Darren McKillion bearing down on goal after the centre half’s foraging run from the half way line.

Heron came on for Higgins on the hour mark and his probing runs and passes only added to UUC’s woes. Such a run on 70 minutes saw his ghost past a defender before shooting, with the unfortunate Tasker deflecting the ball past a flat footed McKeough. This left the visitors with a mountain to climb if they were to get anything out of the game and to be fair, they did not really seem able to sustain any sort of possession or pressure on Draperstown. It should have been much worse for them on 75 minutes when Heron’s sublime movement saw him get by two challenges before he unleashed a ferocious drive from 25 yards which deflected off the post and onto the stanchion and back out to Eamon Murray who kicked the ball away before turning to join in the celebrations. These were cut short by the referee who awarded a goal kick and despite the obvious and legitimate appeals he did not change his decision.

The referee was soon in the action again this time in favour of Celtic when Kirkpatrick took down McGuigan in the box and he awarded a penalty on 84 minutes. The usually reliable Murray banked on McGeough doing what most keepers do when facing a spot kick and dive to one side. However, he stood his ground and caught Murray’s chip leaving him rather embarrassed at his effort. The last few minutes saw no more goal scoring opportunities and the game ended in a comfortable 3-1 win for Draperstown. Or was that 4-1?

Check out the match action on our new Flickr Photostream http://www.flickr.com/photos/draperstownceltic/sets/72157623313543221/