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 25th July between Dungiven Celtic and in their first visit to the tournament, Dungannon Tigers. Tuesday 26th sees host club Draperstown Celtic up against a progressive Moyola Park outfit. Wednesday see’s Intermediate League’s Magherafelt Sky Blues take on on IFA Championship 1 Tobermore Utd in what should be a hotly contested tie. Thursday 28th July see’s Roe Rovers take on Draperstown Celtic Reserves.

The Semi-Finals wil be played the following Monday 1st and Tuesday 2nd August, with the Final scheduled on Friday 6th August 2011.

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

Monday 25th July: Game A – Dungiven Celtic 0-7 Dungannon Tigers

Tuesday 26th July: Game B – Draperstown Celtic 7-1 Moyola Park

Wednesday 27th July: Game C – Magherafelt Sky Blues 3-1 Tobermore Utd

Thursday 28th July: Game D – Roe Rovers 4-0 Draperstown Celtic Res.

Monday 1st August: SEMI-FINAL (1) Dungannon Tigers 4-3 Draperstown Celtic

Tuesday 2nd August: SEMI-FINAL (2) Magherafelt Sky Blues 0-1 Roe Rovers

Friday 6th August: Dungannon Tigers 2-1 Roe Rovers

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.

A very successful night was had by all with…. A big thank to all invloved in organising the event.

Award Winners Season 2010/11

Photograph’s from the night (courtesy of Colm Heron)

Draperstown hosted the newly crowned League Cup winners, Oxford and this fixture sparked into life quickly with Eamon Murray heading a corner just over the bar on 2 minutes. Straight down the other end and with some quick work by Oxford’s Tracey squaring the ball for Curtis to put Oxford 1 up on 3 minutes.

The immediate response from Draperstown was a shot by Haskins from inside the area but straight at the Oxford keeper. On 7 minutes Draperstown’s Raymond Caulfield shot from 12 yards drifted wide. On 8 minutes Bradley forced a save from Oxford’s keeper and following a return ball after the resulting corner Raymond Caulfield’s side foot shot went wide. Draperstown continued to press and Bradley just could not connect to a ball crossed into the area by Murray on 11 minutes.

Oxford pressed and a loose ball was picked up by Tracey who chipped the keeper but the ball just lifted over the bar. It was now Oxford’s turn to create chances and on 21 minutes the busy Tracey squared the ball to Crosier whose shot was initially saved but the ball still travelling to goal was finally cleared off the line by Farniok. On 29 minutes Oxford’s Barr shot straight at Farniok and on 33 a superb tackle by McLean on Tracey saved what would probably have been a 2nd Oxford goal.

Two late 1st half chances from Draperstown’s Bradley saw one shot just skim the bar and over while the 2nd a header went just wide.

The 2nd half began with Oxford’s Devine shooting from outside the area but straight at Farniok. On 54 minutes a breaking ball inside the Oxford area was hit just wide by Bradley. An Oxford free taken by Crosier on 56 failed to hit the target. A Draperstown corner on 66 minutes was headed over the bar by an unmarked Mulholland who has been scoring from similar positions this season.

The game continued to create chances with Draperstown’s Bradley shooting wide from inside the area and on 69 minutes Oxford’s Tracey firing over the top and wide three minutes later. It was Bradley’s turn again on 74 minutes to shoot just wide with the keeper beaten. Oxford’s Curtis shot wide when inside the area and a minute later on 77 substitute Kelly cleared a goal bound Oxford chance off the line.

The last 10 minutes saw chances at both ends with Oxford’s Tracey pulling smart saves from Farniok with the last notable chance being headed over the bar by Draperstown’s Murray with 5 minutes to go. Although this game finished with another Oxford victory over Draperstown, it was a moved improved performance and the home side can feel that they probably deserved a share of the spoils.

Oxford probably thought they were in for a difficult game in this preliminary round of the challenge cup – they would have been wrong.

A reasonably strong Draperstown line-up failed to cause Oxford much if any trouble today. On 8 minutes Oxford went 1 up when a great strike from 25 yards out on the left hand side struck the top corner of Draperstown’s net.

Draperstown could have equalised but an Eamon Murray shot on 10 minutes hit the side netting. On 12 minutes a Draperstown backpass and fumble by goalkeeper Farniok gifted a chance for Oxford but Farniok redeemed himself with a save.

Oxford continued to press and on 21 minutes went 2 up with a smart shot under Farniok. On 22 minutes Murray just could not connect a head to a corner for Draperstown and a shot on 33 minutes from Heron did not trouble the Oxford keeper.

The tie was practically over when a break into the Draperstown area caused Farniok to foul Oxford’s No.9 (who as a result was substituted due to injury). With the resulting penalty awarded and dispatched, made it 3 nil. Late in the half, Draperstown’s McLean had to be substituted due to injury and was replaced by Mulholland. 2nd half began as the 1st ended and on 55 minutes Oxford’s No.3 found himself with time and space to shoot across goal and into the net – 4 nil. On 68 minutes a mix-up at the back by Draperstown gifted Oxford a 5th goal.

A penalty was awarded to Draperstown when John Higgins was fouled in the area and Gary Conway from the spot made 5 – 1 on 70 minutes. On 79 minutes a through ball and shot made it 6 – 1 and to finally add to Draperstown’s misery Gary Conway was given a second yellow card late on and was sent to the changing rooms. Overall a lacklustre Draperstown Celtic performance and a comfortable performance by Oxford gave the visitors a much deserved and easy passage into the next round to face Magherafelt Sky Blues.

Next week Draperstown host a league tie again against Oxford. A much improved performance next week is required in order not to be facing a similar result and embarrassing defeat.

Draperstown cruised to a comfortable win over Roe Valley at Cahore Park on Saturday on a day when the visitors appeared to implode as soon as Draperstown took the lead on 25 minutes. Yet it had been the visitors who appeared to have settled the quickest, with some good attacking play down the flanks but they failed to turn their territorial advantage into goals and as a result they paid for their profligation in front of goal. Quigg could have opened the scoring for Valley on 15 minutes, but Farniok’s brilliant save thwarted the young forward’s fine volley. Celtic’s keeper was also scrambling across his goal five minutes later and was glad to see the visitor’s shot just go the wrong side of the post.

Celtic needed to up their game and this they certainly did. In their first real positive attacking move, Gavin Bradley swept past two forlorn defenders before crashing the ball past the Valley keeper to power the home side into the lead on 23 minutes. It got even better for Celtic five minutes later when Bradley turned provider for the irrepressible Eamon Murray to power a header into the Roe Valley net and put the home side firmly in the driving seat. There followed a period of disarray among the visitors with players disputing among themselves and their bench. It was surely not the recipe for any sort of a come- back. Indeed any hopes of such were extinguished when Bradley swept home his second and Celtic’s third just before half time to round off a very good 20 minute period for the home side.

The second half began with Celtic in full flow and they could easily have added to their goal tally in the opening 15 minute period. Gavin Bradley could have completed his hat-trick but the Valley keeper was more than a match for him. Benny Heron also came close as did Murray as Draperstown launched wave after wave of attacks on the Roe Valley defence. The fourth goal duly arrived on the hour mark when Bradley’s cross to the far post was headed back by Murray to John Higgins who swept the ball home from eight yards. There was no doubt that the game was now won and as a result Draperstown took the foot off the pedal and Roe Valley began to enjoy a little more possession. Their reward came on 75 minutes when they scored a good goal, which in reality in the context of the game, was no more than a consolation even at this stage.

With Draperstown able to bring on Chris Bradley and Seamus Bradley, the visitor’s defence was again put under extreme pressure. Chris Bradley saw his rasping shot well saved while Eamon Murray had a great opportunity to extend the lead but overplayed the ball and the chance was gone. However, Murray was to have the last laugh though when he crashed home a fine effort from the edge of the box to complete the scoring and a fine afternoon for the home side and leave Roe Valley a well beaten side.

We intend to hold a similar draw again and the details are as follows.

2 directors’ box tickets Celtic v Hamilton (March 5th) (Strict dress code applies)
Complimentory bar pre and post match.
Buffet lunch at half time.
Signed shirt presented by player after game.
2 nights B&B in Glasgow Crowne Plaza
2 return flights

Tickets £5
Draw to be made at Draperstown Celtic Christmas Quiz on Dec 28th in the Market Inn.

A wonderful day for football at Spires on Saturday saw a keenly contested local derby which saw end to end football with the result in doubt right up to the final whistle. While both teams had the opportunities to snatch the win it will be Draperstown who will feel that they left two points behind in this game, especially as they had come back from form Monaghan’s early goal to power into the lead thanks to two quick goals from Gavin Bradley.

They will also look at the opening 20 minutes of the second half where they dominated possession, created and spurned three good chances to sow the game up. Yet such was the nature of the game, the Blues always had the ability to get an equaliser and did so when Hawe stole in at the back post to force home Mallon’s cross. Indeed had it not been for Farniok’s quite wonderful finger tip save, Magheraflet could have stolen the points themselves.

Draperstown, under Marty McGuigan and Chris Larkin have had a stuttering start to the season in terms of results which has not matched some of the football they have played. Saturday’s game was a good example of this. They played some very good football, created several good chances and yet did not get the result that their overall play just about deserved.

After 10 minutes some defensive frailty allowed Diarmiud Larkin the space to slip in Ciaran Monaghan whose early shot beat Farniouk at the near post. However Celtic came back strongly and deservedly drew level when a cross field ball from Kevin Murray was kept in by Dean Flanagan who crossed for Gavin Bradley to head powerfully home at the back post. Five minutes later it was the same combination when Flanagan again did very well to hook the ball back from the by line for Bradley again to score with a fine header.

Magherafelt did have an opportunity to draw level as the half came to a close when a header at the back post flew across the goal mouth and just past the far post.
The second half saw Celtic go all out for the decisive their goal.

Murray soon fed in Bradley but his shot came back off the cross bar with the keeper beaten and the ball was cleared to safety. Minutes later, Murray was presented with a golden opportunity when he latched onto a poor back pass but his shot was parried away by O’Neill when a goal looked likely. Murray also had a good opportunity with a header which just went the wrong side of the post and these missed opportunities were to cost Draperstown.

Magherafelt began to get more possession and play a more positive game. Chances however were very few as the Celtic defence appeared to be coping well. When Farniok was called upon he did so superbly with a brilliant finger tip save at full stretch to keep the home side out. However he was beaten on 75 minutes when Hawe swept home Mallon’s cross and the momentum was now with the home side but they were unable to create another goal opportunity. It was Draperstown who carved out the best chance to win the game when Bradley dragged his shot wide with five minutes to go.

So a well contested game with honours even and both sides claiming that they could have won the game. Draperstown may have had the stronger case.

This opening group stage match at Cahore Park saw a much changed Celtic play a very entertaining draw against a strong Kesh side. Pre season results had not gone well for the home side and the by now usual situation of the non availabillity of many players may have suggested that this game was going to be difficult to say the least. However, after a sluggish, nervy start where Kesh took a deserved lead, Draperstown came back well and by the end of the game a point was the least their efforts deserved.

The new management team of Marty McGuigan and Chris Larkin certainly had the team as well prepared as possible but with some new faces and others playing in different positions than normal, it was perhaps understandable that Celtic were slow to start and found themselves a goal down after 15 minutes. But to their credit they did not lose their belief and began to play some attractive football on the excellent surface. With Higgins and Haskins coming to grips with their central mid field duties they had Kesh on the backfoot and scored a deserved equaliser when Larkin pounced on a loose ball and fired into the roof of the net for a memorable goal for the player making his first Celtic start. Kesh continued to look dangerous, especially from corners and set pieces especially with their height advantage but half time saw an evenly balanced match.

Keshy did begin the second half in the ascendancy and re-took the lead with an excellent header. Again Celtic responded in a positive manner with Joe Crossett much to the fore and looking lively on the right hand side. The equaliser, which came with 10 minutes left, saw Crossett send in a wonderful cross which was powerfully headed home by Kevin Murray. The goal was fully deserved both for the player and the side and the final minutes saw Draperstown search for the winner but Kesh held firm and were able to see the game out and a share of the points.

All in all a very good performance from Draperstown which will give them a lot of confidence for the games ahead. They played some good football and showed a great deal of determination and while there still remains a great deal of work to do both in terms of adding to the squad and player fitness, this particular performance will help lay the foundations needed for the long season ahead.

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

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.