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

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

The Celts went straight down to business and for the first 20 mins they just blew Enniskillen away. The first chance for DC arrived in the first minute when a clever pass from Flanagan found McLaverty and just as he was about to slam the ball home it took a wicked bobble and went for the goal kick. DC were not to be denied and two mins later Flanagan gave the young Celts the lead with a well taken goal. Straight from the kick off the Celts won possession and straight away went on the attack. On the right wing the impressive McElhone McLaverty who burst pass his marker and sent across a great ball which the onrushing Doole converted to further extend the lead.

A few minutes later Doole scored again to make it 3 – 0. DC were now rampant and the midfield of Doole, Convery, Flanagan, Scullion and McElhone destroyed Enniskillen. The fourth goal arrived on the 15 minute mark when McLaverty finished smartly. By this stage Enniskillen knew they were in for a long morning. DC continued their blistering start and when Flanagan picked the ball up about 25 yards out he struck a sweet shot into the top corner of the net. Another couple of minute later Convery decoded he wanted into the act as well and hit an absolutely stunning shot into the top corner. Enniskillen changed their shell shocked keeper and almost his fist piece of action was to face a penalty when Doole was cynically brought down. However the young replacement keeper saved the penalty. There was 1 lapse of concentration just before the half from DC and the Rangers forward capitalised to give his team a first half consolation goal .Half Time 1 – 6.

The second half did not bring about any luck for Enniskillen and they soon found themselves further behind when Convery scored his second of the game with a fabulous looping volley. DC piled on the pressure and Doole scored another 2 goals in a matter of minutes to put the result way beyond doubt. There was a moment of concern for DC when they had to replace their keeper Gallagher after he staved his thumb making a save. The young Celts continued to dominate and they scored their 10th when following a great corner from Flanagan, centre half McCloskey rose highest to power home a brilliant header. The home team did have 2 chances but replacement keeper Glass made 2 smart saves, the first with his feet in a 1v1 situation and then a magnificent diving save to his right. There was still time for another and it duly arrived when McLaverty powered down the right wing and hit an unstoppable shot off the crossbar to complete the annihilation. Final Score 1 – 11.
A much better team performance overall with some great individual performances including an impressive debut from new signing McElhone before he had to go off injured.

Thanks to the supporters who made the trip to Lurgan – 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, Peter Lagan, Mark Doole, John Eddie Convery, Ciaran Scullion (Capt.), Connlaoth McElhone, Adam McLaverty, Tiarnan Flanagan, Conor Glass, Eunan O’Kane, Pearse Grant, Jack Doherty, Roddy Mullin

Goals: Doole (4), Flanagan (2), McLaverty (2) Convery (2) McCloskey

Player of Week: Mark Doole

Next Fixtures
U15 – Sat 24th Sept – Moyola Park @ Cahore Park. KO time TBC
U14 – Sat 24th Sept – Dungiven U15 @ Cahore Park. KO TBC

Training
Under 15 training – Thursday night 7pm @ Back Row 3G pitch
Under 14 training – Wednesday night 8pm @ Back Row 3G pitch
Under 12 training (players born in 2000) – Friday night 8pm @ Back Row 3G pitch

Membership
The membership fee is £10.00 for the season and this will include insurance for the team. All Youth membership must be paid by end of Sept 2011. Also a £2.00 charge will be payable at each training session which will go to the cost of running the team.

Registration
To register a child as a player for the league Draperstown Celtic will require

• A photocopy of the birth certificate OR passport
• 2 passport sized colour photographs
• A signed registration form

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

The opening encounters were scrappy as the long break showed and DC did not play to their usual high standards. However they were the first to settle with Mark Doole again proving his calibre with great work down the left. After another great run from Doole the Celts won a corner. The in swinging corner from Flanagan along with the presence of the DC “big men” caused panic and the ball pinged around the penalty area until a smart turn and shot from Adam McLaverty found the bottom corner. The Celts did settle a bit and started to take the game more to Sunnyside and they could have extended their lead further when a stunning 25 yard shot from Roghan McCloskey rattled of the cross bar and bounced on the line with the keeper a spectator.

The second goal followed shortly after when Scullion rammed the ball home following another corner. Last season this may have heralded a rush of goals but the Celts sat back and let the Lurgan team come into the game and it was not long before Sunnyside pulled one back following slack play down the right side. Instead of raising their game DC seemed to panic and resorted to long balls and not using the midfield players which gave the possession straight back to Lurgan. The second Sunnyside goal arrived when slack play left the forward with time and space to hit a shot which gave Conor Gallagher no chance. DC could have gone into the break ahead but the home keeper pulled off a magnificent save from a Tiarnan Flanagan header. Half Time 2-2.

Within five minutes of the second half DC took the lead again when Odhran McGuigan popped up in the visitors box and drilled the ball home to make it 3-2.However the Celts still had not learned their lesson and slack marking again let the home side to outnumber the DC defence and a sweeping shot again gave Gallagher no chance. At last DC seemed to wake up and they began to play their trademark passing game with Doole and Scullion taking the game by the scruff off the neck. The Draperstown team took the lead when a magnificent pass from Doole put McLaverty through and he scored his second goal of the game and campaign. The Draperstown defence of Mullin, McGuigan, McCloskey and Murphy began to snuff out the threat from the forwards and this gave the DC boys fresh heart. After Convery won the ball in midfield he passed to Scullion who skipped around a couple of players and his rasping shot hit the crossbar with the keeper nowhere in sight.

Following a home corner Doole picked the ball up just outside his own 18 and he beat four players in a great surging run but his shot hit the post. Sunnyside put 3 up front to try and salvage the game but the DC defence, well marshalled by McGuigan, held firm. Draperstown finally got a bit of breathing space when following good work from Flanagan the keeper could only parry a Doole cross and Lagan tapped home to make it 5. Final Score 3-5

Thanks to the supporters who made the trip to Lurgan – as always it is much appreciated.

Thanks also to John Doole for his sponsorship of the Energy drinks

Squad: Conor Gallagher, Roddy Mullin, Odhran McGuigan, Roghan McCloskey, Ronan Murphy, Mark Doole, John Eddie Convery, Ciaran Scullion (Capt), Peter Lagan, Adam McLaverty, Tiarnan Flanagan, Eunan O’Kane, Pearse Grant, Danny Gillespie, Eoghan Gilmore
Goals: McLaverty (2), Scullion, McGuigan, Lagan

The opening exchanges were tense as the new signings got used to the DC style of play and other players got used to new positions. The young Celts probably had the first clear chance of the game as new forward McLaverty hit his curling shot just wide following good build up play with Doole. The hosts started to come into the game but the defence of Murphy, McCloskey, McGuigan and Doherty kept them at bay. Carniny applied more pressure and Gallagher made a few good saves. Celtic responded and the midfield of Doole, Scullion, Convery and Lagan created a few chances for the forwards but the keeper did well. The best chance came when a corner led to a goal mouth scramble and when the ball fell kindly both McLaverty and Scullion went for it but neither could make a good connection.

From this Carniny broke out but McLaverty tracked back well and made a great sliding challenge. The hosts scored right on the stroke of half time when the DC defence stood off the Carniny winger and his shot found the top corner. Half Time 1-0.

Within the first minute of the second half DC were 2 down when an uncharacteristic mistake by the DC defence let the forward through 1 on 1 with Gallagher and he made no mistake. The DC management introduced Glass and the presence of 2 big forwards began to unsettle Carniny. DC came more into the game and had it not been for excellent goal keeping DC could have been in the lead. The most memorable being a fingertips save to tip the ball onto the post from a magnificent right footed Doole shot. The visitors were then caught napping and Carniny scored a third following good play up their right wing. To the credit of the young Celts they did not give in and they began to force their way back into the game. They got their rewards when a period of good play put McLaverty through and he made no mistake to score his first goal for the club on his debut. Within 10 mins the score was 3-2 when another through ball put the same player through to score his second. Carniny tried to regroup and only some good defending and goalkeeping combined with poor finishing prevented them increasing the lead. They did not have it their own way and their keeper made some good saves but he could do nothing against Flanagan’s ferocious shot but it scraped the outside of the post. The young Celts scored with 10 mins left with Doole popping up on the edge of the box to hit an unstoppable shot past the keeper to draw the team’s level. Each side could have stolen the win but Carniny came closest when the forward squeezed the ball past Gallagher but new signing O’Kane was able to clear the ball of the line. Final Score 3-3

Thanks to the supporters who made the trip down – as always it is much appreciated.

Squad: Conor Gallagher, Jack Doherty, Odhran McGuigan, Roghan McCloskey, Ronan Murphy, Mark Doole, John Eddie Convery, Ciaran Scullion, Peter Lagan, Adam McLaverty, Tiarnan Flanagan, Connlaoth McElhone, Conor Glass, Eunan O’Kane, Pearse Grant, Danny Gillespie

Goals: McLaverty (2), Doole

Right from the first whistle the Draperstown boys took the game straight to Coleraine. Within the first 5 mins the Celts had the Coleraine team penned into their own half and were putting them under constant pressure. The Coleraine goalkeeper was going to be in for a busy morning. On the left wing Mark Doole was creating havoc with rampaging runs and he went close with a shot and then he delivered several great crosses which his team mates could not convert. The same player was then fouled and Ciaran Scullion hit a free kick which went just over. The Celts continued to pile on the pressure and following good play down the right Flanagan picked up the ball and ghosted in to the penalty area before hitting a great shot across the keeper and into the bottom corner. 1-0 to the Celts.

Again from the re-start Draperstown harried and pressed the Coleraine players giving them no time to settle and play football. Already Celtic was the dominant team and could have gone further ahead when shots from Doole, Scullion and Convery were desperately defended by Coleraine. The much deserve second goal arrived when Convery hit a great free kick which the Coleraine keeper could not hold and Flanagan was on hand to nod the ball over the line for his second goal. 2– 0 to Draperstown.

Coleraine did manage a few half-hearted attempts at goal but found McGuigan, Murphy, McCloskey and McGeehan in unforgiving mood and no real danger transpired. The torrential rain at this stage could have made things awkward but the young Celts coped with the conditions really well, especially Gallagher in the goals whose handling was assured all day. At half time the score was 2-0 and Coleraine were looking shell shocked.

After the kick off Coleraine did look a bit more composed and tried to play some football but again the Draperstown lads hassled, harried and hunted down the opposition when they had the ball. On a rare occasion the Coleraine team did break through the defence McCloskey chased down the forward and slid in with a thunderous tackle to win the ball and he was able to launch another attack from the back. The work rate of the Draperstown midfield and front players was remarkable and with Glass up front proving a handful it seemed like Coleraine were going to be in for another uncomfortable half.

The left winger did try to break through but he was shepherded across the 18 yard box before being stopped in his tracks by a magnificent sliding tackle from McGeehan. The young Celts had a big scare when a Coleraine corner ricocheted around the penalty area before Glass cleared off his own goal line and the ball was hacked away. This seemed to rejuvenate the young Celts and the third goal duly arrived when Flanagan flicked the ball over a midfielder beat another two men and hit a shot across goal to make it 3- 0 and complete his hat trick. The work rate of the Celts began to take its toll and Gilmore came on to steady things on the right which he did really well.

Coleraine were then given a slim lifeline when the referee awarded a dubious penalty leaving the DC management and supporters amazed. Gallagher picked the right way but the ball went just wide of his fingertips. The young Celts responded in the best way when Doole went on another of his storming runs before being cynically brought down. The resultant free kick was a great shot from McGuigan right inside the post which the keeper could not hold onto. 4 – 1 to Celtic. Draperstown took of Flanagan to thunderous applause and replaced him with Grant as the midfield choked any life out of the
Coleraine team. Indeed Celtic could have had another when a great volley from fullback Murphy rattled off the crossbar with the keeper well beaten. The referee then blew the whistle to send the young Celts and their massive contingent of supporters into celebration.

Team: Conor Gallagher, Odhran McGuigan, Michael McGeehan, Roghan, McCloskey, Ronan Murphy, Ciaran Scullion, John Eddie Convery, Peter Lagan, Mark Doole, Tiarnan Flanagan, Conor Glass
Subs: Aaron McBride, Eoghan Gilmore, Conor Baker, Peter Armour, Pearse, Grant
Goals: Flanagan (3) McGuigan

Conor Gallagher’s handling and organising was spot on, Odhran and Ronan never gave the wingers a sniff, Roghan and Mick were rocks in the centre. Peter Lagan tormented the left back all day and did a great defensive roll also, John Eddie and Ciaran dominated and orchestrated things in the middle and Mark Doole ran himself into the ground for his team with Coleraine putting 2 men on him to try and stop him. Conor Glass was a handful, winning every header and Tiarny scoring a hat trick (not much you can say about scoring a hat trick in a final). Eoghan Gilmore and Pearse Grant came on and steadied things up and Conor Baker, Peter Armour and Aaron McBride did their part in ensuring the team reached the final. WELL DONE LADS – DC ARE PROUD OF YOU ALL.

Thanks to the massive crowd of supporters who turned out to support the team yesterday. It was much appreciated by all at DCFC. THANK YOU.

Thanks to John Doole for the sponsorship of the Energy Drinks and to Paul Regan who has contributed all season by sponsoring the hat trick heroes. Thanks also to Declan McBride from Slims Café, Maurice Regan of theMarket Inn and O’Kanes Newsagents for their after game refreshments. This is much appreciated by all at DCFC Youth.

Just like when they met in the league in January the opening exchanges were very close with both teams wary of each other. Gradually Draperstown came into the match and had the first strike on target when Flanagan just skimmed the cross bar. Donegal then responded and forced a corner but a great punch from keeper McCrory cleared the danger. The game really did ebb and flow and Flanagan was unlucky again when his ferocious shot struck the post with the keeper well beaten. Suddenly Donegal attacked again and a shot from the Belfast forward needed a fingertip save from McCrory to make sure. From then on Draperstown put on the pressure with Doole giving the right back a tough time and putting great balls into the box but the Dtown forwards could just not convert. Glass and Flanagan then brought good saves from the excellent Donegal keeper. The Draperstown team were peppering the goal but were just unable to get the final telling touch. Just before half time Dtown won a corner and following a goal mouth scramble Doole prodded the ball home to give the South Derry team a deserved lead. Half time 1-0

The second half started well for Dtown when Flanagan, looking back to his lively best, scored in the third minute of the half to make it 2- 0. Draperstown completely dominated the half and had a massive amount of possession. Goal number 3 arrived a short time later when Doole again prodded home from close range. The Donegal Celtic team resorted to long hopeful balls but the resolute defending of Murphy, McGeehan, McCloskey and Grant dealt with anything that did come their way. By this time the Dtown Celtic midfield of Doole, Scullion, McGuigan and Lagan were tormenting the Belfast team and Doole went on a great surging run down the left before he was tripped and the referee pointed to the spot. Doole himself hit an unstoppable penalty to earn his hat trick (2nd hat trick against Donegal Celtic) and his teams 4th goal. The young South Derry team then began to turn on the style and a great passage of play involving Scullion, Lagan and McGuigan ended with Scullion hitting a low hard shot which the keeper could only turn onto the post and in. Donegal did pull one back when a hopeful free kick took a bad bounce and sailed over the head of the Draperstown keeper. However Draperstown soon restored the 5 goal cushion when Ronan Murphy hit a magnificent volley into the corner of the net to score his first goal for the club.

There was still time for Draperstown to get a couple more and these were duly dispatched by Glass, who until that point looked like he might not score with the keeper and defenders performing heroics, mis hits etc. but it was just reward for the striker who got himself into goal scoring positions all day. Final Score 8 – 1.

The win sets up a final clash with Coleraine in early May

As always – thanks to all our supporters!!!!!!!!!!

Team: James McCrory, Ronan Murphy, Michael McGeehan, Roghan. McCloskey, Pearse. Grant, Odhran McGuigan, Ciaran Scullion, Peter Lagan, Mark Doole, Tiarnan Flanagan, Conor Glass
Subs: Aaron McBride, Eoghan Gilmore, Conor Baker, Peter Armour
Goals: Doole (3), Glass (2), Scullion, Murphy, Flanagan

Fixtures
No fixture Sat 23rd Apr

Sat 30th April – TBC

Draperstown Celtic Youth Development Squad
Following on from the success of the Skills Development Centre during the summer and to bridge the gap between the Skills Development Centre and the Under age Celtic teams Draperstown Celtic will very shortly be introducing a development squad fro P7 and 1st year pupils. The squad will begin training on Friday 25th Feb at Back Row 3G pitch and meet every Friday from 7pm – 8pm. The cost will be £2.00 per session.
We would hope to get a good squad together and play some friendly games during the spring and summer with the aim of introducing an under 13 team into the youth structure come Sept 2011.
More details regarding registration etc will be posted closer to the time but if you have any queries more information can be obtained by contacting the Youth Officer, Paul McCallion on 07841344253

Draperstown Celtic Live4Soccer Skills Development Centre
Saturday 30th April sees the start of the Skills Development. This will be the 5th season of the Centre and this year we are pleased to announce that the Centre will be sponsored by Live4Soccer.
The focus of the Skills Development Centre is on developing skilled, confident and creative footballers while making the game fun to practice and play. We will teach the importance of good sportsmanship, respect for all and the value of winning but not at the expense of player character or performance development. The Centre embraces the concept of fun and enjoyment, which is important if children are to develop a lifelong love of football. It is designed for children from P3 – P7 of all abilities, to develop skills, understanding and most importantly make the game FUN and ENJOYABLE.
The Centre will be held every Saturday morning at Cahore Park from 11am – 12.15pm for P3 – P7 children and the cost is £2.00 per session. An information booklet and Registration form can be downloaded from our website at www.dc-fc.net or further information can be obtained by contacting Paul on 07841344253.

Celtic Club Shop
Draperstown Celtic are pleased to announce that our own Club Shop is now ready to receive orders. 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 are currently being distributed and they can also be downloaded from the club website. Date of next order 11th March 2011 – all order forms must be returned to Paul before that date. Order forms and further details regarding sizing, printing etc can be obtained by contacting Paul on 07841344253. Next Order Date: 11th March 2011

Draperstown Youth Teams
Draperstown Celtic has 2 youth teams competing in the following age groups.

Under 16 – Born on or after 01/01/1995
Under 14 – Born on or after 01/01/1997

If you are interested in playing for Draperstown at the above age groups or for any queries about youth football at DCFC, more information can be obtained by contacting the Youth Officer, Paul McCallion on 07841344253.

Training
Training for the U16 squad takes place every Wednesday at the Back Row Centre 3G pitch from 7.00 – 8.00pm. Cost £2.00 per session which goes to the hire of the facility and the running of the team for the season.
Training for the U14 squad takes place every Thursday at the Back Row Centre 3G pitch from 7.00 – 8.00pm. Cost £2.00 per session which goes to the hire of the facility and the running of the team for the season.

Sponsors
Thanks to our youth team sponsors – Brian McKenna Photography, McGirr Architects and SMC Builders Ltd. Please support our sponsors.

Celtic 14s progressed to the semi final of the KO cup with a penalty shoot out win over league leaders Armagh City. And what a performance it was. It was undoubtedly the game of the season. Every Celtic player was an absolute hero giving everything from the first minute to the last. In the end justice was done as Celtic were the better team over the 90 mins of normal and extra time.

The young Celts started the brighter and Lagan was the first player to test the Armagh keeper when his long range shot forced the keeper into a good save. Armagh tried to get back into the game but the Celtic team hassled and harried every time Armagh got the ball. On the wings Doole and Lagan were giving the Armagh full backs a real test but the telling crosses they supplied just could not get turned into the net. Armagh slowly began to force their way into the game and get more possession but they found the Celts defence of Grant, McCloskey, McGeehan and McGuigan able to stand up to the onslaught. Occasionally the Armagh attackers did manage to sneak past the defence but then they found the captain, Gallagher, in an equally determined mood in the Celtic goal and he made several fine stops including a couple of 1 on 1s and a fine stop from a cross come shot.

The young Celts weathered the storm and began to exert more pressure on the hosts, with Scullion and Convery in the middle of the field prodding and probing looking for the killer pass. The young Celts finished the half the stronger when a great cross from Doole was met with my Conor Glass and his header hit the cross bar and went over. Half time 0-0

The second half went much the way of the first with the Celts having most of the possession and possibly the best chances with Glass, who was carrying an ankle injury, proving a handful for the Armagh centre half’s as he won every header but the ball would just not fall kindly for his strike partner Flanagan. As in the first half Armagh did sneak through the odd time but Gallagher made a great diving save to his right and then McCloskey made a magnificent sliding tackle in the penalty area just as the forward was about to shoot. Again Scullion and Convery were keeping things moving in midfield and both had several shots well saved by the keeper. Flanagan started to drop deeper and pick up the ball and this also caused panic in the Armagh defence as he ran at the defence. The half continued with Celtic on top but they could not get the ball into the net. Full time 0-0.

Extra time began and both teams were starting to tire as the heat and the work rate began to take its toll but again the Celts just edged the half. Armagh began to get more physical in the hope of intimidating the young Celts but this is a team that are not easily scared and they matched fire with fire. In the second period of extra time there were 2 perfect examples of the work rate, desire and commitment of the young Celts. In the first occasion a heavily limping Glass came back and defended an Armagh corner and his header cleared the danger and then, the only time that Gallagher and his defenders looked they might concede, Mark Doole put his head to a ferocious half volley to clear off the line and preserve the clean sheet.

That was the way the game ended and it was into the dreaded penalties. After the regulation five penalties the score was 2 – 2 with the Celtic penalties scored by Scullion and Convery and Gallagher made an important save to force the sudden death penalty. The Celtic volunteer was centre half Roghan McCloskey who, after changing his boots, stepped up and hit an unstoppable penalty into the roof of the net. This put Draperstown into the lead for the first time and put all the pressure on the Armagh centre half. He hit his penalty – Gallagher guessed the right way but the ball went wide. That was the signal for the young Celts and their magnificent supporters to celebrate.

The win sets up a semi final clash with Donegal Celtic next week and if Draperstown can match the desire, effort and work rate of this performance who knows what could happen.

Team: C. Gallagher (Capt), O. McGuigan, M. McGeehan, R. McCloskey, P. Grant, J.E. Convery, C. Scullion, P. Lagan, M. Doole, T. Flanagan, C. Glass
Subs: A. McBride,
Penalties: Scullion, Convery, McCloskey
Man of the Match: Everyone and special mention to Convery, McCloskey, Gallagher and Scullion for their penalty heroics!!

Fixtures Sat 16th April
U14 Cup Semi Final – Donegal Celtic vs. Draperstown Celtic. KO 10.30AM Dungannon White City

Fixtures 13th April
U16 – Ballymoney. Kick off 6.30pm @ Cahore

Draperstown Celtic Youth Development Squad
Following on from the success of the Skills Development Centre during the summer and to bridge the gap between the Skills Development Centre and the Under age Celtic teams Draperstown Celtic will very shortly be introducing a development squad fro P7 and 1st year pupils. The squad will begin training on Friday 25th Feb at Back Row 3G pitch and meet every Friday from 7pm – 8pm. The cost will be £2.00 per session.
We would hope to get a good squad together and play some friendly games during the spring and summer with the aim of introducing an under 13 team into the youth structure come Sept 2011.
More details regarding registration etc will be posted closer to the time but if you have any queries more information can be obtained by contacting the Youth Officer, Paul McCallion on 07841344253

Celtic Club Shop
Draperstown Celtic are pleased to announce that our own Club Shop is now ready to receive orders. 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 are currently being distributed and they can also be downloaded from the club website. Date of next order 11th March 2011 – all order forms must be returned to Paul before that date. Order forms and further details regarding sizing, printing etc can be obtained by contacting Paul on 07841344253. Next Order Date: 11th March 2011

Draperstown Youth Teams
Draperstown Celtic has 2 youth teams competing in the following age groups.

Under 16 – Born on or after 01/01/1995
Under 14 – Born on or after 01/01/1997

If you are interested in playing for Draperstown at the above age groups or for any queries about youth football at DCFC, more information can be obtained by contacting the Youth Officer, Paul McCallion on 07841344253.

Training
Training for the U16 squad takes place every Wednesday at the Back Row Centre 3G pitch from 7.00 – 8.00pm. Cost £2.00 per session which goes to the hire of the facility and the running of the team for the season.
Training for the U14 squad takes place every Thursday at the Back Row Centre 3G pitch from 7.00 – 8.00pm. Cost £2.00 per session which goes to the hire of the facility and the running of the team for the season.

Sponsors
Thanks to our youth team sponsors – Brian McKenna Photography, McGirr Architects and SMC Builders Ltd. Please support our sponsors.

Celtic 14s played only their 4th game at home this season on Saturday past. The opponents were the Coleraine FC Academy, the only team to beat the young Celts this season so Draperstown knew it would not be an easy game. Celtic will see this as 2 points dropped rather than 1 point gained as they hold on to second place in the league and push Armagh all the way for the title.
In a tight first 5 minutes honours were even. The first 5 minutes of the game was scrappy and edgy as the teams sized each other up.

Draperstown then started to take the initiative with Odhran McGuigan and John Eddie Convery going man to man and nullifying Coleraine’s 2 best players. The tactic paid off in the 12th minute when Doole, following great play down the left wing drilled over a perfect cross which Flanagan placed into the bottom corner via the post. The game got better for Celtic when just 2 minutes later a poor kick out by the Coleraine keeper was collected by Flanagan and his perfect chip over the advancing keeper made it 2-0 to the home team. At this stage Draperstown looked to be in a commanding position but within 5 minutes Coleraine had capitalised on poor Draperstown play to level the scores. For the next few minunutes Draperstown defended for their lives as Coleraine grabbed hold of the match and Draperstown could not match the energy and work rate of Coleraine. However the Celts could have taken the lead on the stroke of half time when an excellent Peter Lagan header from a corner was cleared of the line by the Coleraine left back. Half time score 2 – 2.

The second half began with Celtic taking the initiative and matching the work rate of Coleraine. Doole and Lagan on the wings were giving the full backs a torrid time and Doole earned the home team a penalty when he was cynically brought down in the box after a great turn and run left his marker stranded. However the Coleraine keeper came to the rescue of his team mate when he saved the penalty. This spurred Coleraine on and they still had the odd attack but the Celtic defence and Gallagher in goals stood firm. At this stage it looked like only 1 team was going to score with Doole, Glass, Scullion and Lagan all going close including a shot hitting the woodwork with the keeper well beaten. With about 15 minutes left the pressure paid off when a goal mouth scramble allowed Lagan to force the ball home to make it 3-2. Unfortunately the victory was not to be had when the Coleraine forward picked up a loose clearance and his speculative shot flew over the Celtic keepers head with only a minute left. This was a tough result on the young Celts who battled well to regain the lead, but they are still in second place in the league and in the cup quarter final so they still have every thing to play for.

Team: C. Gallagher (Capt), O. McGuigan, M. McGeehan, R. McCloskey, E. Gilmore, J.E. Convery, C. Scullion, P. Lagan, M. Doole, T. Flanagan, C. Glass
Subs: P. Grant, C. Baker, P. Armour, A. McBride, J. McCrory
Goals: Flanagan (2), Lagan

Fixtures 09th April
U14 Cup Quarter Final – Armagh. Kick off 10.30am @ Ardmore, Armagh

Draperstown Celtic Youth Development Squad
Following on from the success of the Skills Development Centre during the summer and to bridge the gap between the Skills Development Centre and the Under age Celtic teams Draperstown Celtic will very shortly be introducing a development squad fro P7 and 1st year pupils. The squad will begin training on Friday 25th Feb at Back Row 3G pitch and meet every Friday from 7pm – 8pm. The cost will be £2.00 per session.
We would hope to get a good squad together and play some friendly games during the spring and summer with the aim of introducing an under 13 team into the youth structure come Sept 2011.
More details regarding registration etc will be posted closer to the time but if you have any queries more information can be obtained by contacting the Youth Officer, Paul McCallion on 07841344253

Celtic Club Shop
Draperstown Celtic are pleased to announce that our own Club Shop is now ready to receive orders. 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 are currently being distributed and they can also be downloaded from the club website. Date of next order 11th March 2011 – all order forms must be returned to Paul before that date. Order forms and further details regarding sizing, printing etc can be obtained by contacting Paul on 07841344253. Next Order Date: 11th March 2011

Draperstown Youth Teams
Draperstown Celtic has 2 youth teams competing in the following age groups.

Under 16 – Born on or after 01/01/1995
Under 14 – Born on or after 01/01/1997

If you are interested in playing for Draperstown at the above age groups or for any queries about youth football at DCFC, more information can be obtained by contacting the Youth Officer, Paul McCallion on 07841344253.

Training
Training for the U16 squad takes place every Wednesday at the Back Row Centre 3G pitch from 7.00 – 8.00pm. Cost £2.00 per session which goes to the hire of the facility and the running of the team for the season.
Training for the U14 squad takes place every Thursday at the Back Row Centre 3G pitch from 7.00 – 8.00pm. Cost £2.00 per session which goes to the hire of the facility and the running of the team for the season.

Sponsors
Thanks to our youth team sponsors – Brian McKenna Photography, McGirr Architects and SMC Builders Ltd. Please support our sponsors.

After yet another extended break Celtic U14s hosted St Marys at Cahore Park for only the third home game of the campaign. With this game being 2nd vs. 3rd Draperstown knew it would not be an easy game. The poor condition of the pitch and some rustiness from the players meant this was a scrappy game but Celtic ground out an important win to consolidate 2nd place in the league.
In a tight first 5 minutes honours were even. However in the 10th minute Celtic forced a corner after the young St Marys full back panicked under pressure and kicked the ball over the end line. Flanagan floated in a great corner which the keeper could not hold onto and Glass did well to pounce on the loose ball and force it into the net.

This seemed to spur St Marys on and they came more and more into the game creating several chances down their right wing. The game then ebbed one way then the other with both teams creating several chances. The young Celts were saved firstly by Gallagher with several fine blocks in goals then by centre half McCloskey with the tackle of the day – a fine sliding tackle when it looked like the St Marys forward had broken away. At the other end the young Celts had even more attempts on goal from Flanagan, Glass, Doole, Lagan and Scullion but all being thwarted by a mixture of the keeper being in the right place, the ball bobbling as players were about to strike and just poor finishing. Half time score 1- 0 Celtic.

The second half began with Celtic taking the initiative and putting the St Marys goal under more pressure but they could not get the second goal that the pressure deserved. Doole and Lagan on the wings were giving the St Marys full backs a torrid time and they combined well when Doole, after a great surging run whipped over a wicked cross, but just as Lagan was about to slot home the ball took a massive bobble. St Marys still had the odd attack but the Celtic defence stood firm. With about 10 minutes left the pressure paid off when the St Marys keeper dropped a cross, the ball seemed to be going out for a corner but a quick shot from Lagan hit the post, the ball fell into the penalty area and Flanagan drove the ball high into the roof of the net to make it 2-0. A St Marys goal in the last minute, following another bad bounce on the pitch did create a bit of tension but the young Celts held on to get the 3 points and keep the pressure on Armagh City.

Once again thanks to all the supporters that turned out to cheer on the young Celts. We are probably the best supported team in the league and it means a lot to the players and management.

Team: C. Gallagher (Capt), O. McGuigan, M. McGeehan, R. McCloskey, P. Grant, J.E. Convery, C. Scullion, P. Lagan, M. Doole, T. Flanagan, C. Glass
Subs: C. Baker, P. Armour, A. McBride, J. McCrory
Goals: Glass, Flanagan

Draperstown Celtic Youth Development Squad
Following on from the success of the Skills Development Centre during the summer and to bridge the gap between the Skills Development Centre and the Under age Celtic teams Draperstown Celtic will very shortly be introducing a development squad fro P7 and 1st year pupils. The squad will begin training on Friday 25th Feb at Back Row 3G pitch and meet every Friday from 7pm – 8pm. The cost will be £2.00 per session.
We would hope to get a good squad together and play some friendly games during the spring and summer with the aim of introducing an under 13 team into the youth structure come Sept 2011.
More details regarding registration etc will be posted closer to the time but if you have any queries more information can be obtained by contacting the Youth Officer, Paul McCallion on 07841344253

Celtic Club Shop
Draperstown Celtic are pleased to announce that our own Club Shop is now ready to receive orders. 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 are currently being distributed and they can also be downloaded from the club website. Date of next order 11th March 2011 – all order forms must be returned to Paul before that date. Order forms and further details regarding sizing, printing etc can be obtained by contacting Paul on 07841344253. Next Order Date: 11th March 2011

Draperstown Youth Teams
Draperstown Celtic has 2 youth teams competing in the following age groups.

Under 16 – Born on or after 01/01/1995
Under 14 – Born on or after 01/01/1997

If you are interested in playing for Draperstown at the above age groups or for any queries about youth football at DCFC, more information can be obtained by contacting the Youth Officer, Paul McCallion on 07841344253.

Training
Training for the U16 squad takes place every Wednesday at the Back Row Centre 3G pitch from 7.00 – 8.00pm. Cost £2.00 per session which goes to the hire of the facility and the running of the team for the season.
Training for the U14 squad takes place every Thursday at the Back Row Centre 3G pitch from 7.00 – 8.00pm. Cost £2.00 per session which goes to the hire of the facility and the running of the team for the season.

Sponsors
Thanks to our youth team sponsors – Brian McKenna Photography, McGirr Architects and SMC Builders Ltd. Please support our sponsors.