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

All entries/enquiries to any committee member.

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

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)

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.

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.