Draperstown resumed their league campaign on Saturday after a lengthy break due to the poor weather. They recorded an 8-0 victory but this was not Draperstown’s best performance and they know they will have to raise their game and improve their finishing if they want to contend for the league title. The game started well for Draperstown and after 3 minutes they took the lead after a great move involving M.McAuley, Greenwood, T. Flanagan and P.Flanagan who finished well. Coleraine tried to respond straight away and it took a good block from McCabe to prevent a goal scoring chance.

Within minutes of the Coleraine attack O’Hara broke out of defence skipped past three tackles and his shot was just wide. Draperstown were dominant at this stage and a great ball from T.Flanagan was met first time from R.McGuigan but he was ruled offside and the goal disallowed. However the second goal was not long in coming and a good angled shot from T.Flanagan made it 2-0. Two minutes later T.Flanagan could have had another when he showed good skill and strength but his shot hit the post.

Draperstown continued to dominate the game but some wasteful shooting meant the half finished at 2-0. The poor finishing by Draperstown continued after the break and they should have had another 3 goals within 10 minutes of the restart. A break through did come on 15 minutes when long throw from R.McGuigan was collected by P.Flanagan and his chip made it 3-0. Draperstown continued to press and the difference in strength and size in the squads began to tell and O’Hara scored twice in quick succession to make it 5-0.

It seemed that all the Draperstown players were looking for a goal and this resulted in a lack of discipline in the Draperstown team. This allowed Coleraine to have a couple of half chances but they could not capitalise on them. A Draperstown corner caused confusion in the Coleraine penalty area and sub Z. Elalaoui finished smartly to make it 6-0. With 10 minutes left Draperstown were awarded a penalty when Elalaoui was pushed by the Coleraine centre – half. McGuigan stepped up and made it 7-0. There was still time for another Draperstown goal and after good work on the right O.McGuigan found Lagan whose excellent cross was met by P.Flanagan sliding in for his hat-trick.

Team: C. Scullion, M.McAuley, C. McCabe (Capt.), S. O’Hara, C.McAuley, C. McDevitt, T.Greenwood , D. Doyle , P. Flanagan, T. Flanagan, R. McGuigan
Subs: A.Lagan, Z.Elalaoui, O.McGuigan
Scorers: P. Flanagan (3), T. Flanagan, R. McGuigan,(pen) O’Hara(2), Elalaoui(1)

Next Fixture
Fri 12 March 2010: Moyola at Mill Meadow Castledawson. Kick off to be confirmed

Training
Training continues on Wednesday nights in Cahore Park at 6.45pm. All players must attend training.

Fundraising Draw
All and unsold tickets should be returned at training on Wednesday night.

Mini Soccer
The Draperstown Celtic Football Skills Development Centre is scheduled to re-open on 10 April 2010. If you are interested in helping out at the Centre please contact Paul McCallion, the club’s Youth Development Officer on 07841344253. Further details will be on our website and in the local papers closer to the time.

Draperstown Youth Teams
It is hoped that Draperstown Celtic will have 2 youth teams next season competing in the following age groups:

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

The new youth season will start in September 2010 and if you are interested in playing for Draperstown Celtic at the above age groups more information can be obtained by contacting the Youth Development Officer, Paul McCallion on 07841344253.

Magherafelt’s impressive run of victories continued on Saturday with a deserved victory and the bragging rites over a lethargic Draperstown side. Local derbies are usually feisty affairs but this was not the case, especially in the first half where Celtic were poor, the Blues totally dominant in all areas and they could have gone in at half time with more than a two goal lead, had they taken more of the glorious chances they created.

This was Celtic’s first game in three weeks and it certainly showed in the opening half. They looked sluggish all over the park and did not get to grips with the pace and basic work ethic of Maghrafelt and in games such as these you have to match like with like.

And yet the first goal chance fell to Celtic’s Gavin Bradley on 10 minutes. His free rebounded off the Blues’ wall back to him and his volley from 20 yards had O’Neill scrambling to save and then block Higgins’ follow up. If the first 15 minutes of the game was pretty drab stuff it was certainly brightened up with a classic strike from Ciaran Mallon who from 25 yards hit a left foot shot past McConnell’s into the top right corner. He will not have hit many better in his career. This certainly gave the Blues the impetus they needed and with Larkin and Brady in full flow further chances were created, especially for Nicman who contrived to miss two very good opportunities which would have killed the game off in the first half hour.

Celtic had a great opportunity to snatch an equaliser on 45 minutes when Murray set up Bradley whose effort was cleared off the line and immediately Magherafelt broke down the left with Darren walls who put in a cross for Nicman who totally miskicked with the ball falling invitingly to Aaron Hawe who did not spurn the opportunity.

The second half saw more of a game with Draperstown coming out looking a different side after some home truths being put to them at the interval, and while there were no teacups thrown, one gets the idea. Tackles were now being won, challenges being made and opportunities being created. O’Neill dived full length to parry McLean’s volley while the same player was later unlucky to see his turn and shot just go the wrong side of the post. Magheraflet were still a threat and with the introduction of Ciaran Monaghan there was always pace in their play. A Walls’ free was well saved by McConnell before Celtic got back into the game with a good goal. Bradley did well on the left before delivering a perfect cross to Murray who slotted home in typical fashion from close range. Larkin almost restored Magherafelt’s two goal lead with a great run and shot but it was Celtic who finished strongly but were not able to force an equaliser despite good pressure.

So Magherafelt continue on their quest for their first intermediate league title while for Draperstown they need to remember the second half as they simply did not turn up for the first.

Draperstown made the short journey to local rivals Cookstown Youth in the third round of the NIBFA U15 Cup. The hosts have an excellent youth set-up and are experienced in performing in this competition. This is Draperstown Youth’s first year in this cup but you would not have known who the most experienced team were by watching this game. Draperstown matched Cookstown in all areas of the pitch and were unlucky to lose 1-0. Cookstown started the brighter and in the third minute a good through ball put them on the attack but Scullion in the Draperstown goal was well positioned and cleared the danger with a great block tackle just outside his area. Draperstown settled and on 8 minutes a good pass from Doyle was just too long for McGuigan.

Both teams then had a good deal of possession without any real chances. Draperstown won the ball through English whose pass found T. Flanagan who went on a run and beat a couple of players and then played the ball to his brother but the Cookstown defender showed good strength in holding off the forward and shepherding the ball back to his keeper. From his kick-out Cookstown went straight on the attack down the right wing and finished with a shot that went narrowly wide of the far post. Again both teams saw a lot of the ball without any clear cut chances but it was Draperstown who finished the half stronger when another break from Flanagan put Doyle through but the keeper collected well.

After half time Cookstown went straight on the attack and a cross from their left winger skimmed the Draperstown bar. The only goal of the game came on the 5th minute when a goal bound shot was bravely blocked by O’Hara and the rebound fell to another Cookstown forward whose shot was again well defended by the Draperstown defence but it was third shot lucky for the hosts when the ball fell kindly to the forward and he hit the ball into the bottom corner with Scullion’s view blocked by all the bodies. Draperstown then went on the attack and when awarded a free kick from 30 yards out O’Hara stepped up and hit a ferocious shot which the keeper could not hold – unfortunately the Draperstown forwards were not alert to the follow up. Draperstown continued to dominate the game but did not have another chance until the 30th minute when a clever free kick from McGuigan was picked up by O’Hara and his shot went just wide of the post.

All in all Draperstown were unlucky to lose the game but they can be extremely proud of their performance and this bodes well for the rest of the league campaign.

Best on the day for Draperstown were Stephen O’Hara and Mark McAuley

Draperstown Youth (4-4-2)
C.Scullion, J. English, C. McCabe (Capt.) S. O’Hara, M. McAuley, C.McAuley C. McKenna, D. Doyle , P. Flanagan, R.McGuigan, T. Flanagan
Subs: S. McBride, O. McGuigan, A. Lagan, C. McDevitt

Next Fixture
Sat 20th Feb 2010: To be arranged

Training
Training continues on Wednesday nights in Cahore Park at 6.45pm. All players must attend training.

Question: When is a goal not a goal?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Draperstown’s first home game of 2010 saw a battling performance against a Newbuilding’s side sitting near the top of the league. Both teams will feel that they could have taken all three points and certainly there were chances to do so, but for the home side the biggest disappointment will be the fact that they appeared to be down to the bare bones in terms of squad numbers. With many players not available for one reason or another, John McKee was only able to call on the services of 11 players with another arriving later as substitute. The inability to bring on fresh players in the final quarter of the game was a significant factor in Celtic not seeing out the game while in a winning position.

It all started well for the visitors when they awarded a penalty in the 3rd minute when McKillion handled Buchanan’s cross with Gregory McIvor scoring from the spot. But Draperstown responded well and enjoyed a lot of possession but the final pass was too often a poor one and as a result Glenn in the Newbuildings’ goal was not severely tested in the opening half. A Haskins’ header did have the young keeper scrambling the ball away at the foot of his post while John Higgins blasted a good opportunity over the bar from the edge of the box. McKillion partially redeemed himself in the last minute of the half when a brilliant tackle prevented Casey from scoring.

The opening 30 minutes of the second half saw Draperstown launch wave after wave of attack on the Newbuilding’s goal. Certainly their quality of approach play was much better with Haskin’s causing all sorts of problem down the right flank. The equaliser came in the 51st minute when Gavin Bradley latched onto John Higgins’ pass, brushed aside the challenge of Blair and coolly lobbed the ball over the advancing Glenn.

Two minutes later and the same player saw his free kick flash past the post before Haskins saw his effort beat the keeper but also the far post. McGuigan then saw his effort scrambled off the line and Glenn did very well to block Bradley’s shot for a corner.

It appeared only a mater of time before Celtic took the lead which their attacking play deserved. It came on 65 minutes when Murray flicked on O’Connell’s long clearance to Bradley who in return crossed to the far post for Murray to power his header home. Bradley thought he had scored Celtic’s third on 71 minutes with a fierce free kick, but the referee quite rightly ruled it out as the kick had been given as an indirect free.

It was at this stage that several Celtic players began to tire and Newbuildings took advantage. An in swinging corner was allowed to travel across the edge of the 6 yard box to Buchanan who swept the ball home for the equaliser. It was the visitors who had the best chance of securing the win when on 88 minutes a great run by Gary McIvor set up Casey but was denied by O’Connell good save.

So the points were shared but not the result either side would have wanted, but more importantly for Draperstown was the knowledge that a full squad would certainly have resulted in a win and a rise up the league table. A more determined effort is therefore greatly needed.

Draperstown Youth had not played in 7 weeks since these teams last met on 12th December 2009 and it showed in what was a really scrappy hard fought game. While both sides toiled and gave plenty of effort there was little to be seen in terms of skill from either side, especially in front of goal. The opening 15 minutes were scrappy with neither side in control and both teams giving away possession easily. On 20 minutes Piaras Flanagan beat his marker and accelerated up the side line; however the Dungiven right back covered well and made a great tackle to break up the attack. This was about as good as it got excitement wise in the first half for the spectators.

The second half was a more open affair but as for the first there was a dearth of skill and hence much of the game became a mid-field battle. Dungiven started and a couple of mistimed clearances by O’Hara, who it turned out was carrying an injury, put the Draperstown defence under pressure. However McGuigan in goals cleared the first with a well timed sliding challenge and then McCabe made a great interception for the second. Draperstown upped their game and started to put the Dungiven defence under pressure but all too often the final ball was poor. Dungiven then broke through the defence and it was only a magnificent tackle from O’Hara that prevented Duddy from having a clear shot on goal. Draperstown then attacked with the best move of the match.

Jack English won the ball at left back, carried it out of defence and found P. Flanagan with a great ball – Flanagan played a neat one-two with his brother and his cross come shot was palmed out by the keeper. The loose ball was collected by Doyle who then found T. Flanagan whose shot hit the bar with the keeper beaten. With Dungiven playing largely on the break, their chances were few, but they did have another good chance on 60 minutes when Duddy, who was Dungiven’s only real threat, broke down the right wing and hit a scorching shot which skimmed the top of the cross bar.

The last 5 minutes saw Draperstown encamped in the Dungiven half as they attempted to secure the win but the Dungiven keeper was equal to all the Draperstown players threw at him.

Best on the day for Draperstown were Cahir McCabe, Conor McKenna and Stephen O’Hara

Draperstown Youth (4-4-2)
R. McGuigan, J. English, C. McCabe (Capt.) S. O’Hara, M. McAuley, P.Flanagan C. McKenna, D. Doyle , C. McDevitt, T. Flanagan, C. McAuley
Subs: O. McGuigan, K. Webb, Z. Elalilou, S.McBride

Next Fixture
Sat 13th Feb 2010: NIBFA Cup – Away to Cookstown Youth. Kick –Off 11.00am

Training
Training continues on Wednesday nights in Cahore Park at 6.45pm. All players must attend training.

Draperstown Celtic are offering the chance for 2 people to attend Celtic v Motherwell on April 10th. These are Business class tickets, not usually available to the general public, which allow access to the best seats in Celtic Park with full access to the Celtic suite with complimentary bar before and after the game, a buffet lunch at half time and the presentation of a signed Celtic shirt after the match by one of the players. (A strict dress code will apply to the winners)

Also include are 2 nights accommodation in the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow and 2 return flights from Belfast.

Tickets for this great prize are only £5 each with 3 for £10. Tickets will be on sale soon from all committee members and The Market Inn and the draw will take place at a club function in The Market Inn on Friday March 12th.

The Business Class Glasgow Celtic Experience

The Business Class Lounges offer you the opportunity to entertain clients in an informal setting.

Members enjoy a pre, post, and half-time cash bar facility and the opportunity to purchase a variety of snacks pre match, as well as premium match seating.

Seasonal package includes:

• Access to fully licensed lounge pre & post match
• Premium viewing padded seats on the North Stand
• Complimentary official match day programme
• Complimentary half-time snacks, teas & coffees
• Priority for all away match tickets, including semi-finals and finals
• Right to buy a car parking permit

For further information on the Business Class experience: http://www.celticfc.net/hospitality/premiumhospitality.aspx

A John Higgins’ goal two minutes into injury time was enough to secure all the points for Draperstown in what was a poor game. Neither side had played in a number of weeks and it certainly showed. While there was no lack of effort, there was little to be seen in terms of skill from either side especially in front of goal and Celtic will know that the win was fortunate.

The opening exchanges were scrappy with neither side in control. The pitch didn’t help with accurate passing difficult on the poor surface but the first clear chance fell to Celtic when Haskins fired over a volley from 12 yards. This was about as good as it got in the first half for Draperstown who probably had the lion’s share of possession but all too often the final ball was poor and Roe Valley appeared comfortable at the back. Indeed it was Valley who should have taken the lead in the 43rd minute when Clarke hit the foot of the Celtic post after a quick break.In a game where it seemed that one goal would be enough to win the game, it was a good opportunity missed.

The second half was a more open affair but as for the first there was a dearth of skill and hence much of the game became a dour mid-field battle. The home side were lucky to escape going a goal down on 53 minutes. A Celtic corner resulted in the ball being deflected onto his own bar by Guy while Murray’s header was cleared off the line by Brolly. Another chance fell to Murray five minutes later when his header beat keeper O’Kane but it also cleared the bar.

Benny Heron came on for Haskins on the hour and his drive and skill certainly lifted Celtic’s performance. There was certainly a greater urgency from their play but again few clear cut chances created. Heron shot over while Higgin’s free took a deflection just past the post. With Valley playing largely on the break, their chances were few , but they did have another good chance on 75 minutes when Brady’s shot came off the underside of the cross-bar before being hurridly cleared away.

The last ten minutes saw Draperstown encamped in the Roe Valley half as they attempted to secure the win. Murray’s overhead kick was cleared off the line by Brolly with keeper O’Kane beaten. Heron certainly lit up the gloom when his mazy run saw him beat 4 players but his shot just went the wrong side of the post. Just as it seemed that the game was going to end goaless, Celtic won a corner on the left. McBride rose highest in the box and when O’Kane fumbled his header, Higgins was on hand to turn the ball into the goal for the winning goal.

Valley forced two free kicks near the Celtic box in the time remaining but were unable to snatch the equaliser. So a good three points for Draperstown but they know they will have to up their performance levels in the weeks to come if they are to make a surge up the table.

For the decent sized crowd which turned up at Cahore on a terrible day, they saw a full blooded game played by two fully committed teams. The Blues would have been the more disappointed team at not having collected all three points such was their dominance in the second half, but they will reflect on not creating enough clear goal scoring chances to win the game. For Draperstown too many players did not turn up in the second period, but had they been a little more decisive in their passing and touch, they could have taken advantage of two or three good opportunities which they were given.

The Blues opened well and Wilkinson had them a goal up after 5 minutes when he pounced on hesitancy in the Celtic defence to score past Farniouk, in for the suspended McConnell. But Celtic came back well and had the visitors on the back foot for large parts of the half. Seamus Bradley on the left was causing ex Draperstown player Chris Brady a few problems and it was from a Bradley free that Gavin Bradley was able to equalise at the near post past Oisin Kerr in the 20th minute.

Back came Magherafelt and Draperstown were lucky to survive a big penalty area scramble before clearing the danger. Celtic had appeals for a penalty turned down when there appeared to be more than a suspicion of hand ball, but this was soon forgotten when they took the lead on 40 minutes when John Higgins headed in at the near post from Haskins’ cross. There was still time for another Draperstown penalty claim for hand ball which this time appeared more obvious than the first but again the appeals were waved away.

Magherafelt came out a very determined side in the second half. With Higgins replaced at half time by O’Brien who was soon replaced himself due to injury, Celtic found themselves in some disarray and Magherafelt sought to take advantage. Farniouk saved well from a Wilkinson free while Seamus Bradley hit the foot of Kerr’s post before the same player’s deep cross was met by Gavin Bradley whose header just shaved the post and went wide. With Magherafelt storming forward at every opportunity an equaliser looked on the cards. It came on 75 minutes when Wilkinson’s free was well saved by Farniouk but Brady reacted the quickest to head in the equaliser. Both sides pushed for the winning goal with Seamus Bradley probably having the best chance but he hit his shot straight at Kerr.

So a draw and the points shared. Celtic still look for their first league win but will be more concerned over the injuries sustained by Higgins and O’Brien as they look forward to the league cup final on New Year’s eve.

Draperstown stormed into the Intermediate League cup final with a powerful display against Dungiven at Cahore Park. Two stunning goals from Eamon Murray and a third from Gavin Bradley was enough to see off Dungiven and land a final place for Celtic against Oxford in the New Year’s Eve final. The only down side to the game was the sending off of John Paul McConnell which to say the least was harsh in the extreme, and puts his place in the final in doubt.

This was a deserved victory for Draperstown, their first in four games Despite not getting the results in recent weeks and with Higgins and Conway suspended and others not available, their approach to the game was positive from the kick off. Gavin Bradley and Ryan Sinclair both returned from long injury lay offs and both put in very creditable performances. Indeed it was Bradley who had the first opportunity in the 4^th minute when put in by Murray he forced a good save from Henry in the Dungiven nets. It was all Draperstown in this opening period and Haskins brought a very good save from Henry on 10 minutes. The opening goal arrived on 19 minutes and it was just reward for Celtic’s attacking game. Seamus Bradley’s great cross was met by Eamon Murray who powered in a header from 12 yards which gave Henry no chance. Six minutes later and it was two nil, when Henry dropped Haskins’ cross and Gavin Bradley was on hand to slot the ball home.

Such was Draperstown’s superiority that Dungiven’s first effort on goal came from O’Hara on the half hour mark, and that flew well over. Right on half time Darren McKillion headed just wide from Haskins’ corner, but Celtic ended the half where they started, well on top.

The second half saw little early difference. Seamus Bradley shot just wide on 46 minutes but the home fans were soon celebrating Celtic’s third. Kevin Murray’s long pass found brother Eamon who, having timed his run to perfection hit a sublime volley over Henry and into the net from 20 yards for the goal of the game. The same player almost made it four two minutes later when he just failed to make contact from Haskin’s header as Dungiven appeared to be in disarray. The last 20 minutes belonged to the visitors as they sought to get back into the game. McConnell saved very well from Darryl O’Kane but could do little to prevent Dungiven from scoring in the 75^th minute though there appeared to be a blatant foul on Caulfield before the ball was struck home.

With McKillion and Quinn dominant in the heart of the Celtic defence Dungiven were finding it difficult to create any real chances. McConnell’s sending off, in the 82nd minute, after some pushing and shoving in the Celtic penalty area was a controversial decision as Dungiven’s McKeever only received a yellow, his second of the game, for the same action. Quinn took over in goals for the remaining 10 minutes during which Draperstown defended strongly and were able to see the game out. So, a great result and a very good performance with McConnell’s dismissal leaving a bitter sweet taste in the mouth of the Celtic fans.