Dollingstown duo ready for Northern Ireland duty with Moldova cup squad

Dollingstown’s impressive adjustment to Irish League football has received another boost with confirmation of two players selected to represent Northern Ireland at the Regions’ Cup.
Richard Thompson (right).Richard Thompson (right).
Richard Thompson (right).

Richard Thompson and Jordan Gibson will visit Moldova later in the month as part of the international panel selected from clubs outside the senior stage.

Northern Ireland will meet the host nation’s ARF Telenesti on September 23 then, two days’ later, AF Piatykhatska of Ukraine before a final game against Spain’s Selección Catalana on September 27.

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“It is a wonderful boost for the club’s profile but, of course, a great achievement for Ritchie and Jordan,” said Dollingstown’s Hubert Watson. “They will become the first players in Dollingstown history to gain Northern Ireland recognition and we wish them every success in Moldova.

“Ritchie has been with the club now for about five years and has scored a lot of goals, plus displayed great loyalty.

“Jordan is still only a teenager but his progress across the past 18 months or so has been superb.

“We have also been able to wrap up a few extra signings to bolster the squad, with around 20 on the books now the perfect number.

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“It is all about reaching that safety target in our first season but the start has certainly been encouraging.”

Dollingstown have signed Adam McMinn from Dungannon Swifts and Killymoon Rangers’ Richard Donaghy, plus Dwayne Kerr of Mid-Ulster-based Hill Street. Simon Davidson, a former Dollingstown captain, is working back to a return following nine months out with an ankle injury.

RESULTS

Mid-Ulster Football League results:

MID-ULSTER LEAGUE DIVISION TWO: Celtic Club (Lurgan No 1) 2 Keady Celtic 2.

BOB RADCLIFFE CUP (ROUND ONE): Craigavon City 0 Fivemiletown United 2; Lurgan Town 2 Tandragee Rovers 6.