Goals galore in super derbyencounter

United midfielder David Scanlon had previously pinpointed the Celts as one of the driving forces in the race for the division title, and this enthralling fixture confirmed such claims, cementing the ambitions of the Dungiven men.

The scoring began early on with United winger Conor Kelpie curling in a tantalising free kick from an awkward angle, setting the precedent for a dominant Newbuildings performance in the first-half, Richard Lynch quickly adding the second for the away side, doubling their lead.

Peter Allen’s side were then notched into an even better position as stand-in skipper Garth Faulkner increased the scoreline to 3-0, the concluding result at the end of the opening phase of play.

The second-half was to oversee a complete u-turn however, as expectations were shattered.

Cathal McNicholl initiated the Dungiven comeback, poking the ball past Ryan McCloskey, the goalkeeper having managed only to parry Gavin McLaughlin’s dangerous freekick.

The second Celtic goal came through similar circumstances, former X-Factor finalist Eoghan Quigg drilling a freekick towards McCloskey who made a good save, before striker Gabriel McGuigan knocked home the rebound from a tight position.

Dungiven then managed to level the game against the run of play, before substitute Micky Farren accomplished the unexpected feat of grabbing the lead for his team, dipping the Newbuildings goalkeeper from considerable range, to the absolute delight of the club’s ecstatic support and management.

This dream comeback was short-lived though, as Newbuildings fought back to balance the board once more, Faulkner placing his second goal of the game past Conor O’Kane in the closing minutes of the match.

As stoppage time began, the fiery contest raged on, but neither team could outdo the other in the end, and the match finished in a respectable draw.

Both teams will feel disappointed with the inevitable outcome, particularly the favourites Newbuildings.