New look Celtic show character

Oxford Sunnyside 1 DCFC U16s 2

DRAPERSTOWN Celtic once again travelled to Lurgan, this time at LPP, to play Sunnyside and, following the disappointment of last week when no game took place, the squad was ready for their first game after the heroics in Foyle Cup during the summer break.

It was a new look Celtic that took to the field in Lurgan but every player in the squad was more than capable at this level. As expected there was a certain degree of rustiness as it was the first game of the season.

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DC were lucky not to concede in the first 5 minutes. The young DC team started to settle and come more into the game and there are encouraging signs of some new developing partnerships.

The game sprang to life when the DCFC defence were caught square and the Sunnyside forward broke the offside trap and was clean through on goal, Gallagher’s dive adjudged to have brought down the forward, the penalty awarded. However, it was dragged wide much to the relief of the DC players.

A great shot from the Sunnyside midfielder was superbly parried by Gallagher but Sunnyside reacted first and, in a goalmouth scramble, a valiant attempt by Gallagher to block it the ball was forced home, halftime 1-0.

The second half began brighter and the DC boys began to settle. They brought the ball down and tried to play round the home team.

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The DC defence had to be alert on several occasions but the winger was superbly marshalled by Grant at left back. The Draperstown team were furious when they were denied 2 blatant penalties first when McGuigan was taken down and then again when Lagan was impeded.

The best spell of the game arrived when the new partnership of McCloskey and Scullion combined well to send McGuigan free down the left but his great ball was just behind the on rushing forwards.

DC decided to go for it and put on a midfielder in place of a fullback and Conor Donnelly showed some great touches and will surely be an asset to the team.

The Celts got the equaliser when Scullion chipped a pass through and McGuigan slotted home to the bottom corner. Another was to follow when McGuigan turned provider for Lagan who side footed the ball high into the roof of the net.

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A good result, they showed character to come from a goal down to win the game with encouraging signs as several partnerships showed promise, including Roddy Mullin and Michael Burke, Roghan McCloskey and Ciaran Scullion, Odhran and Ronan Murphy.

Squad: Conor Gallagher, Eunan O’Kane, Pearse Grant, Michael Burke, Roghan McCloskey, Roddy Mullin, Peter Lagan, Ciaran Scullion, Ronan Murphy, Odhran McGuigan, Conn McElhone, Eamon Conway, Aaron McBride, Conor Donnelly, Oran Kelly, Ronan Devlin.

Man of Match: Pearse Grant

Next up: Saturday at 10.30am: TBC

DCFC U15s next game, Saturday at 11am: TBC

Floodlight Development Centre

The Floodlight Football Development Centre kicked off on Friday night past. There was a great turnout of over 35 young DC stars. Thanks to everyone who attended and we will see you all again this Friday night. Throughout the season we aim to have regular games / tournaments against local teams. It is hoped that the development centre leads to the formation of a new youth team next season.

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.

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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 P6, P7, Year 8 children, all abilities, to develop skills, understanding and most importantly make the game fun and enjoyable.

The Centre is at Back Row 3G and runs 8– 9pm every Friday; £2 per week.

Club Shop

Taking orders; forms from Paul McCallion, closing date Wednesday September 19; contact Youth Development Officer (Paul) on 07841 344253. Keep up to date with Draperstown Celtic at the NEW www.dc-fc.net or on our Facebook page.

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