Super sub Smyth secures derby success for United

Despite a week of snow in the North West and amid cancellation of almost all local games, the match went ahead much to the delight of both sets of fans.

The home side who were boosted with the return of Wesley Ferguson to the club, started by controlling possession with Elliott, McFaul and Thomas McBride pulling the strings in midfield.

It wasn’t long before the visitors’ goalkeeper was tested by striker Wayne Glenn who had two shots saved from close range in a matter of minutes.

Moments later Robinson went close again hitting the Dungiven crossbar from just outside the box after a pinpoint pass from the returning Ferguson.

Yet as the chances continued to be missed by the home side, Dungiven striker Eoghan Quigg was always a menace for the opposition.

He was involved in good build up play, releasing winger Kevin Boyle down the left who crossed for Kelly to score from close range.

Although against the run of play, Dungiven scored again from a long ball which released Quigg to score confidently past Ross.

At the break Newbuildings manager Darryl Wallace did not look a happy man, indeed, after a few strong words in the changing room, he made a tactical substitution and brought on the attack minded Mattie Smyth and it wasn’t long until his presence was felt.

The ex-BBOB man won a free kick just outside the box after a trademark dribble. Robinson floated the free kick in and despite saving the initial shot, the keeper only parried the ball into the path of Glenn to pull one back for the home side.

Not long after the home side drew level when Matthew Pierce beat a defender to release McBride to slot past the keeper and make it 2 goals from 2 games since his return from Institute.

Newbuildings continued to dominate possession and Buchanon and Watson at the back kept the Dungiven attack to a few long range shots.

The home side scored again after a great run and cross from man of the match Henderson, from which Robinson scored with a first time shot past the Dungiven keeper.

Despite the momentum being with the Waterside men, Dungiven never gave up and scored an equaliser on 85 minutes when Quigg crossed for Boyle to score from a tight angle.

A draw seemed the inevitable result but Newbuildings continued to push for a winner and they did in the closing stages when Elliott floated in a free kick to McBride who headed back across goal for Smyth to score and make it 4-3.

A great game to watch with plenty of twists and turns throughout and Newbuildings manager Wallace added after the game “Dungiven gave us a real tough game and they are a better side than their league position suggests.

“But we have so many potential match winners in this young side that we always believe we will score right up to the final whistle.”