Tigers cup win sets up huge game with Windmill Stars

Dungannon Tigers 2

Dungannon Tigers progressed to the last 16 of the Mid-Ulster Shield with a fine 2-0 win away to Division 2 side Portadown BBOB.

The Tigers were missing a number of key players but it was regular striker Gareth Devlin who put the Tigers in front with an excellent left foot finish after 10 minutes.

The Dungannon side were playing within themselves and really should have doubled the lead but the Portadown keeper saved well from Devlin. Most of the game was being played in midfield and goal scoring chances were at a premium; it was no surprise then that the score remained at 1-0 at half time.

The second half continued in much the same way as the first. Bleeks, who was impressing at full back, was finding loads of space down his flank and Simon Devlin on the other flank was also providing great support to the wingers.

Nathan Martin and Sean Anthony Burns were dealing well with the midfield battle. Devlin and the introduced Toner were dangerous up front. Indeed it was Toner who put the game safe with a close in strike that give the Portadown net minder no chance.

Matt Jordan came on for Burns and Santos replaced the hard working McBride as the Tigers played down the clock to set up a huge tie with Newry side Windmill Stars whose side contain no less than 7 players from the now defunkt Newry City team.

The game to be played at the MUSA on December 15th.

Saturday’s man of the match was Gareth Devlin.

Next up is a home league game against Ambassadors on Saturday at MUSA at 2pm.

Final numbers for the Tigers Christmas party on December 15th need to be in by this Saturday.

A special training session has been organised for Wednesday December 12th at Castlecaulfield, it is hoped video cameras will be on hand as well as a range of high tech equipment and gadgets for what will be an enjoyable end of the year workout.