U8s show signs of progress in games at Loughgall

Playing Loughgall first the young Amateurs proved that they had learned from the previous weeks experience with a very controlled display. They started with Darren Lavery in nets who easily dealt with the Loughgall attacks, ably assisted by his defenders Jack Reynolds and Ethan Rodgers.

During the first half the Amateurs midfield of Neil Hawthorn and Dawson Patterson controlled a lot of possession and set up countless attacks for the striking partnership of Jack Dummigan and Bailey Wilson, and it was on one of these attacks that the ball fell nicely for Neil Hawthorn to hammer Dromore into the lead.

The Youth continued to attack and were unfortunate not to add to their lead throughout the rest of the first half, playing some fantastic football. At halftime the Amateurs Coach decided to freshen the line up and made four changes, including Niall Lavery replacing his brother Darren in nets.

The second half continued in the same manner as the first with the U8s putting a lot of pressure on the Loughgall goal. But for some fine saves from the home goal keeper the Amateurs would have increased their goal tally, with William Simpson unlucky not to score from one of a number of corners.

Unfortunately the Amateurs were made to pay for not adding to their lead when a rare Loughgall attack in the final minute of the game led to the equaliser. From a Dromore by-ball the ball broke to a Loughgall attacker and despite a great tackle from Rory Ferguson the ball was forced over the line. There was not enough time for the Amateurs to score the winner that their play deserved but all in all it was a great performance from the kids.

In their second game the Amateurs came up against a well organised Portadown Boys team. Once again the Amateurs freshened up their line up and tried a number of players in new positions. On a much larger pitch it took them a while to find their feet and in the opening minutes they quickly fell behind.

However once they settled the U8s continued to play some great football, and should have scored when both Ethan Rodgers and then Jack Reynolds were denied by two fantastic saves from the Portadown goalkeeper. Jack was not to be denied though when just a minute later he scored his second goal in two weeks for Dromore.

In the second half Neil Hawthorn went into nets and produced some scintillating saves which had everyone watching talking. The game at this stage really was end to end, and at times the defence of Dawson Patterson and Rory Ferguson were really stretched but the help provided by Niall and Darren Lavery ensured that Portadown did not add to their tally.

Dromore continued to press with both Bailey Wilson and William Simpson unlucky not to get their first goals for Dromore.

In only their second week of playing football the young Amateurs had shown that there is a lot of potential in the team and with more hard work it will not be long before they chalk up their first win.

DAYFC Team: Jack Dummigan, Rory Ferguson, Neil Hawthorn, Darren Lavery, Niall Lavery, Dawson Patterson, Jack Reynolds, Ethan Rodgers, William Simpson, Bailey Wilson.