UlsterNet.co.uk

Happy New Cheer at Stangmore Park

Wednesday, 4 January 2012

Johnny Topley and Craig McClean celebrate a stunning 34th minute goal. sc01312

DUNGANNON SWIFTS 2.
GLENTORAN 1.

THE NEW YEAR celebrations started early at Stangmore Park when veteran midfielders Johnny Topley and Darren Murphy both scored to give new manager Rodney McAree his first win and the fans plenty to shout about in a magnificent 2-1 victory over Glentoran on Saturday.
The visitors had arrived fresh from a Boxing Day win over League leaders Linfield but it was the Swifts who looked more impressive on the day, dominating for long periods of the game.
The Swifts secured victory even with the luxury of a missed penalty in the 13th minute after Glentoran goalkeeper, Elliott Morris, saved a Johnny Montgomery spot-kick.
The penalty had been given after Stefan Lavery had been taken down inside the box by Glentoran vice-Captain, Sean Ward. Referee Arnold Hunter had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
The first quarter of the game was particularly lively with Dungannon Swifts' Johnny Topley coming close to opening the scoring as early as the sixth minute when his headed effort from a Darren Murphy free-kick hit the cross-bar.
Right on the quarter hour Glentoran's Richard Gibson reciprocated. Again the woodwork stopped his header from crossing the goal line in a well worked move that involved Stephen Carson and Darren Boyce.
The opening goal for the Swifts came in the 34th minute when Glentoran goalkeeper Elliott Morris could only manage to parry Stefan Lavery's shot and Johnny Topley was on hand to pick up the spill and tap the ball into the back of the net.
Two minutes later and the Glens were nearly back on level terms when a bad clearance by Swifts goal-keeper Niall Morgan fell to Stephen Carson just inside the Dungannon half. His 'Beckham style' long range effort floated just narrowly over the bar as Morgan chased back.
However, the Glens did manage to equalise two minutes before half-time when Adam McMinn failed to cut out a cross field pass to Darren Boyce who cut inside from the right wing and slotted the ball into the back of the Swifts net at the near post.
HALF TIME:
DUNGANNON SWIFTS .............1 GLENTORAN .............................1
Both teams continued to attack in the second-half and chances were created at both ends.
Johnny Topley came close on a couple of occasions with a header going just over the bar in the 51st minute and a near post shot saved by Glentoran goalkeeper Elliott Morris in the 55th minute.
A minute later a Stefan Lavery shot struck the Glens side netting.
At the other end Glentoran attempted to reply almost immediately through Darren Boyce but his double effort was foiled on both occasions by Swifts captain, Johnny Montgomery.
The breakthrough came for the Swifts in the 58th minute when Darren Murphy found himself in space on the left hand side of the pitch and his deflected shot off Ciaran Martin found the back of the net.
The goal sent Murphy on a celebration run and the Swifts fans into raptures!
There were numerous breathtaking moments for the home support after that with the Glens coming closest to scoring in the 78th minute when Niall Morgan was forced to pull off a great save from substitute Jim O'Hanlon's shot on goal. Morgan made a further important save from a Matty Burrows shot in injury time.
But the Swifts held on to their lead and gained a valuable three points!
After the game and a delighted Rod McAree described the win as "vital" as he praised the effort and commitment of the whole team.
“It's important that we now build on this," he said. "We have to capitalise on it and keep going in the right direction."
Commenting on Darren Murphy's winning goal he said: "Darren has been outstanding for us this season.
“This time last season he was thinking of quitting the game but he has got himself fit, is enjoying his football and it is terrific to have him on board."
The Swifts next game is away to Cliftonville on Monday 9th January, kick-off 7.45pm.
The match is live on Sky television.
Dungannon Swifts: Niall Morgan, Ryan O'Neill, Johnny Montgomery, Adam McMinn, Craig McClean, Terry Fitzpatrick, Liam Donnelly, Michael McKerr, Darren Murphy, Johnny Topley, Stefan Lavery.
Substitutes: Michael Funston (for Darren Murphy, 73mins) Philip Donnelly (for Stefan Lavery, 90mins) Conor Forker, Shea McGerrigan, Tom Baldwin.
Glentoran: Elliott Morris, Colin Nixon, Aidan O'Kane, Richard Clarke, Ciaran Martin, Sean Ward, David Howland, Darren Boyce, Stephen Carson, Richard Gibson, Jimmy Callacher.
Substitutes: Martin Murray (for Richard Gibson, 37 mins) Jim O'Hanlon (for David Howland, 46mins) Matty Burrows (for Aidan O'Kane, 67 mins) Johnny Taylor, Jason Hill.
Referee: Arnold Hunter, Maguiresbridge.
More from the Swifts and pictures on Page 53...

Subscribe to read full newspaper »

Send this page to a friend »