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guk99
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Player Signs New Deal:
Niail Doyle has signed a new contract with Loughgall.
Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract with Loughgall.
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Loughgall Hold On Strong For Victory!
Loughgall claimed a great victory against past champions Glenavon today in the Quarter-Final of the Northern Irish Cup to see them through to the next round as the fans cheered their team on.
Despite Glenavon having the better chances in the game, Loughgall's only goal and shot on target saw them through on the 11th minute when Black saw the keeper off his line and sent it towards goal as it soared over his hands and into the net from out wide on the left wing as the away fans were in rapture as the players surrounded Black for scoring a vital goal in the game. Glenavon pushed on, but the Loughgall's defence worked hard to keep them out of the game throughout as Black picked up the reward of his goal as being named Man of the Match.
Burns unfortunately went off injured in the game and it looked serious which could lay him out of the next few weeks of games. After the game, Glenavon's manager was aggrieved at losing the game and felt they were robbed as the best team lost, while Loughgall's manager, John Smith appeared delighted with the victory.
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Injury News:
Anto Burns has sustained a twisted ankle after chasing the ball during todays match. He'll be out for 5-6 weeks.
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Northern Irish Cup Semi-Final Round:
Loughgall vs Cliftonville
To be played on Saturday 8th April 2017.
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Loughgall Comeback To Steal Win!
Loughgall collapsed to go 2-0 down to their opponents Dergview before an amazing fightback saw them jump over their opponents and steal the play-off spot with just one game left in a game that showed the determined spirit of the home team as they clawed their way back to pick up a valuable three points while losing Lowe in injury time through injury.
Dergview pulled off a double-salvo in a minute as they started in the 27th minute with a ball into Lecky who was just inside the edge of Loughgall's box as he crossed it towards the 5 yard area, only for Anderson to stick a foot out and catch it as he knocked it past his own keeper to give the away side the lead. The second came straight from kick-off as Loughgall lost the ball to the opposition who broke away before Maxwell received the ball on the left wing and ran with it before crossing into the box to find Higginbotham who headed it past the keeper to put the away side in what they must have thought was an uncatchable 2-0 lead as Loughgall crumbled to pieces.
Loughgall came out in the second half with their heads raised after some half-time words from their manager, John Smith who can't have been happy with their first-half performance as he changed tactics and pushed everyone more forward.
Immediately, just minutes into the second-half Loughgall got a goal back when Henderson had the ball just inside his own half and played it forward to Sills who broke away from his marker and took the ball inside the box where his first shot was blocked by the keeper only to see it fall to him once more and an open goal which he wasn't going to miss from and he didn't as he grabbed the ball from the back of the net and rushed to the half-way line to restart the game as soon as possible.
In the 73rd minute, Loughgall's players got the ball back from Dergview's corner and drove forward as Henderson played Sills through once more with a beautiful pass as he drove into the box and slid it past the keeper's fingers to bring Loughgall level as Dergview's players looked around wondering what was happening to the team.
On the 75th minute, Loughgall pulled off the unlikely surprise of taking the lead when they broke on a counter with a nice pass from Lowe towards Sills who was free, where he played it on towards Steenson who had made a run to join in as he rounded the keeper and scored to give Loughgall a victory out of nothing as they came back to pick up three points in this massive comeback against a team just above them.
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Injury News:
Matty Lowe has suffered a damaged heel after jumping to challenge for the ball during todays match. He'll be out for 2 weeks.
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Player Suspended:
Cathal McQuillan has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
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Player Returns:
Marc McConnell has returned to full training following his strained wrist injury.
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Injury News:
Niaill Doyle has suffered a twisted knee after chasing the ball during a B match. He'll be out for 4 weeks.
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Player Returns:
Jason Johnston has returned to full training following his gashed leg injury.
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Loughgall Reach Final In Cliffhanger!
Loughgall made it to the final of the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup after a cliffhanger penalty shootout against Ballyclare Comrades to get there after scoring an equalizer in the dying seconds of extra-time to force it to go all the way.
The first goal didn't come till the 111th minute as a cross by Gardiner sent the ball to Brown inside the box whose superb volley came back off the post as it sailed past Buchanan's hands only to rebound to Patterson who got there first and sent it into the back of the net to give Ballyclare the lead.
Ballyclare should have been wary after Loughgall's last match in which they came from behind to win as they drew level in the dying seconds of extra-time when a ball from Black on the left wing saw Steenson make a run at the far post and head it home to bring the Loughgall fans screaming with delight at drawing level so late in the game when they looked dead and buried. Ballyclare's players fumed at believing the goal was offside and argued with the linesman and referee before being forced to restart the game with little time left to continune.
In the penalty shoot-out, McCart saw his 4th penalty spot saved by Buchanan before defender Spence stepped up and smashed it home to send Loughgall through to the final of the competition while Ross Black picked up a Man of the Match for his performance throughout the match.
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Injury News:
Gary Henderson has suffered a twisted knee after pulling up short whilst chasing the ball during todays game. He'll be out for 4 weeks.
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Northern Irish Interemediate Cup Final:
Donegal Celtic vs Loughgall
To be played on Saturday 15th April 2017.
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Loughgall Finish In Style!
Loughgall's final game was a 2-0 win against Larne to put them in 2nd spot as the season drew to a close. A fantastic performance by the team saw them score a goal in each half, with the first coming on the 28th minute when Clarke sent a great ball forward behind the defenders that saw Sills latch onto it, run into the box and cooly curl it around the keeper's outstretched fingers to see the away side take the lead.
The second goal came in the 60th minute, when a free-kick from Black just outside the box saw him play it short to O'Hanlon who played it inside the box for McMahon who broke inside to see his shot saved by the keeper, but pick up the rebound to slide it home into the empty net to seal the deal and give Loughgall a fantastic end to the season.
Matthew McMahon picked up the Man of the Match after playing an outstanding game and scoring the second goal for Loughgall.
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NIFL Championship League 1 - Next Stage:
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Player Returns:
Matty Lowe has returned to full training following his damaged heel injury.
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Injury News:
Stein Montgomery has sustained a twisted ankle after turning awkwardly during a training session. He'll be out for 5-6 weeks.
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Loughgall Takeover On Cards:
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Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Winners:
Glenavon have won the Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup after beating Amagh 2-1 at the New Grosvenor Stadium.
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Squad Cup Bonus:
Loughgall have paid out £150 to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after reaching the Semi-Finals of the Mid Ulter Cup.
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New Appointments/Firings:
04/03 - Albion Rovershave unveiled George Borg as their new manager after leaving Bishop Sotrtford.
06/03 - Warrenpoint have named Gary Haveron as their new manager after leaving Carrick.
06/03 - Southend have announced Paul Dickov as their new manager.
07/03 - Swindon have announced Danny Wilson as their new manager.
07/03 - Altrincham have unveiled Matt Jansen as their new manager after leaving Chorley.
11/03 - York have sacked their manager Nick Barmby.
11/03 - Kingstonian have sacked their manager Tommy Williams.
12/03 - Chester have unviled Ian Dawes as their new manager.
12/03 - Portadown have announced Paul Trainor as their new manager after leaving Coleraine.
14/03 - Newport County have sacked their manager John Sheridan.
14/03 - Wigan Athletic have announced the departure of their manager Gary Caldwell.
14/03 - Oldham Athletic have sacked their manager Lee Clark.
15/03 - Elgin City have named James McFadden as their new manager.
18/03 - Dungannon have sacked their manager Oran Kearney.
18/03 - Hibernian have announced the departure of their manager Alan Stubbs.
20/03 - Carrick have unveiled Jimmy Quinn as their new manager.
23/03 - Kingstonian have named Mark Hawkes as their new manager.
23/03 - Preston have revealed former manager of the club, Phil Brown as their new manager.
23/03 - Chorley have hired Kevin Wilkin as their new manager after leaving Stalybridge.
25/03 - Welling United have sacked their manager Alex Pike.
28/03 - York have unveiled Paul Ince as the club's new manager.
28/03 - Coleratine have announced John Quigg as their new manager.
31/03 - Newport County have named Kevin Blackwell as their new manager after leaving Boreham Wood.
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World Cup Qualfiers:
Group 6:
England 4 - 1 Lithuania
Group 3:
Northern Ireland 1 - 0 Norway
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guk99
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April Fools!
Loughgall dominated possession, like many of their games as of late but couldn't put the ball where it mattered - in the back of the net. They had several good chances during the match but succumb to a 1-0 defeat in the end.
O'Hanlon had a great chance in the 14th minute, only to see his shot from close range saved and cleared. Up the other end, Buchanan pulled off a great save for Loughgall in goal himself as he kept out a strike from just inside the box as he tipped it wide. From the resulting corner, Currie whipped it in to find Boyle who headed it home to give the home team the win in the end, while Sills had a glorious chance mid-way in the second half as he drove into the box only to see a last-ditch tackle stop him from shooting.
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Sucker-Punched!
Loughgall took a heavy blow in today's game after they took apart Institute with everything but sealing a victory in the match as two goals from Mitchell secured the away team the big three points in the Stage II play-off matches.
Loughgall took the lead in the 11th minute when Black played a ball over the top that allowed Clarke to run onto it, before he held it up for others to arrive in the box then swung it across for Sills to get a glancing head on the cross and watch it sail into the far corner past everyone to give the home team the lead.
Clarke should have made it 2-0 before half-time, before Hoey swung a cross in that hit the crossbar for Institute and cleared by the defence as the away side looked to get back into the match. Minutes before half-time, Fowler found Rooney, who found Mitchell get away from his marker and pick up the ball just outside the box as he struck it sweetly and saw it sail into the right corner of the goal to bring the team level.
If Institute's first goal wasn't a warning for Loughgall, the second in the 62nd minute to take the lead will have stung even more as Hoey crossed the ball from the right wing to find Mitchell in the box who headed home from close range after hitting the crossbar and bouncing over the line as the two players teamed up to work magic once again. Institute walked off with a big three points as Loughgall looked disheartened at another defeat despite their possession and will be wondering what is going wrong after such a good season.
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Loughgall Crash Out At Semis!
Loughgall's bad run of defeats continued into the Irish Cup Semi-Final as they crashed out of the competition in extra-time - despite their opposition going down to ten men for the latter half of the game although Cliftonville were fantastic in front of goal and amassed an incredible 27 shots, with 12 on target compared to Loughgalls 4 with 1 on target throughout the whole game.
The opening goal came in the 28th minute as Cleary played a wonderful pass in behind the defence from the centre of midfield to allow Clarke to run onto it just outside the left side of the box. He whipped it across to allow Sills to head it home to give the home fans the lead in this game against the run of play.
Cliftonville finally found an equalizer late in the second half when McDaid got the ball down the right and played it across only for McQuillan to head it away but it fell to the feet of Knowles who came running into the box and smashed the ball into the roof of the net to bring them level. McCartney saw red just minutes later as he picked up his second yellow card of the match and sent off.
Knowles played provider for the winner in the 94th minute, as he sent the ball out left to Ives who sent it to the far post where Murray came in and headed it home to give the away fans the victory and send Cliftonville into the final, as Loughgall's players looked shell-shocked at the defeat after a good cup run that just slipped from their grasp in the semi-finals against a much better team.
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Irish Cup Reward:
Loughgall have been given £3.5k after losing against Cliftonville in the Northern Irish Cup Semi-Final.
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Player Suspended:
Matty Lowe has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
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Loughgall Lift Trophy In Classic Final!
Loughgall put in a Jeckyll & Hyde performance as they just blew Donegal Celtic away in the first half of the game, before Donegal came out afterwards and fought back to put a few nerves in the opposition but was unable to get that all important equalizer as Loughgall's players dropped to their knees as the final whistle went and they were crowned Intermediate Cup Winners for the third time of their career.
It all started badly for Donegal, who have the unlikely record of being knocked out of other cup competitions several times already by Loughgall as they went 1-0 down within the 1st minute of the game from kick-off. Just 38 seconds had gone when Clarke sent over a free-kick in Donegal's half and it found Man of the Match McMahon at the far post who had broken free of his man and slotted it home to send the home fans in rapture at this early blow to the opposition.
The second goal came in the 16th minute from a corner by Black who sent it low to the near post where Anderson tried a pot-shot to see it bounce around just outside the goal-line before McQuillan put his foot in to send it across and give Loughgall a 2-0 advantage with only a quarter of an hour gone.
The third goal came in the 34th minute, where Burns saw his corner cleared back where Sills picked it up outside the box and sent it back to Burns who whipped a beautiful and dangerous ball into the box which sailed over everyone and into the back of the net to the delight of the fans as Loughgall sailed into a 3-0 lead.
Donegal upped their game in the second half and just five minutes in, they pulled a goal back in a break-away from Loughgall's throw-in deep in their own half where Devine played the ball into the box and Scullion was able to get to it before anyone else including the keeper and poke it past him to give his team some hope.
Loughgall looked a little nervy and couldn't keep hold of the ball as Carlin picked it up outside the box and played it through for Taggart to slide it past Buchanan who came rushing out to pull Donegal just a single goal behind now with ten minutes left of the match. Despite Donegal's efforts to push on and search for that equalizer, Loughgall held out to the final whistle and celebrated with the fans as they picked up the trophy - the first under manager, John Smith's reign with the club.
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Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Winners:
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Intermediate Cup Reward:
Loughgall have been awarded £5k for playing in the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Final.
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Intermediate Cup Reward:
Loughgall have been awarded £11k after beating Lurgan Celtic in the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Final.
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Board Happy:
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Players Cup Reward:
Loughgall have paid out £750 to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after winning the Intermediate Cup.
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Bitter Blow!
Loughgall returned to old ways unfortunately as after the delight of winning the Intermediate Cup - the fans saw their team fall at the hands of Ballyclare.
The game wasn't anything special as both teams looked to pick up points, but a goal with just five minutes left of the game will have broke Loughgall's hearts as Trussell played a ball to Burke who made a run inside the box and he slid it past Buchanan in goal to give his side the victory.
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Consortium Takeover - Manager To Lose Job?:
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Thriller Puts Dent In Play-Off Hope!
Loughgall's hopes of getting in the play-offs were virtually all but over after this thrilling encounter that saw both teams just forget about defence and go for hope in winning the match that entertained the supports.
Loughgall took the lead twice, but failed to hang onto it as Dergview kept fighting back to get something out of the game. It all began in the 2nd minute when Burns played a through-ball to Sills who ran through the centre of their defence to get the ball in the box and cooly despatch it into the corner.
The second goal came from a penalty, as Maxwell was adjudged to have held back Burns when he went for a ball at the far post as the referee pointed to the spot. Sills stepped up to get his second of the game and a comfortable lead that was to eventually slip away.
Dergview saw them get back into the match in the 19th minute when Porter picked up a loose ball in his own half and sent it forward for Reid to run onto it and he caught it before sending it past Buchanan into the corner of the net to give the away side some hope. They equalized just before half-time when Atkinson broke down the right and swung it to the far post where Dergview had a number of players forward and it fell to Reid to score his second of the match.
Burns and Sills saw lots of opportunities to get goals, but the keeper and post kept them both out on numerous occasions to their frustration as chance after chance was wasted. Henderson finally give Loughgall hope when in the 80th minute his sublime strike from outside the box flew past the keeper's hands and into the corner to give Loughgall a 3-2 advantage wih ten minutes left.
Unfortunately, it was not to be as Reid played Lecky in behind everyone and he cooly slotted it home to bring the team level with only five minutes left. As the final whistle went, both sets of fans applauded both sides off the field for this truly incredible match that was a pleasure to watch as a neutral.
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Player Returns:
Stein Montgomery has returned to full training following a twisted ankle injury.
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Loughgall Finish In Style!
Loughgall finally gave their home fans something to cheer on the last game of the season as they brushed aside theiir opponents to pick up the three points with a comfortable win as McMahon picked up Man of the Match for his excellent performance and setting up both goals. Lurgan will be delighed for the season to be over and see the back of Loughgall who have knocked them out of several cups and beat them in a final - that is until the new season gets underway.
It all began on the 12th minute when a throw-in deep in Lurgan's half centred to McMahon who played it down to Henderson outside the box who struck it sweetly to see it fly into the corner to give Loughgall the lead. The killer goal came in the 82nd minute when McMahon played Johnston through as he latched onto the ball and sent it into the far corner to seal the game and give victory to Loughgall in their final game of the season.
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Injury News:
Anto Burns has sustained a twisted knee after chasing the ball during todays match. He'll be out for 4 weeks.
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New Appointments/Firings:
01/04 - Aldershot sack manager Paul Doswell
02/04 - Hendnesford hire Nicky Law as their new manager.
02/04 - Hibernian have announced that Alex McLeish will be their new manager.
04/04 - Wigan have unveiled Russell Slade as their new manager.
04/04 - Oldham have announced the appointment of Steve Davis as their new manager.
07/04 - Stalybridge have unveiled Steve Kittrick as their new manager.
07/04 - Alfreton have unveiled Bill Prendergast as their new manager.
16/04 - Aldershot have appointed Darren Sheridan as their new manager.
17/04 - Sunderland have sacked their manager Tim Sherwood.
17/04 - Annagh Utd have sacked manager Brian McGurgan.
19/04 - Welling have unveiled Kevin Wilson as their new manager.
21/04 - Boreham Wood have named Garry Hill as their new manager after leaving Woking.
29/04 - Kidderminster have sacked their manager Neil Young.
30/04 - Cardiff have sacked Paul Lambert as their manager.
30/04 Millwall have parted company with their manager John Berylson.
30/04 - H & W Welders have dismissed their manager Gary Smyth.
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Next: Post-Season (May-July 2017) & End of Season Review
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Dan
guk99
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Chairman Retiring Soon:
Chairman John McCann of Loughgall plans to retire from football next month, after being with the club sinde June 2010.
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Player of the Year Award:
West Bromwich Albion's Jonny Evans has won the Northern Irish Player of the Year award. The 29 year-old has put in some creative performances this year, setting up 2 goals in 31 games with an average rating of 7.08.
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Northern Irish Cup Winners:
Cliftonville have won the Northern Irish Cup after a 2-1 win over Glentoran at Windsor Park.
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Squad Bonus Payout Reward:
Loughgall have paid out £300 to be shared among the squad pro-rata after reaching the Semi-Final of the Irish Cup.
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Loughgall's Hall of Fame:
Loughgall supporter spokesperson, Paul O'Connor has proudly announced that four players have been considered good enough to enter the Loughgall Overall Best Eleven. Matty Lowe was the pick of the four players, the right-back having accumulated 31 appearances and scored 1 goal for the team with an average rating of 7.08. Aaron Sills, Sean Roddy and Cathal McQuillan were the other players selected to become part of Loughgall's proud history.
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Player Leaves:
Gary Spence has been released on a free transfer by Loughgall.
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Manager Offered Interview:
Annagh United's Chairman, Brian McGurgan have approached Loughgall's manager, John Smith and invited him to attend an interview with the chance of possibly being named their new manager if all goes well.
Annagh United finished bottom (12th) in the Dankse Bank Premiership (Ireland) and relegated to the NIFL Championship L1 where Loughgall currently are also positioned.
It is believed John Smith has refused the invitation with plans to continue his job with Loughgall.
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Consortium Completes Takeover:
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Loughgall Manager To Lose Job?:
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New Wage Budget:
Loughgall's new board have set the initial wage budget for the upcoming season at £1.8k and the transfer budge at £0. These values may be altered later based on the agreed setting of the club's season expectations.
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Staff Members Sign New Deal:
Loughgall's scout, Pat Wall has signed a new contract with the club.
Head of Youth Development, James Storey has signed a new contract.
Fitness Coach, James Slater has signed a new contract.
Fitness Coach, Conor McKee has signed a new contract with the club.
Jason Lindsay has signed a new contract to continue his role as Under-18s Manager.
Jonathan Watson has signed a new deal to continue his role as Under-18s Assistant Manager.
Head Physio, Jim McVeigh has signed a new deal with remain with Loughgall.
Director of Football, Johnny Topley has signed a new contract to remain with Loughgall.
Jim White has signed a new deal with remain as B Team Manager of Loughgall.
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League Award:
Loughgall have been given £1.05k for their final position in the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Staff Members Rejects New Deal:
Loughgall's Chief Scout, Matt Lyons has rejected the offer of a new contract.
Assistant Manager, Ross Oliver has also rejected the offer of a new contract.
Scout Shane Coney has rejected the offer of a new contract.
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Loughgall's Manager Survives Consortium Takeove:
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Loughgall Repayments Begin:
Loughgall's board are now required to make monthly payments of £1.5k towards the £140k bank loan taken out earlier.
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Manager Offered Interview:
Peterhead's Chairman, Stewart Gilmour has approached Loughgall's manager and invited him to attend an interview with the chance of possibly being named their new manager if all goes well.
Peterhead just avoided relegation last season finishing 8th in the league, 3 points ahead of Elgin in Ladbrokes League 1 (Scotland).
It is understood John Smith has currently not been offered, or spoken to about a new contract with Loughgall despite being assured of his position to remain as Manager and is considering his options open as he was believed to have been seen attending Peterhead's ground for an interview.
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NIFL C1 New Fixtures Announced:
Loughgall will kick off the new campaign with a trip to Dergview, before their first home counter will be against Limavady Utd. The final game of the season will see Loughgall face Knockbreda FC.
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NIFL C1 TV Money:
Loughgall will receive £2.87k for NIFL Championship League 1 TV rights over the forthcoming season.
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Season Expectations:
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Job Interview Unsucessful:
Peterhead have named Gary Naysmith as their new manager, leaving Loughgall's John Smith still uncertain on his future as he hasn't signed a new contract with only days left before it runs out and receiving assurances by the new board of directors they wished him to continue in his role.
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New Appointments/Firings:
04/05 - Wealdstone have announced the departure of manager Gordon Bartlett.
05/05 - Sunderland have unveiled Henk ten Cate as their new manager.
07/05 - Bath sack manager Lee Howells.
07/05 - Blackpool have terminated the contract of their manager Mark Proctor.
07/05 - Macclesfield Town have announced the departure of manager John Askey.
07/05 - Linfield have sacked their manager Pat McShane.
07/05 - Weston-Super-Mare have dismissed their manager Steve Tully.
07/05 - Concord Rangers have sacked their manager Ant Smith.
10/05 - H & W Weldershave hired Peter Mackle as their new manager.
11/05 - Port Vale have terminated the contract of their manager Robert Page.
11/05 - Shrewsbury Town have sacked their manager Micky Mellon.
11/05 - Barnet have promoted current interim manager Kevin Dillon to the role of manager.
11/05 - Dungannon hire Dixie Robinson as their new manager.
14/05 - Queen of the South have sacked their manager Callum Davidson.
14/05 - Annagh Utd have hired Garth Scates as their new manager.
20/05 - Linfield have promoted Alfie Wylie to the role of Manager.
21/05 - Burnley have sacked manager Brian McClair.
21/05 - Derby have fired their manager Paul Clement.
21/05 - Stoke have terminated the contract of their manager David Moyes.
30/05 - Port Vale hire Dean Glover as their new manager.
30/05 - Millwall hire Mark Cooper as their new manager.
31/05 - Kilmarnock have sacked their manager Alex Neil.
01/06 - Blackpool unveil Andy Awford as their new manager.
01/06 - Tamworth have announced Andy Morrel has left as manager after rejecting their new offer of a contract.
01/06 - Ardstraw's manager Rab Irwin has resigned his position with mutial consent from the club.
01/06 - The Tameside Stadium have announced manager Curzon Ashton has ended his reign with the club.
01/06 - Queen of the South have hired Jim McInally as their new manager.
02/06 - Stoke have hired Andre Villas-Boas as their new manager.
03/06 - Cardiff have hired Chris Powell as their new manager.
03/06 - Macclesfield have announced the appointment of Darren Peacock as their new manager.
03/06 - Woking have unveiled Lee Sinnott as their new manager.
04/06 - Burnley have announced the appointment of Steve Clarke as their new manager.
05/06 - Shrewsbury have unveiled John Dreyer as their new manager.
05/06 - Kidderminster have unveiled Luke Gerrard as their new manager.
06/06 - Derby have announced the appointment of Mark Hughes as their new manager.
06/06 - Bath have hired Jody Brown as their new manager.
12/06 - Kilmarnock have appointed Billy Dodds as their new manager.
15/06 - Ards's manager Paul Kirk has ended his reign with the club and resigned.
16/06 - Ayr United have confirmed Dick Campbell has left his position as manager.
16/06 - Cliftonville has announced Tommy Cassidy has left the club as manager and retired from football.
16/06 - Brechin City have confirmed John Coughlin has left as manager after rejecting a new contract.
19/06 - Dover Athletic have announced manager Chris Kinnear has retired and left his role as manager.
19/06 - Margate have parted company with manager Terry Brown.
19/06 - Peterhead have hired Gary Naysmith as their new manager.
20/06 - Man Utd have parted company with Louis Van Gaal who has retired and left his role as manager.
21/06 - Aston Villa have announced manager Claudio Ranieri has left his position and retired.
23/06 - Gateshead's manager Malcolm Crosby has retired from football and his role as manager.
24/06 - Tamworth have unveiled Garry Flitcroft as their new manager.
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Best Player In Europe Awards
1. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
2. James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
3. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
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Other League/Cup Reviews:
European Champions Cup
Chelsea defeated Real Madrid on Penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Euro Cup
Wolfsburg defeated Dortmund in an all German final on Penalties after a 2-2 draw in normal time.
Euro Super Cup
Manchester City won the Euro Super Cup after beating Gelseknirchen 2-1.
English Premier Division
Manchester City were crowned Premiership Champions after winning 27 of their 38 league games, beating Chelsea into 2nd place by a close 3 points. Arsenal (3rd) and Manchester United (4th) secured the other Champions Cup spots. Tottenham (5th) and Liverpool (6th) and Everton (7th) secured Euro Cup spots.
At the bottom of the table, Q.P.R. came bottom of the league winning only 7 games in a closely fought relegation battle that saw only 4 points seperate the bottom 5 teams. Joining them will be Burnley and Derby who are all relegated into the Championship. Bournemouth, despite losing the final game just escaped relegation on better goal difference.
English Sky Bet Championship
Norwich secured a return to the Premiership as they were crowned Sky Bet Championship winners after winning 25 of their 46 games of the season, securing 87 points - 6 more than their closest opponents Brentford who also secured a fantastic achievement in being promoted. In the play-offs, Wolves secured their place in the top spot after beating Brighton in the final.
Down at the bottom, MK Dons suffered as they won only 11 of their games, and falling 4 points behind the escape zone while they are joined by Millwall and in a huge surprise to everyone - Sunderland find themselves relegatad to League 1 after falling to defeat on the final day while Rotherham picked up a huge point that saw them leapfrog them to escape the relegation and send Sunderland down.
Sky Bet League 1
Scunthorpe were crowned winners of League 1 as they are promoted to the Championship, winning 25 of their league games and winning the league by 3 points over 2nd place Barnsley who are also promoted. Walsall defeated Preston in the play-off final to secure their spot in being promoted despite ending the season in 6th place.
Shrewsbury have the misfortune of being relegated with winning just 9 games for the season and a big 8 points behind the safety zone. They will be joined by Plymouth and Port Vale.
Sky Bet League 2
Bury find themselves being crowned champions of League 2 after winning 27 of their 46 games and amassing 95 points, 8 clear of their opponents Wycombe who finished 2nd and Cambridge who see themselves also automatically promoted. Oxford who came 7th saw themselves rise on the day in the Play-off final to see off Leyton Orient and claim the final promotion spot.
Newport County found themselves relegated after winning 10 games of their season, and falling short by just 2 points above Morecambe who survive another season in the league.
Vanarama National League
Dagenham & Redbridge saw themselves promoted as Champions as they won 30 of their 46 games in the league and gaining 97 points, 8 more than Tranmere who defeated Eastleigh in the play-offs to secure a place back in the league.
Cheltenham, Tamworth and Kidderminster found themselves relegated from the division.
Vanarama National League North
Guiseley are promoted after running away with 92 points to 2nd places 76, while Barrow who finishes 5th secured a promotion through the play-offs after defeating Worcester who finished 3rd. Stalybridge, Rushall and Curzon Ashton find themselves relegated.
Vanarama League South
Oxford City were promoted along with St. Albans who defeated Havant & W in the play-offs. Weston-Super-Mare, Conord Rangers and Wealdstone were relegated.
English FA Trophy
Chelsea defeated Man Utd 2-1 in the curtain raiser Charity Shield.
English FA Cup
Man Utd beat Everton 4-1 in a repeat of last seasons final to win it two years running.
Capital One Cup
Man City beat local rivals Man Utd in the final 3-1.
Johnson's Paint Trophy
Chestefield defeated Exeter 1-0 to win the cup.
English FA Trophy
Mansfield beat Wrexham 2-1 to win the trophy.
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Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership
Celtic won the league with 27 wins from 38 and 85 points, 15pts more than 2nd place Aberdeen, while Hearts came 3rd to see all 3 teams qualify for the Champions Cup. Kilmarnock and Hibernian were relegated from the league.
Ladbrokes Scottish Championship
Motherwell won the title with 23 wins from 36 and a whopping 74 points, 8pts more than Rangers who had to settle for the playoff only where they defeated Kilmarnock to win promotion back to the Premiership. Cowdenbeath and Queen of the South were relegated.
Ladbrokes Scottish League 1
Ayr won the league by a whopping 12 points as Forfar won the play-off to joint hem, while Annan and Elgin City were relegated.
Ladbrokes Scottish League 2
Stenhousemuir won the league by a massive 24 points, wile Queen's Park also saw themselves promoted.
Scottish Cup
Ross County defeated Celtic 2-1 draw to win the Scottish Cup.
Scottish League Cup
Celtic completed the double by winning the League Cup 2-1 against Aberdeen.
Scottish League Challenge Cup
Queen of the South won the Challenge Cup after beating Livingston 2-1 in the final.
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Dankse Bank Premiership
Glenavon comfortably won the Danske Bank Premiership with 25 wins from 38 games and 72 points, 10 pts clear of Crusaders who came 2nd while Cliftonville and Linfield joined them in the Euro Cup. Annagh Utd came bottom and were relegated.
NIFL Championship League 1
Ballinamallard Utd were crowned champions of League 1 with 13 wins from 26 games and scoring 48 points, just 4 points ahead of institute who lost in the play-off promotion to last year's winners Lurgan Cletic who retained their Premiership position. H & W Welders were the worst team and relegated.
NIFL Championship League 2
Knockbreda were crowned champions of League 2 with 14 wins from 22 games and 45 points, 1 point ahead of Bangor who could have jumped above them if they hadn't lost the last game and suffered the fate of losing to Larne who retained their position in the League 1. Meanwhile, Ardstraw are relegated.
Northern Irish Cup
Cliftonville defeated Glentoran 2-1 in the final at Windosr Park.
Northern Irish League Cup
Glentoran beat Portadown 4-0 to lift the League cup at Solitude.
Northern Irish County Antrim Shield
Crusaders beat Ballymena Utd 1-0 in the final.
Northern Irish Steel & Sons Cup
Dongal Cletic lifted the Steel & Sons Cup after beating Brantwood 2-1 in the final.
Northern Irish Intermediate Cup
Loughgall won the final after beating Durgan Celtic 3-2 at Seaview.
Northern Irish Mud Ulster Cup
Glenavon beat Armagh 2-1 in the game played at Grosvenor Stadium.
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World Cup Qualifiers:
Group 6:
England 6 - 0 Malta
Group 3:
San Marino 0 - 6 Northern Ireland
International Friendlies:
England 3 - 0 Wales
Northern Ireland 0 - 2 Albania
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guk99
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NIFL C1 League Table:
(Including Stage II Play-off's)
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Seasons League Positions (Graph):
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Cup Competitions Review:
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Loughgall's End of Season Awards:
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Loughgall's 2015/2016 Season Review:
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Loughgall's End of Season Confidence Review:
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Loughgall's Season Injury List:
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Loughgall's Stats:
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Loughgall's Player's Final Review List:
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Next: Pre-Season kicks off
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guk99
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John Smith Signs New Contract:
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Player Released:
Loughgall have announced the following players have been released on a free transfer.
Stein Montgomery
Jim O'Hanlon
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Player Leaves:
Ards Rangers have signed Ciaran Boyd on a free transfer from Loughgall.
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New Players Signed:
Loughgall have signed the following players:
Conor Glenholmes (winger) - Free Transfer
Cathal Beacom (Midfielder) - Free Transfer
Declan Carville (Midfielder) - Free Transfer
Andrew Ferguson (Centre-Back) - Free Transfer
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Players Sign New Contract:
Loughgall have announced the following players have signed new deals to remain with the club:
Sean Roddy (full-back)
Andrew Ferguson (centre-back)
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Staff Released:
Loughgall have announced the following Staff Members have been released after refusing new contracts.
Ross Oliver (Assistant Manager)
Shane Coney (Scout)
Matt Lyons (Scout)
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New Staff Hired:
Loughgall have announced the following Staff Members have agreed terms to join Loughgall.
Jim Kelly (Chief Scout)
Glenn Taggart (Under 18s Manager)
Paul Carlyle (Scout)
Jason Lindsay has signed a new contract and changed job from Under 18s manager to the role of Assistant Manager.
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Loughgall Invitation To Testimonial Accepted:
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Frienlies Arranged:
Loughgall have arranged friendlies with the following clubs.
Tuesday 18th July 2017 (Seapatrick) (home)
Monday 24th July 2017 - Brentwood (away)
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Profit Announced:
Loughgall have announced a profit of £80k for the last financial year, a healthy 23 percent of their turnover. The club profits were boosted by good gate receipts and merchandising over the season which totalled £45k.
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Seasons Odds:
Loughgall have been stated as 20-1 to win the league, slightly better than last season with Dungannon the favourites at Evens. Institute are 7-4, Knockbreda 14-1, Dergview 33-1 and Donegal Celtic 33-1. The bookmakers believe Loughgall are far behhind the teams in this division in terms of quality, and if they can perform well against them they may be able to achieve promotion.
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FourFourTwo's Team To Watch:
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Captains Armband:
Loughgall have confirmed that Anto Burns has been named as Captain, after taking over the position towards the end of last season when Neil Alderdice left. Steven Ferguson remains as Vice-Captain.
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Squad Win Bonus:
Loughgall have informed the players that a bonus of £3k for the NIFL Championship League 1 and £8k for Domestic Cups has been confirmed for the upcoming season.
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Tuesdsy 18th July 2017: Pre-Season Friendly:
Seapatrick 0 - 3 Loughgall
Loughgall came away with a good, solid 3-0 victory in their first pre-season friendly. The opener came in the 55th mintue when Glenholmes crossed from the left for the ball to cannon off defender Kennedy to go past his own keeper for an own goal. The second goal came just a minute later, virtually from the kick-off as Glenholmes received the ball on the left wing and crossed to the far post to find McConnell running in to knock it home. The final goal came in the 64th minute when the roles were reversed, as McConnell ran into the box with the ball and crossed towards Glenholmes at the far end who nodded it back across goal and into the net for a comfortable win.
Tuesdsy 24th July 2017: Pre-Season Friendly:
Loughgall 0 - 0 Brantwood
Loughgall came away from this pre-season friendly with a 0-0 draw and found six of their players booked throughout the match in a game that created very little real chances for both sides although Brantwood gave a good acount for themselves by having the most chances.
Monday 31st July 2017: Pre-Season Friendly - Sean Morgan Testimonial:
Armagh vs Loughgall
Loughgall suffered defeat in the Sean Morgan Testimonal for the Armagh goalkeer, as the home side picked up the win in the dying mintues of full time. Turkington took a free-kick that found McParland in the box who beautifully struck it home to give the home side the win.
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New Appointments/Firings:
28/06 - Ards have promoted Michael Maguire to the role of manager.
30/06 - Yeovil Town have confirmed Paul Sturrock has left as manager after rejecting the new contract offer.
30/06 - Ilkeston have confirmed Tommy Lawson has left as manager.
01/07 - Ayr have unveiled Paul Sheerin as their new manager.
04/07 - Brechin have hired Stuart McLaren as their new manager after leaving Clyde.
05/07 - Cliftonville have hired Michael Duff as their new manager.
05/07 - Mamchester United have unveiled Unai Emery as their new manager.
06/07 - Gateshead unveil Adam Eckersley as their new manager.
08/07 - Margate have announced Tony Burman as their new manager.
08/07 - Aston Villa have unviled Carlo Ancelotti as their new manager.
08/07 - Dover have hired Danny Hollands as their new manager.
12/07 - Yeovil have promoted Terry Skiverton to the role of manager.
18/07 - Ilkeston have hired Justin Merritt as their new manager after leaving Brackley.
18/07 - Clyde have announced Craig Tully has returned to the club as their new manager.
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World Cup 2022 Moved:
Due to club protests about scheduling, the 2022 World Cup will be hosted by Morocco rather than Qatar.
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Euro U21's Championships:
England have won the Under 21s European Championships after beating Belgium 2-0 in the final played in Poland. This is the first time England have won the tournament since 1984.
England's Raheem Sterling won the Best Player award, while Chuba Akpom won the Golden Boot after scoring 5 goals in 5 games for England.
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guk99
August 2017:
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Player Signs New Deal:
Cathal Beacom has signed a new contract with Loughgall.
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Saturday 5th August 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #1
Loughgall Fall Flat!
Loughgall struggled to overcome Dergview, suffering defeat in their opening match of the league despite taking the lead early on in the game.
Loughgall bided their time for the opener, passing the ball around well as Dergview closed them down before McMahon received the ball just outside the box and played a beautiful pass inside to allow Burns to latch onto the end and smash it into the near corner of the goal to put the away side ahead.
It only took a few minutes before Dergview equalized when Beaumont played a ball down the right wing and Reid was able to get past his marker and swing his foot through the ball to send it to the far post where Lynch nipped in to get that all important goal and bring the home side level.
The goal that sealed the win came in the 74th minute when the keeper played a long ball upfield to see Reid nod the ball on as Dunne darted past his man and ran onto the end of it before taking it comfortably around the keeper and sliding it home to give the home fans a dream start in the league as the away fans looked on at what could have been.
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Player Injured:
Conor Glenholmes has substained a gashed leg whilst being tackled during todays game with Dergview. He will be out for 2-3 weeks.
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Season Ticket Sales:
Loughgall have announced the final sales figures for season tickets. The ticket office have confirmed that the club have sold 29 season tickets for this upcoming season. The sales have remained at exactly the same level as last season.
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Northern Irish League Cup Round 2 Draw:
Loughgall vs Annagh United
To be played on Monday 21st August 2017.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Donegal Celtic vs Loughgall NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 29th August due to the clash with the Bangor vs Donegal Celtic League cup match on Monday 21st August.
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Saturday 12th August 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #2
Loughgall In Cruise Control!
Loughgall looked like a team who were never going to lose this game as they dominated from kick-off and left little for Limavady Utd to do but pick the ball out of the net and run around the pitch with little for their actions for a large percentage of the match.
Despite their control, Loughgall only got a single goal which was able to seal the victory for them as Clarke, despite being tackled was able to still get up and past his man on the left wing as he got to the box and laid it across for Burns to make a run at the far post and head it home as the fingertips of the keeper couldn't keep him out.
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Player Injured:
Anto Burns has suffered a dead leg after pulling up short whilst chasing the ball during todays game with Limavady Utd. He will be out for 6-8 days.
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Player Signs New Deal:
Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract with Loughgall.
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Player Returns From Injury:
Conor Glenholmes has begin full training following his lay-off from a gashed leg.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Distillery vs Loughgall NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 5th September due to the clash with the Ballymena Utd vs Distillery Steel & Sons Cup match on Saturday 2nd September.
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Monday 21st August 2017:
Northern Ireland Irish Cup 2nd Round:
Loughgall Sail Into Next Round!
Loughgall saled into the next round of the Irish Cup with a 1-0 victory over Annagh Utd, with the opposition offering little to stop the home side go through leaving their away fans frustrated at the lack of chances they created throughout the whole match.
It took Loughgall late in the second half to get the important goal that sent them through, as McMahon - who picked up the Man of the Match, picked up the ball outside the box and played in Burns who saw his shot well saved but substitute Steenson followed up as he slotted it home to give the home fans the win and send them into the next round.
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Northern Irish League Cup Round 3 Draw:
Loughgall vs Coagh Utd or Warrenpoint
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Saturday 26th August 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #3
Thriller At Lakeview!
Loughgall just squeezed out the opposition, despite Larne's best efforts to get something out of this match as we saw five goals including a late, late winner to snatch the points for the home side in an entertaining match.
Carville - who picked up the Man of the Match, collected the ball on the left side of midfield, where he whipped it into the box low to find Burns who turned sharply and cracked it past the keeper to give the home side the lead in the 21st minute. Larne pulled level in the 30th minute when they kept the ball on the right side of the field before Lavery collected it at the edge of the box and played it in the box for Maguire to swing his leg and see it sail past the keepers and and into the back of the net.
Carville fought hard to get involved in the play as Loughgall lost the ball a number of times as he retained it back for them which lead to their second goal in the 68th minute. A ball played out to Burns on the right wing was crossed to find Johnston free in the box who cooly slotted it home to give the home fans the lead once again. In the 79th minute, Robinson brought the away side level once more as he slotted it home from the penalty spot after Anderson was adjudged to have a foot up on Gray inside the box despite it looking a little harsh.
In the dying seconds of the game, Loughgall attacked with numbers as the ball was played from the left wing across midfield where Carville sent it to McMahon who slotted it in behind the defence for Burns to run onto it and he curled it around the keeper to snatch the victory in this enthralling match in which either side could have easily stole the winner.
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Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Gareth Buchanan, Anto Burns, Declan Carville and Matthew McMahon were named in the Team of the Week
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Tuesday 29th August 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #4
Smith Left Fuming At Ref!
Loughgall's manager had to hold back his anger after the final whistle as he was left fuming with the referee after todays game that saw his team draw against Donegal Celtic and also see Kevin Anderson sent off in the dying seconds of the match while the home side picked up four yellow cards.
Donegal Celtic controlled much of the match and looked the more deadlier as Loughgall could be considered lucky by some to have come away with a point. Clarke scored the opener in the 30th minute when he was brought down on the left wing while running free as Mullan picked up a yellow for his challenge. It lead to Black taking the free-kick as he whipped it across inside the five-yard box where Clarke got on the end and headed it home to give the away fans a sense of hope.
Smith was incensed when Burns was fouled and the referee allowed play to continue as his player was left to hobble around the pitch for several moments which allowed Donegal Celtic to score the equalizer. Some nice quick passing outside the box saw it fall to Carson who cracked it into the far corner to seal the comeback.
The sending off came in injury time, when we had time-added on more than it should have been which frustrated Smith on the Loughgall bench as he saw a ball played forward and Ferguson and Anderson cause a mix-up which allowed Scullion to get on the ball and look to run through on goal only to see Anderson pull him back. The referee immediately pulled out a red card without hesitation despite Ferguson being close to both men as he saw his marching orders, but Loughgall were able to hold on till the end.
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Player Injured:
Anto Burns has suffered a facial injury after jumping for the ball during todays game with Donegal Celtic. He will be out for 12-15 days.
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Northern Irish League Cup Round 3 Draw:
Loughgall vs Coagh Utd
To be played on Tuesday 3rd October 2017.
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Player Suspended:
Central Defender and Vice-Captain Kevin Anderson has been given an automatic one match ban after being sent off in the league match with Donegal Celtic.
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New Signing:
Loughgall have announced that striker Mark Hillen has joined the club on a free transfer.
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New Appointments/Firings:
30/08 - Longford have announced that Alan Reynolds has returned as manager of the club.
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World Cup Qualifiers:
Group 6:
Slovenia 1 - 2 England
Group 3:
Northern Ireland 1 - 2 Germany
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guk99
September 2017:
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New Signing:
Loughgall have announced that Goalkeeper Elliott Morris has joined the club on a free transfer.
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Tueday 5th September 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #5
Loughgall Fall To Late Goal!
Loughgall fans walked away with their hearts broken after suffering a defeat in injury time that saw their side lose the match.
Loughgall took the lead in the 5th minute of the game, as Hillen scored a beauty from outside the box that saw it fly into the bottom left corner to give the away fans a dream start to the game. Distillery got back in the match in the 22nd minute, when a corner was whipped over for Corrigan to see his head blocked off the post by Black, before McQuillan blocked a follow up but Southam put his foot in and was able to finally send it into the back of the net from close range to bring the home team level.
Just after half-time, Withers sent over a ball from the left which found Mullan who headed home from close range to put the home side in the lead. Loughgall's players dug deep, and found an equalizer as Clarke collected the ball outside the box and played it through to the right where Hillen - who had just recently joined the club, found himself turning his marker and run in behind to slide it home to bring the away fans back into the match.
In the cruelest of fashion though, once more Loughgall fell to a late goal as they gave the ball away too sloppily, allowing Scullion to send it upfield and for Mullan to chase as he did and broke in behind the defenders and slide it past the keepers hand to seal the fate in injury time to send the home fans into rapture as the Loughgall fans and players looked distraught at the defeat.
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Saturday 9th September 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #6
Loughgall Suffer Another Defeat!
Loughgall saw their team suffer a second defeat on the bounce, this time in front of their home fans in a game with little chances for either side - Ballyclare stole the win with a goal late in the first half.
McCullough had the ball in the centre-circle as he sent if forward. Anderson went to clear the ball, unaware the keeper was coming out to collect it and sent it into the path of McLaughlin who had an empty net to send it into and pick up the valuable three points for his side. Once again, Carville picked up the Man of the Match and will be disappointing to see his side lose games that they mostly control by his great performances.
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Player Returns From Injury:
Anto Burns has begin full training following his lay-off from a facial injury.
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Saturday 16th September 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #7
Loughgall Win At Home!
Loughgall finally turned their possession into a result as they picked up three points with a victory over Dungannon.
The opening goal came in the 12th minute when Roddy sent the ball down the line towards McConnell - who collected the Man of the Match for his performance, as he got to the byline, held it up and crossed to find Hillen near the penalty spot who headed it past the keeper to give the home side the lead.
Dungannon got back into the game just after half-time when in the 53rd minute, Taggart collected the ball back from a throw-in and sent it into the box where Lafferty on the penalty spot struck it at goal only to see it well saved, but he capitalized on the rebound to send it in the second time of asking to draw his team level.
Dungannon could have taken the lead in the 72nd minute when Taggart's corner found Burns in the box only to see his header find the keepers safe hands. The winner came direct from this as Loughgall countered fast as Morris in goal sent the ball to the left towards Clarke who was free and he drove on. Despite a tackle coming his way, he was able to break free of the challenge and get to the box where he sent it over to find McConnell who was free and arrive at the other end and he cooly slotted it home to give the home side the win.
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Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Elliot Morris and Marc McConnell were named in the Team of the Week
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Saturday 23rd September 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #8
Loughgall Unlucky In Draw!
Loughgall will have felt they could have, and should have won todays game that ended in a draw and point for both sides after McMahon saw a beautiful strike from outside the box on a counter-attack strike the post and cleared away. As the final whistle went, it was Annagh Utd who will have welcomed the whistle despite creating the more chances but doing little with it in the end.
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Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Kevin Anderson was named in the Team of the Week
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Saturday 30th September 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #9
Loughgall Control Match!
Loughgall cruised through this game with a victory in a match that they never looked like they would lose. The first goal came in the 11th minute, as the ball was played back and forth across midfield before a ball sent forward found Glenholmes running into the box and unselflishly he played it across goal low to the far post where McConnell came running in and slid it home into the empty net to give the home fans a dream start to the game.
The second came in the 33rd minute, when a ball played from the back was sent across to the left side of the box where Glenholmes got ahead of his man and sent it over to find Hillen head it home from close range to send them 2-0 up in the first half of the game.
Loughgall's third came in unusual fashion when Buchanan, who was put back in goal sent it upfield to find Hillen who could do little but head it on as Madison in goal came rushing out to collect it only to see him fail in controlling the ball as it bounced outside of his box and he almost handballed - as it fell back to Hillen who followed it up and drove into the box on his own and place it into the empty net as the Madison dropped his head in his hands at his own mistake costing them an easy goal while helping Hillen go on to collect Man of the Match.
Portstewart pulled back a single goal late in the 85th minute that did little for the game, as the ball was cleared from a corner to see it head back into the goal mouth and Boylan loop a header into the far corner over Buchanan's hands.
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Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Gareth Buchanan and Andrew Ferguson were named in the Team of the Week
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Northern Irish Intermediate Cup 1st Round Draw:
Dundela vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Saturday 28th October 2017.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Loughgall vs Dergview NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 24th October 2017 due to the clash with the Dundela vs Loughgall Intermediate Cup match.
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New Appointments/Firings:
23/09 - Bradford City have sacked their manager David Adams.
23/09 - Oldham Athletic have dismissed manager Steve Davis.
30/09 - Peterborough have sacked their manager Martin Allen.
30/09 - Q.P.R. have parted company with manager Quique Flores.
30/09 - Nuneaton have sacked manager Liam Watson.
30/09 - Fulham have parted company with their manager Oscar Garcia.
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World Cup Qualifiers:
Group 6:
Slovakia 0 - 3 England
Group 3:
Northern Ireland 2 - 1 Azerbaijan
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Dan
guk99
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October 2017:
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Tuesday 3rd October 2017:
Northern Irish League Cup 3rd Round:
Loughgall Scrape Through!
Loughgall today went through to the next round of the League Cup after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Championship League 2 side Coagh Utd with a last gasp winner to secure victory for the home side in a tough battle.
The League 2 side scored the opener in the 27th minute, when Cunha struck from outside the box to see Buchanan make a good save and deflect it away - only for it to fall at the feet of Colbert who placed it into the near post to give the away fans something to cheer.
Ten minutes later and Loughgall brought the game level, with Burns on the right wing as his first cross was cleared back to him. He swung it in again, this time the ball found Johnston up front whose delicate header saw it sail past the keeper. Just after half-time and Clarke made a good run, collecting the ball outside the box before making pace to the left side of midfield before he sent it into the box where it found Burns at the far post who slotted it home for the home fans to enjoy.
In the 54th minute, Cabral placed a nice shot into the corner from the Penalty spot after Scott broke free of Ferguson who followed after and clattered into him for the penalty kick. It looked like going to extra-time before Burns was the architect once more, as he collected the ball on the right and ran with it to cross from the byline. His cross met Clarke at the far end who nodded it home to secure the win for Loughgall and break the hearts of their opponents in the dying seconds of the game.
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Northern Irish League Cup Quarter Final Draw:
Ballymena United vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Tuesday 7th October 2017.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Loughgall vs Dergview NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 24th October 2017 due to the clash with the Dundela vs Loughgall Intermediate Cup match.
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Saturday 7th October 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #10:
Loughgall Fall At Knockbreda!
Loughgall couldn't stop Knockbreda from coming away from Breda Park with a win, despite some efforts on target. The only goal of the game came late in the second-half when Johnston took a corner for Addis to rise above all inside the box and head it home to give the home fans the victory in this tight match.
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Player Injured:
Anto Burns has sustained broken ribs after being the victim of a heavy challenge in todays match with Knockbreda. He will be out of action for 4-5 weeks.
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Saturday 14th October 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #11:
Loughgall Fight Back To Earn Draw!
Loughgall fought back from a goal down in the first-half to walk off the pitch with a good point in a game that was a little on edge of going too far with Institute having five of their players booked, and Loughgall seeing two of theirs also go into the referee's book for fouls.
The opener in the 21st minute saw Loughgall give the ball away too easily, allowing Institute to break forward with some nice quick exchanges of passing. This allowed Mitchell to hold the ball up outside the box and see Wright's run in behind the defence who left him unmarked as he slotted it past the keeper to score.
Loughgall pulled level in the 54th minute when a corner by Black saw McMahon's header blocked, only for Ferguson to snatch on the rebound and drive it home to give the home fans something to cheer about. Both sides tried to get a winner but failed as the referee brought the game to an end.
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Player Injured:
Mark Hillen has suffered a bruised head after jumping for a header during todays match with Institute. He will be out of action for 8-11 days.
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Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Andrew Ferguson was named in the Team of the Week.
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New Signing:
Loughgall have announced that centre-back David Armstrong has joined the club on a free transfer.
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Player Injured:
Conor Glenholmes has sustained a back strain while lifting weights during training. He will be out of action for 4-6 weeks.
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New Signing:
Loughgall have announced that full-back Ben Wilson has joined the club on a free transfer.
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Tuesday 24th October 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League 1: Match #12:
Hat-Trick Hero Destroys Dergview!
Loughgall saw their striker Hillen pull off a great hat-trick as he walked off the pitch to a standing ovation and with the match ball as he destroyed Dergview in front of the home fans at Lakeview Park, while being named Man of the Match.
The first of the three came in the 4th minute, when McConnell sent the ball into the box from the corner as Buchanan tried to clear in defence only to see it rebound off Hillen to give the home side a great start to the day. Hillen's second came during a counter in the 77th minute when Steenson collected the ball on the right wing and ran with it, before he crossed to see Hillen dash to the near post and head it into the net to give them a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The final goal to seal his hat-trick came in the 84th minute as Loughgall had the ball and worked it well from the left wing across to the centre of midfield. McMahon played it up to Carville who slid it through the gap between the defenders where Hillen ran onto it and smashed it into the corner to give him the match ball upon the final whistle.
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Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Andrew Ferguson, Ross Black and Mark Hillen were named in the Team of the Week.
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Saturday 28th October 2017:
Northern Irish Intermediate Cup 1st Round:
Loughgall Struggle Against Underdogs!
Loughgall continued their good cup run with a nice win against Dundela in a match that needed extra-time to seal the victory for the away side and see them through into the next round of the competition.
Ferguson picked up the Man of the Match for his performance in defence for Loughgall, but it was Beacon who scored the only goal just into the opening minutes of extra-time as his free-kick was cleared out to Lowe who bided his time on the ball before playing it back to Beacon who had made a run in from the left. His first shot was well saved, but he got a second bite at the cherry and finished it off to put it past the keeper and seal the deal.
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Northern Irish Intermediate Cup 2nd Round Draw:
Loughgall vs Rathfern Rangers
The tie to be played on Saturday 18t November 2017.
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Unbeaten Cup Run Record:
Loughgall's twelve games unbeaten run from Saturday 31st October 2015 is a new Northern Irish Intermediate Cup record.
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New Appointments/Firings:
07/10 - Bradford City have unveiled Phil Parkinson as their new manager.
09/10 - Oldham Athletic have announced Mark Yates as their new manager after leaving Crawley.
14/10 - Fulham have appointed Alan Pardew as their new manager.
15/10 - Q.P.R. have unveiled Chris Hughton as their new manager after leaving Brighton.
17/10 - Peterborough have appointd Brian McClair as their new manager.
18/10 - Nuneaton have named Jim Harvey as their new manager.
26/10 - Crawley have unveiled Alan Knill as their new manager after leaving Mansfield.
31/10 - Birmingham City have parted company with their manager Michael Laudrup.
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World Cup Qualifiers:
Group 6:
England 3 - 1 Scotland
Malta 0 - 3 England
Group 3:
Czech Republic 2 - 1 Northern Ireland
Norway 2 - 2 Northern Ireland
England qualify for the 2018 World Cup after winning all their qualifying games to date.
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guk99
November 2017:
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Player Signs New Deal:
Loughgall have announced that Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract with the club.
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Player Returns From Injury:
Anto Burns has begin full training following his lay-off from broken ribs.
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Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup 1st Round Draw:
Loughgall vs Dungannon Swifts
The tie to be played on Saturday 25th November 2017.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Loughgall vs Donegal Cletic NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 21st November 2017 due to the clash with the Loughgall vs Dungannon Mid Ulster Cup match.
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Staff Member Leaves:
Loughgall have announced that Head Physio Jim McVeigh has signed for Donegal Celtic after leaving the club. Loughgall will receive £4,100 in compensation for the loss of their staff member.
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Northern Irish Cup 4th Round Draw:
Loughgall vs Lower Maze
The tie to be played on Saturday 2nd December 2017.
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Tuesday 7th November 2017:
Northern Irish League Cup Quarter Final Match:
Loughgall Rise To Occasion!
Loughgall saw themselves sail into the semi-finals of the League Cup after knocking out Ballymena Utd in a close fought encounter between two good sides on the day.
Loughgall took the lead in the 29th minute, when Beacom took a free-kick from just outside the box and he lobbed it inside where Carville had broken free behind the wall and headed it into the corner to give the away side the perfect start to the cup tie.
Ballymena drew level just a minute or so later, when Cushley sent the ball over from a corner to find the head of Gault who put it into the net to bring the home side back into the match. The winner came late, in the 89th minute of the game as Beacom sent the ball in from a corner as it drove low towards Burns who found himself unmarked near the penalty spot and he side-footed it into the corner to give Loughgall the victory and see them through into the next round of the competition.
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New Staff Member:
Loughgall have announced that Conor McCartney has agreed terms with the club to become the new Head Physio, following Jim McVeigh's departure days prior.
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Northern Irish League Cup Semi-Final Draw:
Loughgall vs Coleraine
The tie to be played on Tuesday 12th December 2017.
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Saturday 11th November 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League Match #13:
Loughgall Rescue Point In Dramatic Fashion!
Loughgall struggled against a good Limavady Utd side today, but were able to dig down deep and snatch a point from the game by scoring in injury time to break the home fans hearts with a big goal.
The opener came just before half-time when Kirgan had the ball on the left wing and crossed to find Jones nip in front of his marker and head it home as the keeper's fingertips were unable to keep the ball out of the back of the net. Loughgall got themselves a point as they pushed on late in the second half, where Ferguson in defence sent the ball forward as it found Hillen who ran onto it and slotted it calmly past the keeper who rushed out to the huge relief of the away fans at pulling off a snatch and grab draw out of nothing.
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Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Elliott Morris and Andrew Ferguson were named in the Team of the Week.
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Player Returns From Injury:
Conor Glenholmes has begun full training following his lay-off from a back strain.
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Saturday 18th November 2017:
Northern Irish Intermediate Cup 2nd Round:
Loughgall Comfortable In Victory!
Loughgall controlled the game and never looked like losing, defending well from the back and not allowing the minnows any sniff at goal as they secure a victory to see them into the next round of the Intermediate Cup.
The only goal of the game came in the 4th minute as Burns whipped a ball in behind the defence from the right side, where Johnston ran in behind and was able to help it on past the keeper and score a good goal.
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Northern Irish Intermediate Cup 3rd Round Draw:
Crusaders Reserves vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Saturday 23rd December 2017.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Ballyclare vs Loughgall NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 26th December 2017 due to the clash with the Crusaders Reserves vs Loughgall Intermediate Cup match.
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Smith Marks Century In Management:
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Player Leaves Club:
Loughgall have announced that right-back Sean Roddy has joined Ards Rangers on a free transfer, sending shock to the fans who expected him to stay with the club after putting in a number of good displays lately. Roddy was part of the side that won the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup in 2017 under current manager, John Smith.
This will surely allow new signing, Ben Wilson to step up and make his debut as he tries to fill his shoes with little else to compete now for that position in the side.
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Tuesday 21st November 2017:
Northern Irish Championship League Match #14:
Loughgall Lose At Home!
Loughgall and Donegal had little chances in the match, but it was Donegal who came away with all three points thanks to a goal in the first half of the game. Loughgall's manager will be looking at this match as disappointing considering it to be his 100th game in charge and one he'll quickly want to forget.
The goal came in the 29th minute as Carlin sent over a free-kick from the left side as Loughgall's players rushed out without noticing Campbell who stayed onside and got on the end to cooly put it past the keeper and give the away side the victory and points on the day.
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Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Elliott Morris was named in the Team of the Week.
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Player Suspended:
Loughgall's Matty Lowe has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
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Saturday 25th November 2017:
Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup 1st Round:
Loughgall Seal Win!
Loughgall will have found themselves lucky to have come away from todays cup tie with a win and see them through to the next round after a smash and grab goal in extra-time.
Burns was the winner on the day, as in the 110th minute McMahon ran towards the box where he played Burns in who just got ahead of his marker and was able to get his toe to the ball and send it past the keeper to secure the win.
After the match, Dungannon's manager was unhappy with the state of the pitch but stated that he did feel Loughgall deserved the goal they got at the end of the day.
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Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Quarter Final Draw:
Dollingstown or Warrenpoint vs Loughgall
The tie to be played in January 2018.
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New Appointments/Firings:
01/11 - Brighton have assigned Remi Garde as their new manager.
03/11 - Boston Utd have unveiled Simon Mensing as their new manager.
04/11 - Nottingham Forest have announced the departure of their manager Alexander Zickler.
09/11 - Mansfield have unveiled Ian Dawes as their new manager after leaving Chester.
12/11 - Shelbourne FC have parted company with manager Larry Mahoney.
12/11 - Finn Harps have sacked their manager John Frances Doogan.
12/11 - Drogheda United have announced the departure of their manager Gary Rogers.
17/11 - Birmingham City have announced the appointment of Tim Sherwood as their new manager.
18/11 - Stockport have appointed Alex Hay as their new manager.
18/11 - Raith Rovers have announced the appointment of Danny Lennon as their new manager.
21/11 - Glenavon have sacked their manager Stephen McBride.
30/11 - Glentoran have parted ways with their manager Darren Kelly.
30/11 - Bromley have sacked their manager Mark Goldberg.
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International Friendlies:
Russia 1 - 1 England
France 2 - 0 Northern Ireland
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guk99
December 2017:
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Saturday 2nd December 2017:
Northern Irish Cup 4th Round:
Loughgall Stylish In Big Win!
Loughgall saw off minnows Lower Maze in style as they put four goals past the smaller side to secure themselves into the next round of the Irish Cup.
The first came from a free-kick in the 13th minute, as Beacom played it into the box from the left side of midfield where Hillen got to it and sent it to goal - only to see the keeper pull off a good save, but Armstrong followed up and cracked it into the net to score his first goal for the club.
The second came in the 20th minute, as Beacom was once again instrumental as he drove down the left wing and crossed as this time Hillen's powerful header was able to sail into the far corner of the net and secure a 2-0 lead. Loughgall were 3-0 up by half-time when Beacom drove off on another run before crossing to the far post where Burns came running in to score and put away any doubts of Maze Town making a comeback.
Just after half-time, Donnelly sent the ball into the box where it found Gallagher who turned his man on the spot and struck a sweet shot that flew past the keeper to give the away side something to remember on the day. But this was Beacom's day as he picked up Man of the Match as he collected it on the left side and sent it to the far post where Carville saw his shot saved and an almighty scramble for the ball saw it end up in the net by Lynch in defence who held his head in his arms in defeat.
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Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Quarter Final Draw:
Dollingstown vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Saturday 20th January 2018.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Loughgall vs Distillery NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 16th January 2018 due to the clash with the Dollingstown vs Loughgall Mid Ulster Cup match.
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Saturday 9th December 2017:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Match #15:
Loughgall Upset Leaders!
Loughgall came away from Inver Park, home of league leaders Larne after snatching a goal and three points as they limited the home side to just a single shot on target throughout the entire match.
The only goal came in the 13th minute as Hillen outside the box was able to turn sharply and play in Burns who was unmarked on the edge as he drove inside and slotted it home to give the away fans the delight of picking up a good victory against the leaders.
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Loughgall's Players Named In Team of the Week:
Andrew Ferguson, David Armstrong and Ross Black were named in the Team of the Week.
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Northern Irish Cup 5th Round Draw:
Ballymena Utd vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Saturday 6th January 2018.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Dungannon vs Loughgall NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 2nd January 2018 due to the clash with the Ballymena Utd vs Loughgall Irish Cup match.
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Tuesday 12th December 2017:
Nothern Irish League Cup Semi-Finals:
Loughgall Unlucky In Defeat!
Loughgall pushed Coleraine of the Dankse Bank Premier League all the way, but in the end they just failed to secure a final place as they saw themselves go out on Penalties after putting up a good battle in a great match between two top sides.
Loughgall took the lead in the 13th minute when Beacom played it across for Hillen to head it home to take a 1-0 lead. Coleraine saw a lucky break in the 19th minute, when a ball crossed by Leonard saw a clearance deflect off McMahon in the box and land at the feet of Hale who needed two chances to put it past the keeper and equalize for his side.
Loughgall retook the lead just before half-time as Carville played in burns who ran past his marker and slotted it around the keeper to put his side back in front. Coleraine will have to send a thank you card to Loughgall after this match though, as they saw their mistake once more lead to an equalizer in the 85th minute. A corner played in saw Law's strike well saved, which rebounded and bounced around before an attempted clearance saw it come off Burns and into his own net to bring them back level.
In the penalty shoot-out that followed, Burns saw his penalty kick saved, then Hale saw his potential winning spot kick saved also as it went to sudden death. Armstrong finally saw his kick saved by the keeper, which allowed Moan to drive it home and secure the final for Coleraine in a match they will have considered themselves lucky to have won.
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Cup Run Reward:
Loughgall have been given £2.41k after losing against Coleraine in the Northern Irish League Cup Semi Final.
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Player Injured:
Gary Henderson has suffered a bruised rib after jumping for a header during the match against Ards Reserves in a B match. He will be out of action for 11-14 days.
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Job Interview:
Airdrieonians Chairman Tom Wotherspoon has invited Loughgall's manager, John Smith to attend an interview with Airdrie's board as they wish to discuss the possibility of becoming their new manager. It is understood Smith has accepted the opportunity to be interviewed, claiming jobs like this do not come along every day.
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Saturday 23rd December 2017:
Nothern Irish Intermediate Cup 3rd Round:
Loughgall Edge Nervy Cup Tie!
Loughgall, despite seeing themselves knocked out of the semi-final in their previous match were able to raise their game slightly and see off Crusaders Reserves in a nervy game that ended 2-1.
Loughgall took the lead in the 6th minute as they attacked with the ball which found Burns, named Man of the Match who whipped it in from the right wing to find Beacom at the left post to slide it home. They could have taken a 2-0 lead in the 31st minute as Friars brought down Hillen in the box only to have Beacom's penalty kick saved by Quinn to keep them in the match.
Loughgall were able to take a 2-0 lead eventually from a throw-in near the halfway line as it was played forward where Hillen was smart enough to head the ball on towards Burns who ran in behind everyone and strike it into a virtually open net as the keeper rushed out and misjudged the ball's path.
Crusaders saw them pull a goal back in the 54th minute to create an edgy atmosphere thereafter as Verner scored from a scrambled corner kick to bring them within touching distance - but in the end they couldn't find the one more they needed as Loughgall saw themselves over the line to win and guide themselves into the next round of the compeition.
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Northern Irish Intermediate Cup 4th Round Draw:
Derriaghy C.C.F.C. vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Saturday 27th January 2018.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Dungannon vs Loughgall NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 2nd January 2018 due to the clash with the Ballymena Utd vs Loughgall Irish Cup match.
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Job Interview:
Barry Town Chairman Mathew Sheehan has invited Loughgall's manager, John Smith to attend an interview with Barry's board as they wish to discuss the possibility of becoming their new manager. Barry Town currently stand in 12th spot, last place with slim chance of survival this season in the Dafabet Welsh Premier League division.
It is understood John Smith has declined the invitation.
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Job Interview Failed:
Loughgall's manager, John Smith has been informed that Airdrieonians board have carried out the interview process and decided against offering the job. They have hired Gavin Arthur as their new manager.
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Saturday 26th December 2017:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Match #16:
Loughgall Fight For Draw!
Ballyclare will have hoped for a win, but came out of todays game with a draw in this boxing day clash. Gardiner scored the opener for the home side in the 11th minute from the penalty spot after Black clattered McIlveen inside the box as the referee pointed straight to the spot.
McConnell played Carville inside, who grabbed Man of the Match in the 70th minute which allowed him space to take aim and strike it low into the far corner past the keeper's fingertips to bring Loughgall level and give them a good point away to Ballyclare.
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Player Injured:
Sean Cleary has suffered a bruised head after the defensive midfielder landed heavily during a training session. He will be out of action for 9-12 days.
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Player Injured:
Goalkeeper Elliott Morris has sustained a chest injury while lifting weights during training. He will be out of action for upto 4 weeks.
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Job Interview:
Newtown Chairman Elwyn Preece has invited Loughgall's manager, John Smith to attend an interview with Newtown's board as they wish to discuss the possibility of becoming their new manager. Newtown currently stand in 11th spot, 2nd from bottom with only a hope of survival this season in the Dafabet Welsh Premier League division.
It is understood John Smith has declined the invitation.
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New Appointments/Firings:
02/12 - Liverpool have sacked manager Paco Jemez after players lost confidence in him.
02/12 - Leamington have sacked their manager Carl MacAuley.
02/12 - Drogheda Utd have hired Kevin Deery as their new manager.
04/12 - Raith Rovers have unveiled Colin Cameron as their new manager.
04/12 - Hearts of Midlothian have sacked their manager Billy Stark.
05/12 - Stockport have announced Keith Briggs as their new manager.
05/12 - Chester have unveiled John Askey as their new manager.
05/12 - Macclesfield have parted company with their manager Darren Peacock.
05/12 - Finn Harps have unveiled Steven Gray as their new manager.
06/12 - Shelbourne have promoted Martin Murray to the role of manager.
07/12 - Glenavon have named Gary Haveron as their new manager after leaving Warrenpoint.
08/12 - Notthingham Forest have appointed Quique Flores as their new manager.
09/12 - Luton have sacked manager Adrian Boothroyd.
09/12 - Airdrie have departed company with their manager Gary Bollan.
12/12 - Liverpool have unveiled Frank de Boer as their new manager after leaving Crystal Palace.
17/12 - Aberdeen have sacked their manager George Burley.
18/12 - Glentoran have unveiled Paul Gaston as their new manager.
19/12 - Leamington have named Mark Hawkes as their new manager after leaving Kingstonian.
22/12 - Crystal Palace have unveiled David Moyes as their new manager.
23/12 - Doswell have dismissed Paul Doswell from his job as manager.
23/12 - Hednesford have sacked their manager Nicky Law.
23/12 Truro have terminated the contract of their manager Shaun Reid.
23/12 - Aston Villa have parted company with their manager Carlo Ancelotti.
24/12 - Hearts have unveiled Paul Lambert as their new manager.
25/12 - Macclesfield Town have brought Adam Murray back to the club as their new manager.
25/12 - Warrenpoint unveil Liam Feeney as their new manager.
26/12 - Airdrieonians have unveiled Gavin Arthur as their new manager.
27/12 - Luton Town have appointed Paul Ince as their new manager.
28/12 - Sigo Rovers have announced Eddie Wallace has left the club as manager and retired.
30/12 - Abderdeen have unveiled Alex McLeish as their new manager.
30/12 - Watford have sacked their manager Fernando Hierro.
30/12 - Charlton Athletic have dismissed manager Karel Fraeye.
30/12 - Burton Albion have parted company with their manager Jackie McNamara.
30/12 - Albion Rovers have sacked manager George Borg.
30/12 - Chesterfield have dismissed manager Dean Saunders.
30/12 - Bromley have named Daryl McMahon as their new manager after leaving Ebbsfleet.
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World Cup Group Stage Draw:
Group E:
England (8th), Argentina (1st), Congo (49th), Costa Rica (23rd)
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guk99
January 2018:
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Tuesday 2nd January 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Match #17:
Loughgall Held To Draw!
Loughgall will have considered themselves slightly unfortunate to only collect a point in a match they could have won had it not been for a late equalizer.
Loughgall took the lead in the 33rd minute as Burns broke free down the right wing and had plenty of time to pick his spot, where he saw Hillen and played it into the box for him to head into the near post to give the away side the lead. Dungannon came level and secured a point for their side late in the 86th minute when a corner was cleared but they held the ball well and attacked once more where it found Quinn who found Carney on the far post who headed it home to the delight of the home fans.
After the game, Loughgall's manager was said to be angry at letting the lead slip away in a match they dominated and claimed they should have got more out of it while Dungannon manager, Chris McConnell agreed that his side were lucky to have escaped with a point and Loughgall should have won it. Matty Lowe picked up Man of the Match for his domineering performance in midfield for Loughall.
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Saturday 6th January 2018:
Nothern Irish Cup 5th Round:
Loughgall Crash Out Of Cup!
Loughgall were 2-0 down and looked buried at half-time as they struggled to overcome powerful side Ballymena Utd in this cup tie that saw Loughgall crash out of the cup for another year.
Ballymena controlled the match from kick-off, and it was in the 29th minute when a ball that should have been cleared found it's way from Casement's ball over the top towards Shevlin who found space as he drove inside the box and slotted it past the keeper. The second, and killer goal came just before half-time when Clarke collected the ball from a throw-in deep in Loughgall's half before he turned and played it into the box for Cushley who took a step to the side and drove it into the low corner to secure the win.
McMahon, who despite being named Man of the Match saw himself on the scoresheet brought a glimmer of hope to the away side in the 89th minute from a free-kick crossed in by Burns as he broke behind the wall and headed past the keeper to score a goal which in the end couldn't help his side as they walked away and out of the cup.
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Job Interview:
Albion Rovers Chairman Pat Gillooly has invited Loughgall's manager, John Smith to attend an interview with Albion's board as they wish to discuss the possibility of becoming their new manager. Albion currently stand in 10th spot, last place with slight chance of survival this season in the Ladbrokes League 2 (Scotland).
It is understood John Smith has declined the invitation.
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Players Sold:
Loughgall have announced that full back Ross Black has joined Institute on a free transfer. Loughgall's supporters and manager are understood to be very unhappy with this decision to leave the club at this time.
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Match Postponed:
The match between Loughgall vs Distillery has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Lakeview Park. The fixture has been re-arranged for Tuesday 30th January 2018.
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Player Injured:
Aaron Sills has suffered a damaged heel after being on the receiving end of a tackle in the match against Lurgan Celtic Reserves in a B match. He will be out of action for 2-3 weeks.
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Job Interview:
FC United of Manchester's Chairman Andy Walsh has invited Loughgall's manager, John Smith to attend an interview with United's board as they wish to discuss the possibility of becoming their new manager. United currently stand in 20th spot, 3rd from bottom in the relegation zone in the Vanarama National League North - with a chance of still escaping the battle.
It is understood John Smith has declined the invitation.
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Saturday 20th January 2018:
Nothern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Quarter-Final:
Loughgall See Off Dollingstown!
Loughgall's Hillen scored a brace to secure a good win for his side in a comfortable match that never really saw them need to get into second gear to win the match, as it sees them go into another semi-final of a cup competition.
The first came in the 23rd minute when Burns crossed from the right edge of the box which passed everyone - including the keeper who let it go only to see Hillen slide in and knock it into the empty net. He scored his second of the day on the 36th minute when Henderson played a ball over the top and he rounded the keeper to cooly slide it home and secure the win, as well as pick up the Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.
Dollingstown could have scored a concelation goal, when in the 86th minute Burns was adjudged to have pushed Walker in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Montgomery stepped up only to see Buchanan - who has a fantastic penalty save record stop the ball getting past him and clear it to keep a clean sheet.
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Player Returns From Injury:
Goalkeeper Elliott Morris has begin full training following his lay-off from a chest injury.
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Northern Irish League Cup Winners:
Crusaders have won the Northern Irish League Cup after a 5-1 mauling over Coleraine at Solitude.
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Northern Irish League Cup Review:
Loughgall were named by FourFourTwo as one of the overachievers in the competition.
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Northern Irish League Cup Payout:
Loughgall have paid out £725 to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after reaching the Semi-Final in the League Cup.
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Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Semi-Final Draw:
Loughgall vs Glenavon
The tie to be played on Tuesday 27th February 2018.
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Saturday 20th January 2018:
Nothern Irish Mid Ulster Intermediate Cup 4th Round:
Loughgall Ease Into Next Round!
Loughgall secured a 1-0 victory against lowely side Derriaghy to secure a place in the Quarter-Finals of the Intermediate Cup for another year.
Glenholmes drove at the defence in the 29th minute as he played in Johnston who saw his strike from close range stopped by the keeper - only to have Carville run in and snatch the rebound into the net to secure the win and help him pick up Man of the Match in a game his side never looked like losing.
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Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Quarter-Final Draw:
Glebe vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Saturday 17th February 2018.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Portstewart vs Loughgall NIFL Championship League 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 13th February due to the clash with the Glebe vs Loughgall Intermediate Cup match.
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New Signing:
Loughgall have announced that full-back Dale Montgomery has agreed terms with the club on a free transfer.
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New Staff Member:
Loughgall have announced that Gerard Stevenson has agreed terms with the club to become a Physio. Dundela will receive £1,900 in compensation for their loss.
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Player Returns From Injury:
Aaron Sills has begin full training following his lay-off from a damaged heel.
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Match Postponed:
The match between Loughgall vs Distillery has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Lakeview Park. The fixture has been re-arranged for Friday 9th February 2018.
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New Appointments/Firings:
01/01 - Oxford United have terminated the contract of manager Chris Wider.
02/01 - Gap Connah Quay have parted company with manager Andy Morrison.
05/01 - Kingstonian have hired Alan Devonshire as their new manager.
06/01 - Brackley have named Jimmy Albans as their new manager.
07/01 - Truro have unveiled Adam Flanagan as their new manager.
09/01 - Aston Villa have comfirmed Roberto Donadoni as their new manager after leaving Bologna.
12/01 - York have unveiled Andy Scott as their new manager after leaving Hartlepool.
12/01 - Sutton Utd have announced Mark Goldberg as their new manager.
13/01 - Hednesford have unveiled Tim Harris as their new manager after leaving Gloucester.
13/01 - Portsmouth have sacked their manager Paul Cook.
13/01 - Bala Town have sacked manager Colin Caton.
13/01 - Wycombe Wanderers have dismissed their manager Gareth Ainsworth.
13/01 - Watford have unveiled Carlo Ancelotti as their new manager.
14/01 - Charlton Athletic have announced Jean-Francois Gillet as their new manager.
14/01 - Ebbsfleet have unveiled John Eustace as their new manager.
14/01 - Bristol Rovers have unveiled Darrell Clarke as their new manager.
14/01 - Hibernian have announced Ian Murray as their new manager after leaving St. Mirren.
15/01 - Albion Rovers have unveiled Jim Chapman as their new manager after leaving East Stirlingshire.
16/01 - Sligo Rovers have unveiled Aaron Callaghan as their new manager.
17/01 - Chesterfield have unveiled John Morling as their new manager.
17/01 - Rangers have announced Maurice Malpas has been sacked as manager.
18/01 - Burton have unveiled Dean Smith as their new manager.
20/01 - Maidenhead have hired Rob Smith as their new manager.
20/01 - Plymouth have sacked manager Derek Adams.
20/01 - Solihull Moors have terminated the contract of their manager Dennis Greene.
20/01 - Ilkeston have sacked manager Justin Merritt.
20/01 - West Bromwich Albion have dismissed manager Tony Pulis.
24/01 - Morecambe have unveiled Kevin Blackwell as their new manager.
26/01 - Corby have unveiled Steve Housham as their new manager.
26/01 - Portsmouth have unveiled Matty Taylor as their new manager.
28/01 - St. Mirren have appointed Ian Murray in temporary charge of first-team affairs.
29/01 - Gloucester have hired Kevin Wilson as their new manager.
30/01 - FC United have confirmed Billy Heath as their new manager after leaving North Ferriby.
31/01 - Rangers have unveiled George Burley as their new manager.
31/01 - East Stirlingshire have named Craig Tully as their new manager.
31/01 - Wycombe Wanderers have named Jim Bentley as their new manager after leaving Fleetwood.
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End of Year World Awards:
World Golden Ball Award
1st: Lionel Messi. (FC. Barcelona)
2nd: Christiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
3rd: James Rodriguez (R. Madrid)
World Player of the Year Award
1st: Lionel Messi. (FC. Barcelona)
2nd: James Rodriguez (R. Madrid)
3rd: Christiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
European Golden Boy Award
Abdelhak Nouri (AFC Ajax)
World Team of the Year Award:
M. Neuer (Bayern Munich)
Marcelo (R. Madrid), L. Bonucci (Juventus), A. Laporte (Man Utd), Marquinhos (PSG)
K. DeBruyne (Man City), A. Florenzi (Man City)
C. Ronaldo (R. Madrid), Neymar (FC Barcelona), J. Rodriguez (R. Madrid)
L. Messi (FC Barcelona)
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guk99
February 2018:
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Saturday 3rd February 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Match #18:
Loughgall Go Down With Ease!
Loughgall were helpless as they were destroyed by Annagh in this league encounter. Although Annagh looked dominant throughout, it wasn't until the 57th minute that they scored when a corner by Donnelly found Stretton in the box who headed home to give them the lead.
The second goal came ten minutes later when in the 69th minute the ball was passed around outside the box before it found Magee who played it back inside for Forsyth who turned and struck a sweet strike into the far corner to secure the good win for the away side as Loughgall couldn't raise their game to put up any form of a fight.
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Friday 9th February 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Match #19:
Loughgall Edge Out Opponents!
Loughgall took the game to Distillery at Lakeview Park and picked up the three points to help them in the league as Hillen scored a brace to give them a valuable win.
The first goal came in the 14th minute, when Henderson picked up on a loose pass in his own half as he saw the opening and played it forward towards Hillen who was in-between the two defenders spaced out and allowed to run onto the ball and through on goal. Closed down just at the edge of the box, Hillen took his strike and smashed it low into the corner to help Loughgall take the lead.
Hillen scored his second, when Glenholmes collected the ball on the left side and played him in as he paced past his marker and into the box before curling the shot around the keeper and into the net. Distillery pulled one back in the 72nd minute when a ball played across was not defended well and allowed Smyth to collect and turn to play it back towards O'Sullivan who cracked it home from close range to score but his side couldn't find that important equalizer as Loughgall held out for a win.
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Tuesday 13th February 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Match #20:
Loughgall Rescue Point!
Loughgall rescured a point away to Portstewart at Seahaven today that saw the home side the better of the two and will be disappointed at not securing the three points on the day, while Matty Lowe dominated the midfield for Loughgall and secured the title of Man of the Match.
Portstewart played it out from defence that saw the ball swing from the left side to right wing where Donnell whipped it to the far post and find Donan running in and smash it past the keeper to give the home side the lead. Loughgall secured a point through sloppy play by the home side that allowed them the ball and they drove on as Carville saw a magnificent strike from a good 40 yards out hit the post, rebound off the back of the keeper as Hillen rushed in and able to knock it into the net from close range to give the away side a point from nothing.
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Saturday 17th February 2018:
Nothern Irish Intermediate Cup Quarter-Final:
Loughgall Save Cup Run!
Loughgall had to come from behind after a poor first-half display to fight back and see them into the semi-finals of the Intermediate Cup once more as they saw off Glebe at Riada Stadium.
Glebe scored the first goal that shocked the away side in the 11th minute when a ball by Ewart was played inside to Mawhinney who struck it sweetly as it sliced into the near post to give them the lead. Loughgall fought back minutes into the second-half when Henderson played it out to Glenholmes on the left wing, who crossed to the near post to find Hillen drive forward and slot it home to bring them level.
Loughgall finally secured the comeback to see them into the semi-finals in injury time, when in the 116th minute Beacom crossed from the right byline to find Glenholmes come in and smash it inside the net to give the away team some breathing room as they sailed onto the final whistle and secure a place in the next round.
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Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Semi-Final Draw:
Ballymoney United vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Tuesday 13th March 2018.
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Tuesday 27th February 2018:
Nothern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Semi-Final:
Loughgall Take The Spoils!
Loughgall put on a display that any manager would have been proud of, as they blew away the Danske Bank Premier League side Glenavon with ease to secure a spot in the final of the Mid Ulster Cup.
Although Loughgall looked comfortable throughout the game, it took till the second-half to find their feet in front of goal. They scored their first when McNally tried to play it past Burns who blocked the pass and it fell to Hillen who ran onto the ball and drive towards the box. He got inside, before rounding the keeper and taking him out of position to score into an empty net.
The seond goal saw Carville play Glenholmes through from the left wing as he slotted it past the keeper to the shock of the Glenavon fans but ecstasy of the Loughgall fans. They sealed the win in style when Glenholmes corner was met by McMahon's thumping header that flew into the back of the net.
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Player Suspended:
Midfielder Matthew McMahon has been given an automatic one match ban after being sent off in the cup match with Glenavon.
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Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Final:
Portadown vs Loughgall
The tie to be played on Thursday 29th March 2018.
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New Appointments/Firings:
10/02 - Bradford PA have hired Anthony Johnson.
12/02 - Plymouth have announced Warren Feeney as their new manager after leaving Dagenham & Redbridge.
13/02 - Clyde have unveiled James McFadden as their new manager after leaving Elgin City.
14/02 - Welling have unveiled Gavin Rose as their new manager after leaving Dulwich Hamlet.
17/02 - North Ferriby have signed Marcus Law as their new manager.
18/02 - Hartlepool have unveiled Lee Johnson as their new manager.
19/02 - Margate have hired Hayden Bird as their new manager after leaving Whitehawk.
21/02 - Fleetwood have unveiled Declan Farmer as their new manager after leaving Northampton.
23/02 - Notts County have announced John Coleman as their new manager after leaving Accrington.
24/02 - Worcester have unveiled Carl Heeley as their new manager.
24/02 - Stranraer have sacked their manager Brian Reid.
24/02 - Knockbreda unveil Stephen Uprichard as their new manager.
24/02 - Salford have signed David Bayliss as their new manager.
26/02 - Bristol City have unveiled Kristian O'Leary as their new manager.
27/02 - Shrewsbury have sacked their manager John Dreyer.
27/02 - Dagenham & Redbridge have announced John Sheridan as their new manager.
28/02 - Gateshead have unveiled Paul Cox as their new manager.
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guk99
March 2018:
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Saturday 3rd March 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Match #21:
Loughgall Lose Big Match!
Loughgall may have put in two good displays to win in their previous matches, but fell back to earth with a crash as they saw their side lose to Institute in a disaster of a match for them.
Some nice passing by Institute saw Mitchell play in Hume who struck it well past the keeper to give the home side the lead. Doherty finished the game off in the 72nd minute from a free-kick by Black that found him at the far post as he smashed it into the net to secure the win and three points against a lasklustre Loughgall side.
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Saturday 3rd March 2018:
Nothern Irish Intermediate Cup Semi-Final:
Loughgall Need Pens To Reach Final Again!
Loughgall reached the final of the Intermediate Cup for the second year running, but it took penalties to get there and an own goal as they have a chance of retaining their cup.
Ballymoney Utd took the lead in the 35th minute after a cross found McDowell inside the box whose shot was blocked only to see McCann drive into the box and sent it into the back of the net. Loughgall came back in the 80th minute as they broke forward with the ball as Hillen found Ferguson, who played in Carville who was nominated as Man of the Match as his shot looked to have been possibly saved by the keeper, only to see it deflect off the defender and see it go into the back of the net.
In extra-time, Carville scored to put Loughgall in the lead in the 100th minute as Ferguson crossed to find him in the box and he slotted it home. In the 109th minute, Connor played in Mitchell who drove on and was able to slide it past the keeper who rushed out to bring his side level and take it into the penalty shoot-out.
Penalties saw the first three men, one from Loughgall and two from Ballymoney have their spotkicks saved - before McDowells kick later was saved and Hillen stepped up to send his side into the final of the competition and hope of winning it.
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Player Suspended:
Defender David Armstrong has been given an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
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Match Postponed:
The match between Loughgall vs Knockbreda has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Lakeview Park. The fixture has been re-arranged for Tuesday 20th March 2018.
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Players Sold/Left:
Loughgall have announced that full centre-back Cathal McQuillan has joined Ards Rangers on a free transfer after struggling to find himself break into the first team.
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Tuesday 20th March 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League - Match #22:
Loughgall Fire Four Past Knockbreda!
Loughgall finished off the normal season with four great goals to send the home fans away happy against Knockbreda on a slightly damp evening at Lakeview Park.
The opener in the 17th minute came from a counter as Clarke played it forward for Hillen to get onto, as he sent it across to the far edge of the box where Burns put his laces through it and see it fly into the far corner to give them the perfect start to a big match. In the 27th minute, Ferguson converted from the Penalty spot to give the home side a 2-0 lead after Heneghan clattered Hillen inside the box and the referee gave the penalty kick to Loughgall.
A third came not long after in the 34th minute, when Montgomery's free-kick was played forward to Burns who played it to Hillen who latched onto it in the box and cracked it into the near post past the keeper. The final goal came just before half-time in the 45th minute as Burns, named Man of the Match was able to cross as it found the head of Hillen who nodded it home to secure a huge win for the home side.
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Player Suspended:
Midfielder Matthew McMahon has been given an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
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NIFL C1 Prepares For Stage II:
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Player Injured:
Sean Cleary has suffered a sprained ankle after jumping for a header during the match against Sport & Leasure Reserves in a B game. He will be out of action for 7-9 weeks.
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Thursday 29th March 2018:
Nothern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Final:
Loughgall Lose On Penalties!
Loughgall gave it all but just couldn't pull off the upset as Portadown secured a cup victory in the final played at the Newry Snowgrounds on a breezy and wet evening.
Both goals came in the first hald as a corner went over everyone before Breen got to the ball, turned and sent it back in where it found Stafford who drove it home to give Portadown the lead in the 22nd minute. Burns, captain of Loughgall brought his side back level in the 29th minute after a nice ball played to him by Carville saw him get inside the box and smash it home to give his side hope.
A second half and extra-time was unable to break either side down before the match went into Penalties. Despite Loughgall's good times from the spot in the cup runs of past, they were unable to pull off another as they saw their side fall at the final hurdle of the game.
Thompson and Redman (Portadown) as well as Anderson and Montgomery (Loughgall) saw their early kicks saved, before Hillen saw his shot well saved for Paton to step up and secure glory for Portadown as he slotted it home and ran to celebrate with his players and fans.
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Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Payout:
Loughgall have paid out £1.2k to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after finishing runners-up in the Mid Ulster Cup.
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New Appointments/Firings:
13/03 - Shrewsbury Town have unveiled Paul Konchesky as their new manager.
15/03 - Arbroath have unveiled Barry Ferguson as their new manager after leaving Stirling.
15/03 - Accrington have named John Dreyer as their new manager.
16/03 - Worcester have unveiled Steve Castle as their new manager.
17/03 - Altrincham have sacked their manager Matt Jansen.
17/03 - Millwall have sacked manager Mark Cooper.
20/03 - Dollingstown have appointed Dean Smith as their new manager.
29/03 - Berwich hire Jason Dair as their new manager after leaving Montrose.
31/03 - Bangor City have sacked their manager Neville Powell
31/03 - Dorchester have unveiled Jamie Howell as their new manager.
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International Friendlies:
England 4 - 1 Iran
Georgia 1 -1 Northern Ireland
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Andrew♣
guk99
April 2018:
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Manager To Leave?:
Loughgall's chairman, Aaron Butcher is rumoured to have invited manager John Smith into discuss a renewal of contract talks with the club's board today - but rumours are circulating that Smith has declined to discuss the situation at this time with the club.
Inside sources are saying that Smith believes he has taken the club as far as he can and wants a fresh start elsewhere. With the manager making headway with Loughgall over the past two years, reaching several semi-finals and finals of cup competitions - while also winning one last season, and the chance of another this season - Smith could be a wanted man by some of the lower league clubs elsewhere in the country.
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Board Unhappy With Manager Speaking Out!:
Loughgall's board are believed to be reportedly upset to hear that manager, John Smith has publicly stated that he would be interested in managing Bangor City in the Welsh Premier Division.
The directors feel that Smith still has a job to do at Lakeview Park and he should remain true to the club's players and fans by remaining where he is.
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Tuesday 3rd April 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Stage II: Playoff Match #1:
Loughgall Crash & Burn!
Loughgall crashed to a heavy defeat in the opening match of the Stage II playoff games to Institute, despite taking a 2-0 lead in the match at the Riverside Stadium.
Hillen scored a belter of an opener in the 1st minute, just 38 seconds on the clock when he struck a sweet shot from outside the box that saw it fly into the top right corner to open the scoring in the game. Loughgall bided their time and held onto the ball in the 4th minute when a ball forward from Henderson was stopped by King - but his block was put into the path of Hillen who slid it home to score his second of the game and put Loughgall 2-0 up with just 5 minutes gone.
In the 15th minute, Institute pulled one back on their fightback as Forker played the ball to Rooney inside the box who got past his man and drove it into the near post to score. They pulled level just a minute later when a cross was cleared out of the box only to see Wright strike it on the volley and smash it into the roof of the net to bring his team back into the match.
Institute took the lead for the first time in the 40th minute in exactly the same way as before, where Forker found the ball on the right wing and sent it in to Rooney who broke free and stuck it in the same place as his first. Rooney got his hat-trick in the 67th minute from a free-kick by Hume who sent it into the box where he struck it home from close range to give the home side the win and shock Loughgall in the fightback that didn't look on after only 5 minutes in.
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Job Interview:
Altrincham Chairman Adam Hanson has invited Loughgall's manager, John Smith to attend an interview with Altrincham's board as they wish to discuss the possibility of becoming their new manager. Altrincham currently stand in 8th spot in the Vanarama National League North, just 8 points off the play offs with 4 games left.
It is understood John Smith has attended the interview and awaits the outcome.
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Job Interview:
Montrose Chairman Derek Smith has invited Loughgall's manager, John Smith to attend an interview with Montrose's board as they wish to discuss the possibility of becoming their new manager. Montrose currently stand in 8th spot in the Vanarama Ladbrokes League 2 (Scotland), just 5 points off the relegation spot with 3 games left.
It is understood John Smith has attended the interview and awaits the outcome.
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Job Interview Failed:
Loughgall's manager, John Smith has been informed that Altrincham's board have carried out the interview process and decided against offering the job. They have hired Tommy Wright as their new manager.
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Tuesday 10th April 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Stage II: Playoff Match #2:
Loughgall Fail To Impress!
Loughgall had more possession than their opponents in the game, but saw themselves fall to another defeat in their final push to claim a playoff spot as they gave away a goal each half of the match.
The first came in the 35th minute as a Robinson free-kick saw it drive around the wall and into the net. The second came in the 68th minute when Scott played in Maguire through the centre who cooly slotted it past the keeper to give the away side a comfortable 2-0 win.
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Saturday 14th April 2018:
Nothern Irish Intermediate Cup Final:
Loughgall's Retain Imntermediate Cup!
A brace by striker Hillen, named Man of the Match was able to finally see off Knockbreda in the final played at the Seaview in today's Intermediate Cup final that saw Loughgall retain the title they won last year. Some will claim that Loughgall struck lucky with Knockbreda seeing their side down to ten men for the last half of the match, as well as extra-time but they possessed the most shots and could have scored by more on another day.
It took till early in the second half before the first goal was scored when a penalty was awarded to Knockbreda after Lowe clattered Phair inside the box as the referee pointed to the spot. Erwin stepped up to see his spotkick saved by Morris in goal, but he was able to get to the rebound and see it safely home to secure the opening goal for his side. Knockbreda went down to ten men in the 60th minute as McCullough upended Burns to pick up his second yellow card of the game - resulting in a red card and early bath which turned the game on it's head.
In the 62nd minute, Glenholmes cross found Hillen nip in as he stuck his foot out and see his shot ripple the back of the net to secure a comeback for Loughgall. In the opening minutes of extra-time, Hillen capitalized on a mistake in Knockbreda's defence as he ran onto a deflected clearance and sliced his shot in at the near post to score his second of the game and put his side in the lead.
Knockbreda's manager, Stephen Uprichard stated after the game that he believed the sending off of their man Steven McCullough was unjustified and the wrong decision which destroyed their game thereafter and allowed Loughgall back into the match. Loughgall's manager, John Smith was heard to say that while he was unclear on the sending off, he is delighted for his team at winning this competition for the second year running.
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Nothern Irish Intermediate Cup Winners:
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Fans Jubilant In Victory:
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Two Times Winners:
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Loughgall Rewarded:
Loughgall have been awarded £6.65k for playing in the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Final.
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Loughgall Rewarded:
Loughgall have been awarded £14.64k for winning against Knockbreda in the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Final.
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Board Happy With Intermediate Cup Win:
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Squad Bonus Payout:
Loughgall have paid out £4k to be shared among the squad on a pro-rate basis after winning the Intermediate Cup.
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Loughgall Set New Record:
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Players Leaves:
Loughgall have announced that winger Conor Glenholmes has left the club on a free transfer. It is understood he is upset with manager, John Smith who hasn't played him as much as he had hoped despite assurances in the issue and was left with no choice but to demand to leave the club with immediate effect.
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Tuesday 17th April 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Stage II: Playoff Match #3:
Loughgall Rescue Point!
Loughgall rescued a point against Limavady Utd today on a wet afternoon at Lakeview Park that has put a dent in their hopes of reaching the playoffs.
Sloppy passing allowed Limavady to break on Loughgall as Moore broke down the left side and played it into the box for Jennings to put it into the net and give the away side the lead. Loughgall struck level in injury time as they closed down the opposition, and they got the ball back. Burns picked up the ball in midfield, as he turned and looked forward before playing it through to Beacom who came in on the right wing and cooly slotted it past the keeper to secure a big point in the match for Loughgall in a game they looked dead and buried in.
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Player Suspended:
Declan Carville and Ben Willson have both been given an automatic one match ban after collecting 32 points. Meanwhile, Matty Lowe has been given an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
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Player Injured:
Gary Henderson has sustained a dislocated shoulder whilst being tackled in the match against Liverpool Under 21s in a B game. He will be out of action for 3 months.
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Player Injured:
Aaron Sills has suffered a facial injury after jumping for a header during the match against Liverpool Under 21s in a B game. He will be out of action for 12-15 days.
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Montrose Approach Loughgall Manager:
Montrose Chairman, Derek Sim is believed to have contacted John Smith, manager of Loughgall and offered him the job of becoming their next manager after being impressed with his record so far with his club.
It is understood that Smith has asked Montrose to put any talks of possibly taking over until the end of the season, as with only two games left in the Stage II play-offs for the NIFL C1 League - Loughgall have a very slim chance of still making the play-offs, albeit it will need a virtually impossible task of others performing poor against them and other teams helping them on the days in question.
Inside sources claim that Smith could make the jump to the Scottish Ladbrokes League 2 side at the end of the season when his contract runs out as he has struggled this season to get his team performing to the standards he's expected after such a good run last season, despite reaching one semi-final, two cup finals and also winning the Intermediate Cup for the second year running.
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Saturday 21st April 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Stage II: Playoff Match #5:
Loughgall Rescue Point!
Loughgall were almost down to bare bones in today's match with three players suspended and another three out with injuries picked up in the last week or so. Despite this, they put up a brave performance that saw them leave the field with a point but saw any chance to reach the playoffs go up in smoke as they have once again struggled to perform in the Stage II round for the second year running.
The game ended up a boring 0-0 draw, despite a few chances for either team but both struggled to make something out of the important game as they each walked away with a point while Anderson picked up Man of the Match for Loughgall in midfield.
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Loughgall Player Named In Team of the Week:
Gareth Buchanan was named in the Team of the Week.
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Saturday 28th April 2018:
Nothern Irish Championship League 1 - Stage II: Playoff Match #6:
Loughgall Fight To Win!
Loughgall played at the top of their game today as they beat the champions Dergview in the final match of the Stage II playoffs - which will be adding questions to manager John Smith as to why they waited till the last game of the season to get a result and play as they did today.
The only goal of the game came from a Penalty in the 7th minute, after Maxwell brought Burns down in the box as he drove in on goal. Ferguson stepped up and smashed it home to secure a big win for Loughgall, while Dergview failed to impress despite winning the league.
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Loughgall Player Named In Team of the Week:
Gareth Buchanan, Andrew Ferguson and Matthew McMahon were named in the Team of the Week.
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New Appointments/Firings:
01/04 - Stirling have unveiled Todd Lumsden as their new manager.
03/04 - Millwall have announced the appointment of Neil Lennon as their new manager.
03/04 - Bath City have hired Carl Heeley as their new manager.
06/04 - Hampton & Richmond have appointed David Holdsworth as their new manager.
09/04 - Altrincham have unveiled Tommy Wright as their new manager.
14/04 - Morecambe have sacked their manager Kevin Blackwell.
28/04 - Stockport have parted company with manager Keith Briggs.
28/04 - Birmingham City have sacked their manager Tim Sherwood.
28/04 - Bromley have dismissed manager Daryl McMahon.
28/04 - Mansfield have sacked manager Ian Dawes.
28/04 - Ayr United have sacked manager Paul Sheerin.
29/04 - Wakehurst have dismissed their manager Nail Amos.
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guk99
Post Season News/Reviews 2018:
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Manager To Leave?:
Loughgall's chairman, Aaron Butcher has invited manager John Smith to enter into discussions into a new contract with the club's board. It's believed he has declined the invitation to begin talks and rumours circulating around the area is that he could be on his way to Morton who have approached him to become their new manager.
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Nothern Irish Cup Winners:
Lurgan Celtic have won the Northern Irish Cup after a 1-0 win over Cliftonville at Windsor Park.
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Player of the Year Award:
West Bromwich Albion's Jonny Evans has won the Northern Irish Player of the Year award. The 30 year-old had a solid year, with an average rating of 7.22 in 27 games.
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Staff Members Sign New Deal:
Under 18s Manager Glenn Taggart
Scout Pat Wall
Under 18s Fitness Coach James Slater
Hea of Youth Development James Storey
Scout Paul Carlyle
Physio Gerard Stevenson
Assistant Manager Jason Lindsay
Under 18s Assistant Manager Jonathan Watson
Fitness Coach Conor McKee
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Staff Members Reject New Deal:
Head Physio Conor McCartney
Chief Scout Jim Kelly
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League Award:
Loughgall have been given £1.0ek for their final position in the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Top Goalscorer:
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New Appointments/Firings:
04/05 - St. Mirren have appointed Jeff Spiers as their new manager.
05/05 - Wycombe Wanderers have sacked their manager Jim Bentley.
06/05 - Blackburn fire their manager Aitor Karanka.
06/05 - Cambridge have sacked manager Guy Branston.
06/05 - Cheltenham Town have sacked their manager Steve Tilson.
06/05 - Ipswich Town have fired manager Mick McCarthy.
06/05 - Kidderminster have sacked manager Luke Gerrard.
06/05 - Portsmouth have dismissed manager Matty Taylor.
06/05 - Cliftonville have fired manager Michael Duff.
06/05 - St. Johnstone have sacked Malky Mackay as their manager.
07/05 - Morecambe have unveiled Lee Clark as their new manager.
09/05 - Cliftonville have announced Mark Duff as their new manager.
13/05 - Swansea City have sacked manager Huw Jenkins.
14/05 - Brentford have sacked their manager Lee Carsley.
15/05 - Arsenal have terminated the contract of their manager Jurgen Klopp.
15/05 - Middlesbrough have sacked their manager Nigel Clough.
15/05 - Carrick have sacked their manager Jimmy Quinn.
20/05 - Albion Rovers have sacked manager Jim Chapman.
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Best Player In Europe Awards
1. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
2. James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
3. Luis Suarez (FC Barcelona)
European Golden Shoe:
1. Ayoze Perez (Newcastle)
2. Jackson Martinez (Atletico Madrid)
3. Edinson Cavani (PSG)
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Other League/Cup Reviews:
European Champions Cup
Manchester City defeated Barcelona 1-0 to win the European Cup.
Euro Cup
Roma win 2-1 against Athletic Bilbao to win the Euro Cup.
Euro Super Cup
Wolfsburg won the Euro Super Cup after beating Chelsea 2-1.
English Premier Division
Chelsea were crowned once more as Champions of the Premiership with 28 wins and amassing 87 points, 8 points ahead of 2nd place Manchester Utd. Arsenal secured 3rd and Tottenham grabbed 4th to secure Champioins Cup spots. Manchester City (5th) and Southampton (6th) see them enter the Euro Cup, as well as Stoke (7th).
Brentford saw themselves relegated after winning just 5 games all season, while West Brom and Watford join them in the Championship. Bournemouth just survived by the skin of their teeth of 1 point to secure Premiership opponents next season once more.
English Sky Bet Championship
Cardiff saw themselves named Championship winners with 26 wins and 85 points, 3 points ahead of Leicester who join them in the Premiership. Hull saw off Derby in the playoff to secure their spot next season in the top league.
Scunthorpe found themselves relegated to League 1 after 10 wins in the season, falling 6 points behind Walsall who also join them moving down a division. Barnsley and Blackburn saw themselves ease away in the last few matches to escape the battle and continue in the Championship for another season.
Sky Bet League 1
As expected, Sunderland bounce back to the Championship by winning the league 1 title with 26 wins and 86 points, but just ahead by 2 points of 2nd place MK Dons who join them. Bolton saw off Preston to rise also.
Oxford, Portsmouth and Cambridge found themselves down the bottom and relegated to League 2.
Sky Bet League 2
Fleetwood walked away with the League 2 title with 24 wins and gaining 84 points, 7 points ahead of 2nd place Barnet who are also joined by Leyton Orient and Oldham to move up to League 1 next season.
Bristol Rovers couldn't find a win on the final day as they salvaged a point only to see them relegated by just 1 point from York who escaped even with a final day defeat.
Vanarama National League
Eastleigh were named Vanarama National League Champions with 30 wins from 46 games and 98 points, a good 9 points more than 2nd place. Gateshead secured promotion after winning the playoff despite finishing 3rd.
Southport, Stockport and Sutton Utd were all relegated from the division, while Chester and Oxford survived for another season in the league.
Vanarama National League North
AFC Fylde have won promotion by winning the league on 79 points, 2 more than their 2nd place opponents. Tamworth who finished 4th secured their promotion via the playoffs.
Ilkeston, Kettering and FC United saw themselves relegated whle Corby just scraped out with a final day draw.
Vanarama League South
Hemel Hempstead won promotion along with Maidenhead who won the playoffs, while Farnborough, Kingstonian and Whitehawk were relegated as Truro despite defeat just escaped the drop despite equal points with Whitehawk.
English FA Trophy
Man Utd beat Man City on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the curtain raiser Charity Shield.
English FA Cup
Watford surprised everyone when they beat Chelsea 2-1 in the final to win the FA Cup.
Capital One Cup
Man Utd beat Crystal Palace 3-1 to win the Capital One Cup.
Johnson's Paint Trophy
Bristol City defeated Rochdale 1-0 to win the cup.
English FA Trophy
Grimsby beat Wrexham 2-1 to win the trophy.
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Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership
Celtic retained the title again winning 24 games and on 80 points and entry into the Champions League, 18 points more than 2nd place Dundee Utd, while Dundee came 3rd to join their neighbours 2 in the Euro cup draw along with Rangers who enter the competition despite just avoiding the drop on goal difference. Motherwell and St. Johnstone found themselves relegated.
Ladbrokes Scottish Championship
Hibernian won the title with 17 wins and 65 points, 2 points more than 2nd place Kilmarnock who also see themselves promoted. Ayr are relegated.
Ladbrokes Scottish League 1
Queen of the South are promoted winning the league by just 2 points, while Stranraer find themselves relegated.
Ladbrokes Scottish League 2
Clyde are promoted by 7 points, whle Albion Rovers find themselves relegated.
Scottish Cup
Hibernian beat Invernett CT 2-1 to win the Scottish Cup.
Scottish League Cup
Celtic completed the double by winning the League Cup 3-1 against Hearts.
Scottish League Challenge Cup
Alba won the Challenge Cup after beating Cowdenbeath on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final.
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Next: End of Season Review
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guk99
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NIFL C1 Stage II League Table:
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Seasons League Positions (Graph):
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Cup Competitions Review:
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Loughgall's End of Season Awards:
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Loughgall's 2015/2016 Season Review:
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Loughgall's End of Season Confidence Review:
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Loughgall's Season Injury List:
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Loughgall's Stats:
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Loughgall's Best Eleven:
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Next: New Job On The Horizon?
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guk99
Post Season News/Reviews 2018:
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Saturday 28th May 2018:
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Montrose Get Their Man!:
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John Smith Moves To Scotland In New Job!:
Loughgall's manager, John Smith today made the huge leap to become the new manager of Montrose who are currently in the Ladbrokes League 2 division of Scotland. It's understood Smith was approached several months back by the Chairman and asked wether he wished to apply and be interviewed for the position - Smith accepted, and weeks later was informed the job was his if he wished it but requested it be put on hold till the season was over to allow him to complete his job with Loughgall.
Smith, only 23 years old and born in the North-East of England in Middlesbrough was believed to have thought hard about taking up the new challenge and a bigger responsibility of moving to Scotland after doing well for Loughgall in Northern Ireland, but it's believed the opportunity like this doesn't come around too often for someone with his little experience and is excited to take on the challenge of competing in Scotland.
Smith helped Loughgall during a transition when they had no manager and applied back in 2015, in which he was accepted and welcomed to the football club with open arms. Spending three years with Loughgall, Smith helped guide the club to finish 5th in his first season in charge as well as reach the Quarter-Finals of the Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup.
During his second year with the club, he helped guide Loughgall to a respectable 4th place in the league after a Stage II playoff, just missing out on possible promotion by a single point. He also guided his team to the Semi-Finals of two major Cup competitions in the Northern Irish Cup and Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup, as well as leading his team to capture the Nothern Irish Intermediate Cup.
Last season, Smith continued his progress albeit the club's league performances faltered at times - they still finished in a respectable 5th place after the Stage II playoff games. Smith once again also helped guide his team to retain the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup for the second year running, as well as reach the Semi-Final of the Northern Irish League Cup, and Final of the Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup to which they lost on Penalties to Portadown.
It was questioned at the beginning of this past season if Smith was still going to remain with the club when a takeover occured, but the new board of directors kept faith in him and secured a new contract for a third year after his excellent performance the previous year.
Smith is believed to have let those around him know that he believes he has done all he can with the club - despite the board's requests for him to remain and continue his rather successful reign as manager, as he sets out for pastures new in Scotland in a job with Montrose that could make or break him as a manager. Despite still being young, he has already garnered interest from several clubs over the past year with his good managerial record and cup runs for Loughgall.
Smith left the club with these parting words for the Loughgall fans:
"I'd like to thank everyone at the club, especially the previous chairman John McCann for placing his faith in me as an inexperienced manager to take over the role and help guide the club forward, as well as the new board of directors who took over the club and kept their faith in securing me for a further third year as manager. I believe I have achieved all I can at this time with the club, and it is with a heavy heart that I decided to take up the opportunity of managing Montrose in Scotland as opportunities of this magnitude do not come around that often.
I wish Loughgall all the best in their search for a new manager, and would like to say a thank you to the players who worked under me - those who still remain and those who have departed over the period I was in charge. Most of all, I'd like to thank the fans as without them the club could not have achieved the success we had and their support in helping guide the club to two successful cup victories and several good seasons and believe with the right man they will proceed into winning the league in the forseeable future."
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Chairman's Message!:
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Clyde Manager Shock At New Manager:
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Montrose - A Background:
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Montrose Team Report!:
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Montrose League & Cup Review:
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Montrose Players Season Ratings:
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Smith Sends Apologies To Loughgall Fans For Leaving:
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Smith Signs First Player For Montrose:
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Montrose Release Players:
Montrose have released the following players after their contracts came to an end. Dale Davidson, Christopher Angus and Jordan Herron
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Annual Fee Received:
Montrose have been paid £22.92k as part of their contrinued footballing partnership with Aberdeen.
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New Staff Hired:
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More Signings For Montrose:
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Ladbrokes League 2 Fixtures Announced:
Montrose will kick off the 2018/19 season at home to East Stirlingshire on Saturday 11th August. Their first away game will be against recently relegated Stranraer (14/08) and will end the season against East Fife (04/05). The Gable Endies fans will doubtless look forward to their first derby of the season against Arbroath at Gayfield Park (01/09.
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Season Expectations:
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New Appointments/Firings:
26/05 - Ayr United have appointed Gary Bollan as their new manager.
27/05 - Manchester City have announced the departure of manager Manuel Pellegrini who has stepped back and taken on the role of Director of Football within the club.
01/06 - St. Johnstone have hired Gary Locke as their new manager.
02/06 - Carrick have appointed Jim Chapman as their new manager.
05/06 - Kidderminster have unveiled Keith Briggs as their new manager.
06/06 - Birmingham City have appointed Matty Taylor as their new manager.
07/06 - Bromley appoint Kenny Pavey as their new manager.
07/06 - Brentford have hired Fernando Hierro as their new manager.
08/06 - Stockport hire Luke Garrard as their new manager.
08/06 - Swansea have promoted Johan Mjallby to the role of manager.
08/06 - Portsmouth have appointed Dean Saunders as their new manager.
08/06 - Manchester City have named Josep Guardiola as their new manager after leaving Bayern Munich.
09/06 - Middlesbrough have unveiled Stefano Mauri as their new manager.
09/06 - Ipswich Town have unveiled Oscar Garcia as their new manager.
10/06 - Cheltenham have signed Lee Holmes as their new manager.
10/06 - Arsenal have appointed Joachim Low as their new manager.
11/06 - Blackburn Rovers have announced former player Shay Given has returned as manager.
13/06 - Cambridge Utd have appointed David Adams as their new manager.
13/06 - Wycombe Wanderers have appointed Alan Knill as their new manager.
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Ronald Koeman Announced England World Cup Squad:
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European League Draw:
England (8th) have found themselves drawn in Group 4 along with France (5th) and Holland (16th) in the European International League Divsion A group draw.
Scotland (43rd) have found themselves drawn in Group 1 along with Iceland (53rd) and Slovenia (49th) in the European International League Divsion C group draw.
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International Friendlies:
England 4 - 0 Austria
Cameroon 2 - 3 England
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Next: Pre-Season Begins At New Job!
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guk99
Pre Season News/Reviews 2018:
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Montrose Snap Up Aberdeen Loanee:
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New Signings:
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Scottish League Cup 1st Round Draw:
Montrose vs St. Mirren
Tie to be played on Saturday 4th August 2018
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Scottish Challenge Cup 1st Round Draw:
Montrose vs Formartine United
Tie to be played on Saturday 28th July 2018
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Scottish Ladbrokes League 2 Promotion Odds:
Montrose have been named as 40-1 with the bookmakers who don't believe the team has enough quality to make an impact on the division and should be looking to avoid the embarrassment of finishing bottom.
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Sqaud Win Bonuses:
Montrose have informed the players the squad win bonuses for the upcoming season stands at £28k for the league and £12k for the Domestic Cups.
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Montrose Captains:
Montrose have named James Brough as the new Captain who replaces Graham Webster, while Neil Janczyk remains as Vice-Captain.
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Pre-Season Friendlies:
Saturday 30th June 2018:
Montrose 0 - 1 Brechin City
Brechin took the win on the 65th minute, when a nice passage of play between McNeil and Smith resulted in Smith driving into the box and slotting it into the far corner for the win.
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Pre-Season Friendlies:
Saturday 7th July 2018:
Kirkcaldy YMCA 0 - 3 Montrose
Montrose picked up their first win under the new manager with a good 3-0 victory. The first goal came in the 32nd minute from a cross by Crawford on the right wing, where Sally got to the ball and smashed it past the keeper. The second in the 69th minute came once more from a Crawford cross, where Brisbane headed it back across goal and hit the far post before Sally nipped in to finish it off from close range and his 2nd of the game. Crawford completed the support again with a cross from just inside the edge of the box where this time Brisbane finished it off at the second time of asking. Stephen Simmons picked up the Man of the Match.
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Pre-Season Friendlies:
Saturday 14th July 2018:
Hill of Beath Hawthorn 2 - 2 Montrose
Montrose had to fight back from 2-1 down at half time to show their grit in fighting for their new manager, even in a friendly. Hill took the lead in the 18th minute when they countered Montrose, and McLaren played a ball over the top for Thoirs to run onto from the left wing and slide it past the keeper. The second came from a cross deep in the Montrose half as a throw-in was taken where Whatley tackled Thoirs in the box only to see it clear to Williamson who slotted it home for a 2-0 lead.
Montrose pulled a goal back just before the half-time whistle, when Brough sent a ball over the top as Webster reached it before the keeper and rounded him before sliding it into the empty net to give them some hope while also picking up the Man of the Match award. Montrose pulled level in the dying minutes when they broke forward in numbers, and Milne got the ball on the left of midfield as he drove inside the box before crossing it to Kirwan who headed it past the keeper to force an amazing fightback.
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Pre-Season Friendlies:
Monday 23rd July 2018:
Montrose 0 - 1 Aberdeen
Montrose fought hard against Premiership side Aberdeen in this friendly played due to the strong connections between both clubs. It took till injury time for Aberdeen to break down Montrose though as Ferguson whipped in a cross from the left to find Stobbs who broke free of his man and slotted it past the keeper in a good match.
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New Appointments/Firings:
24/06 - AFC Fylde have announced Paul Hegarty has left his position as manager and retired.
29/06 - Crawley have unveiled Mick Neville as their new manager.
09/07 - Sunderland have confirmed Tony Mowbray as their new manager.
10/07 - Tonbridge Wells have hired Danny Johnson as their new manager after leaving Radcliffe Boro.
10/07 - AFC Fylde have announced Darren Peacock as their new manager.
12/07 - St. Neots have hired Simon Redhead as their new manager.
25/07 - Coventry have unveiled Paul Cook as their new manager.
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World Cup:
Group E:
England 3 - 0 Argentina
Costa Rica 1 - 2 England
England 3 - 0 Congo
World Cup 2nd Round:
Portugal 0 - 1 England
World Cup Quarter-Final:
England 1 - 0 Brazil
World Cup Semi-Final:
Algeria 0 - 2 England
World Cup Final:
Argentina 3 - 2 England
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World Cup WInners:
Argentina have won the World Cup after defeating England in the final 3-2.
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World Cup Best Player Award:
1. Angel Di Maria (Argentina)
2. Sergio Aguero (Argentina)
3. Eugene Konoplyanka (Ukraine)
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Wold Cup Golden Boot Award:
1. Mario Mandzukic (Croatia)
2. Harry Kane (England)
3. Sergio Aguero (Argentina)
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World Cup Best Young Player Award:
1. Ryan Hull (USA)
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World Cup Best Goalkeeper Award:
Joe Hart (England)
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World Cup Goal of the Tournament:
1. Ramon Azeez (Nigeria)
2. Cesar Azpillcueta (Spain)
3. Yahia Al-Shehri (Saudi-Arabia)
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World Cup Dream Team:
J. Hart (England)
J. Silva (Argentina), D. Lovren (Croatia), J. Stones (England), T. Jedvaj (Croatia)
R. Sterling (England), A. Di Maria (Argentina), R. Pereyra (Argentina), S. Ferghoull (Algeria)
S. Aguero (Argentina), M. Mandzukic (Croatia)
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Dan
guk99
Thanks Dan
My aim eventually is to rise and take either the Middlesbrough or Liverpool job, then maybe England if I can make it that far.
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July - August 2018: New Season Begins
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Smith Prepares For Opening Game:
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Saturday 28th July 2018:
Scottish Challenge Cup 1st Round Match:
Smith's First Game Ends In Penalty Shootout!
Montrose's new manager will have discovered quickly he will have his work cut out if he wishes to see his club achieve anything this season as his team struggled at times to overcome Highland League team Formartine Utd in the 1st Round of the Challenge Cup.
It was Formartine Utd who took the lead late in the second half of the game. Smith's corner was cleared out, before he received the ball back on the 75th minute where he crossed for Cameron to head home from inside the box to give the away fans the lead. It only lasted a minute or more though as a corner from Webster was sent over for Montrose and Brough rose high to head home and bring his club level.
Extra-time couldn't seperate the two sides, before it drew down to penalties to finish the match off. O'Brien saw his first penalty well saved by Doohan, who was named Man of the Match for Montrose before McDonald later saw his penalty for Montrose saved on the line in dramatic fashion. Unfortunately for Formartine Utd, they couldn't capitalize on the comeback as McLeish saw his penalty well saved by Doohan before Miller stepped up to send Montrose into the 2nd Round of the competition.
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Scottish Challenge Cup 2nd Round Draw:
Arbroath vs Montrose
The tie to be played on Tuesday 21st August 2018 at Gayfield Park.
Montrose are set to face arch rivals Arbroath in the 2nd Round of the Challenge Cup.
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Season Ticket Sales:
Montrose have announced the final sales figures for season tickets. The ticket office has confirmed that the club have sold 143 season tickets for this season, exacly the same level as last season.
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Saturday 4th August 2018:
Scottish League Cup 1st Round Match:
Montrose Crash Out In 1st Round!
Montrose put up a good fight, but the opposition of a Championship side in St. Mirren was just too much for them as they lost the game by a single goal, although Montrose's manager won't be too disheartened by the result against a much stronger opponent in his first defeat as Manager.
The only goal of the game came just before half-time as St. Mirren broke on the counter as the ball found it's way out wide on the left side to Morgan who played it into the box where Reilly found it and space as he turned sharply, found his spot and cracked it into the far corner.
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Montrose Awarded:
Montrose have been given £10.5k after losing against St. Mirren in the Scottish League Cup First Round.
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Montrose Set New Record:
Montrose have confirmed that the attendance of 263 for the match against St. Mirren in the Scottish League Cup First Round sets a new record low for the club. Montrose's previous lowest attendance was 278, set against Annan on Tuesday 8th December 2015.
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Saturday 11th August 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #1:
Montrose Open League With Bore Draw!
Montrose opened their league account with a draw against East Stirlingshire in John Smith's first official league game as manager. James Brough picked up the Man of the Match award for his domineering performance in defence for Montrose as he helped keep East Stirlingshire to just a single shot on target.
There wasn't a lot to talk about in this bore draw, with Vildier the only talking point as he put the ball in the net in the 40th minute from a free-kick taken by Burns only for the referee to blow his whistle for offside. Montrose did lose their striker Kirwan in the 25th minute after a heavy challenge that could spring trouble for his chance in the next few games as he limped off the pitch. John Smith will have been the happier of the two managers after the game to come away with a point in his first league game in charge for Montrose.
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Player Returns From Injury:
Jack Kirwan has sustained a twisted knee after being the victim of a heavy challenge in the match against East Stirlingshire.
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Tuesday 14th August 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #2:
Smash & Grab!
Montrose pulled off a surprise today as they played a smash and grab against Stranraer to steal a victory, albeit they controlled the game from kick-off and didn't even allow their opponets to get a single shot on target.
Mark Whatley picked up Man of the Match for his performance in the midfield for Montrose while new striker Sally started the game and helped his team get the only goal to give John Smith his first league victory at his new club in only his second league game in charge.
Webster ran onto a loose ball that was played out on the right wing, close to the byline as he turned and whipped it into the box. Sally was there, but it was Stranraer's own mix-up that cost them the game as McDonald's clearance rebounded off one of his own players and allowed Sally to get the ball and smash it into the net to secure a big away win for Montrose.
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Saturday 18th August 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #3:
Montrose Win Again!
Montrose's manager appears to have turned things around at the club since joining them, albeit it's still early in the season but the players are working hard in keeping possession and have notched up two wins on the trot to have a great start to the new campaign. Although Montrose didn't get a shot on target, they still were able to win with a disastorous own goal for Annan.
Mark Whatley once again picked up the Man of the Match for his performance in midfield, where in the 40th minute of the match a corner by Crawford was sent over only to find Moffatt send the ball into his own net as he tried to clear it, as he was left standing there alone with his head in his hands.
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Tensions Rise For Big Derby Cup Tie:
Montrose and Arbroath meet on Tuesday to contest the 2nd Round of the Scottish Challenge Cup. The two teams have a heated rivalry, and are set to go head to head at Gayfield Park with a bumper crowd expected.
Past players and Managers have given their thoughts over the past few days, with former Montrose man Marvin Andrews stating the importance of the Angus Derby to the club's supporters. The two managers have different views on the upcoming cup tie, with Abroath manager Barry Ferguson not showing too much emotion about the heated rivalry while Montrose's new man, John Smith is playing it up as a huge match and looking forward to it.
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Tuesday 20th August 2018:
Scottish Challenge Cup 2nd Round Match:
Smith Edges Out Ferguson!
Montrose qualified into the third round of the Scottish Challenge Cup after beating their arch rivals Arbroath after the game went to penalties. Doohan in goal for Montrose once again kept a clean sheet for the fourth game running, to sum up Montrose's good team performance and start to the league campaign.
Gavin McMahon picked up Man of the Match while McDonald almost snatched it late in extra-time as in the dying seconds his close range strike was well stopped by the Arbroath keeper and cleared that took the match into a penalty shootout. Montrose slotted each penalty away with calm expertise, while Stewart saw his penalty well saved by Doohan before Whatley stepped up and smashed it into the net to send Montrose through to the next round and put a dent in their arch rivals claim of bragging rights for the game.
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Smith's Mind Games Outsmart Ferguson:
Montrose got the better of Arbroath tonight in a cup tie that saw the match come to a climax in drimatic fashion of sudden death in a penalty shootout. Arbroath's manager let it be known that he believes Smith's mind games before the match helped Montrose rise to the occasion and got the better of him on the day, something Smith is dismissing in the belief that Ferguson is a good manager and doubtless he will have been affected by any off-field antics between the two before hand.
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Scottish Challenge Cup 3rd Round Draw:
Airdrie vs Montrose
The tie to be played on Saturday 13th October 2018 at the Excelsior Stadium.
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Saturday 25th August 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #4:
Montrose Hold Berwick To Score Draw!
The top two sides in the league met today as both walked away with a single point and Montrose continued their good campaign of remaining unbeaten in the league so far. Midfielder Robbier Crawford picked up the Man of the Match for Montrose, setting up the equalizer for his side in the first half.
Montrose's manager John Smith will have been disappointed with the way Berwick scored the opener, when a free-kick for Montrose deep at the edge of Berwick's box was quickly countered with only one Montrose player left back to defend the attack and was left wide open for Henderson to send the ball over to his free man Misanjo, who needed two bites at the cherry after Doohan pulled off a good first save as he closed him down just inside the box but Misanjo got the rebound and was able to send it into the net.
Montrose equalized just minutes later though as they kept hold of the ball well, and passed it around as they searched for the opening. The ball went back to Doohan in goal, before he moved it out to the left wing, as it was moved forward quickly before it found Sally who saw Crawford run in through the middle and slid it through. He drove into the box and slid it past the keeper's outstretched hand to bring Montrose level.
Kane of Berwick was sent off late in the game as Crawford collected the ball and drove in on goal once again before he got brought down by Kane who was shown the immediate red card for a goalscoring opportunity snatched from Montrose's hand, but as they pushed forward to try and grab a late winner against the ten mean reamining - it didn't come as Berwick held out for the draw.
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Team of the Week:
Robbie Crawford was selected in the Scottish League 2 Team of the Week.
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Montrose Make Two Signings On Deadline Day:
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New Appointments/Firings:
03/08 - U.C.D. have sacked manager Paul O'Neill.
03/08 - Cork City have dismissed their manager Liam Murphy.
10/08 - Cork City have placed Stuart Ashton in temporary charge as manager.
10/08 - Cobh Rambles have sacked manager Stephen Henderson.
20/08 - Shamrock Rovers have sacked their manager Tom Mohan.
21/08 - U.C.D. have appointed Graham Doyle as their new club manager.
28/08 - Cobh Ramblers have unveiled Anthony Gorman as their new manager.
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guk99
September 2018
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Crawford In Top Three:
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Manager's Play Down Rivalry Between The Two:
Prior to the game on Saturday between arch rivals Arbroath and Montrose, both managers - Barry Ferguson and John Smith have played down the grudge match between the two.
Barry Ferguson picked up the Manager of the Month award for winning three of his opening four league games, while John Smith goes into the game with a victory over his counterpart already in the records books when Montrose knocked Arbroath out of the Challenge Cup just last month.
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Saturday 1st September 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: March #5:
Montrose Hold Rivals To Draw!
Montrose's new signing Kenny O'Brien put in a good display on his debut for the club after signing with them just last week from Formartine Utd in a £2.9k deal, while other new signing Paul Gallacher had to sit it out on the bench for the whole match thanks to a battling display by the Montrose defence.
Arbroath pushed for a goal early on in the game, with Doohan pulling off a number of great saves to keep his side in the match - one from close range after a header from O'Kane was met on a Lowdon free-kick after only two minutes. Lorrie struck the crossbar from a free-kick in the 58th minute before the ball was cleared while Tierney who pouced on a deflected ball forward and drove in on goal with only Doohan to beat saw his strike hit the outside of the post.
In the end, Montrose held on to secure a good point against their rivals who dominated the game but couldn't break down the strong defence and especially Doohan in goal who kept a clean sheet once more.
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Team of the Week:
Ross Doohan was selected in the Scottish League 2 Team of the Week.
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Player Returns:
Striker Jack Kirwan has returned to full training following being out with a twisted knee for 3 weeks.
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No News
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Saturday 15th September 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: March #6:
Montrose Fall To League Leaders!
It was 5th place Montrose against 1st place Stirling today at Links Park and it was the home side who suffered their first defeat of the season in the league at the hands of their opponents due to a set-piece.
Mark Whatley picked up the Man of the Match award for Montrose, but he will have surely given up that for a win - but it wasn't to be against a strong Stirling side. The only goal came in the 51st minute as Martin took a corner from the right wing which found Anderson running in and thundering a header past Doohan in goal to secure the three points on the day.
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Montrose Finally Lose:
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Saturday 22nd September 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: March #7:
Montrose Destroyed!
Montrose may have performed well in the first-half, but whatever was said as they stepped back on the pitch must have fallen on deaf ears as Elgin City crushed any hopes of Montrose pulling off a draw, or win by scoring from two set-pieces just minutes into the second half that killed the game off before it ever really began again.
The first gal just a minute into kicking off the second-half began with a free-kick to Elgin who passed the ball around outside Montrose's box before Mullin got control on the corner of the left side of the box and curled it to the far end where Annan sent a lopping header back across goal that sailed into the far corner of the net.
Just a minute or so later, and Elgin shocked Montrose by scoring their second and killer goal when a free-kick by Anna out on the left side of midfield was played into the near box as Gunn got in front of his marked man and side-footed the ball past Doohan in goal to secure the three points and victory.
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Tuesday 25th September 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: March #8:
Too Easy!
Montrose rose from two defeats to face Turriff United at Links Park on a Tuesday evening as they saw off their opponents in style with a fantastic performance and a 4-0 victory to push them back up the league, while striker Kirwan scored a brace and picked up the Man of the Match award for his outstanding and threatening performance up front for Montrose.
The first came in the 27th minute when Stewart received the ball back from a throw-in deep in Turriff's half, as he played it to Lindsay inside the box who turned and struck it past the keeper to score. The second came in the 35th minute as Whatley drove forward from midfield with the ball unmarked, before he swung it to the right wing to find Brisbane who crossed for Kirwan to score a beautiful header past the keeper to put the home side 2-0 up.
Captain Brough went up from defence to score the third in the 37th minute, as a Crawford corner found him at the far post where he headed it in off the crossbar to push Montrose on in cruise control of the game and score two in just three minutes of action - although afterwards it was credited as an Mackenzie own goal. The final goal came as Sally and Whatley combined to play Lindsay in down the left wing as he crossed it high into the box. Crawford rose above everyone and being unselfish played it back across the goalmouth to Kirwan who found himself unmarked and slided it into the net to secure the three points on the day.
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Team of the Week:
Harry Stewart, Johnny Lindsay, James Brough and Jack Kirwan were selected in the Scottish League 2 Team of the Week.
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Scottish Cup 2nd Round Draw:
Montrose vs East Fife
The tie to be played on Saturday 27th October 2018 at Gayfield Park.
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New Appointments/Firings:
05/09 - Shamrock Rovers have announced Bobby Browne as their new manager.
21/09 - St. Pat's Athletic have unveiled Gary Howlett as their new manager after leaving Galway Utd.
29/09 - Limavady Utd have sacked their manager Allan Blair.
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International Games:
European League Division A: Group 4:
England 0 - 1 France
Holland 1 - 1 England
European League Division C: Group 1:
Scotland 3 - 0 Iceland
Scotland 2 - 1 Colombia
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Dan
guk99
October 2018
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No News
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Saturday 6th October 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #9:
Fluke Seals Fife Win!
Montrose came with a game plan and almost pulled it off, had it not been for a freak goal from Ferguson in the second-half that forced them to change their ways and try to pull a point out of the hat but sadly failed to in the end.
The goal came in the 64th minute as Slattery drove froward after picking up the ball in his own half. He played it out wide left to Mercer who knocked it on to Ferguson whose cross swung over the keeper and into the back of the net to seal the win for the home side.
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Saturday 13th October 2018:
Scottish Challenge Cup 3rd Round:
Montrose Fight Back To Secure Semi-Final Place!
Montrose's players heaped praise on their manager, John Smith after todays game when it appeared his half-time speach to the group completely swung the game around after going in at half-time 1-0 down to fight back and take it to penalties before sending themselves through to the semi-finals with a fantastic fightback.
The opener came in the 25th minute as Airdrie got possession of the ball in their own half and drove on. Blair found the ball on the right side as he drove it into the box with pace as Tumility scored from close range to put the home side ahead. The second came in the 60th minute as a corner was quickly countered by Airdrie as Tumility played the ball behind the defence as Sheerin ran onto it and slid it past the keeper to put his side 2-0 up and cruising.
Montrose fought back after Smith made tactical changes as Stewart gathered the ball back near the byline and was able to cross to the near post where Sally got in front of his man and put it into the back of the net. Just a few minutes later and good closing down on the left side of their defence allowed Osbourne to play a loose ball across the midfield where Crawford - named Man of the Match, collected it and played in Kirwan who was free at the edge of the box as he collected it, took his time to find his place and struck it into the corner to secure the great comeback.
As the game went to penalties, it was anyone's game before Osbourne saw his spotkick hit the crossbar before Whatley stepped up for their final spotkick and placed it into the corner to send Montrose into the semi-finals of the cup to the delight of the away fans who couldn't control their emotions at such an excellent fightback and victory over bigger opposition.
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Scottish Challenge Cup Semi-Final Draw:
Montrose vs Motherwell
The tie to be played on Saturday 17th November 2018 at Gayfield Park.
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Payer Injured:
Defender Adam Porritt was in some discomfort after training today and looks to be suffering from a sports hernia. He will be out for between 7-8 weeks.
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Saturday 20th October 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #10:
Controversy At Ochilville Park!
Montrose came from behind against strong opposition East Stirlingshire to snatch a draw in controversial fashion as the referee was embroiled up with the Stirlingshire players as Montrose pulled level at the final whistle.
The first goal came in the 42nd minute as Keller latched onto a cleared header as he whipped it into the box for Weir to run in and crack it home from yards away to give the home side the lead. Montrose dug deep though, and found themselves snatching a point from nothing in the dying seconds as a throw-in deep in Stirlingshire's half saw Lindsay cross into the box which found Miller free inside as he slotted it past the keeper to score. Stirlingshire's players surrounded the referee claiming offside, but the replays showed clearly that their right fullback had played Miller on in the end.
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New Player Joins:
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Tuesday 23rd October 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #11:
Montrose Upset The Odds!
Montrose weren't favourites to come out of today's game with anything, but surprised everyone with a performance like champions as they ran amock over Stranraer with a comfortable 3-1 victory.
The opener in the 23rd minute came as they broke on Stranraer where Simmons sent it to the left wing where Lindsay saw Miller inside the box and played it to him, as he took a step to the right and slotted it into the far corner to drive the home crowd wild with delight. Just several minutes later and Stranraer had drew level with a looping cross to the far post by Kinnaird which found Mortimer who side-footed it home.
Montrose didn't just drop their heads though as they stepped up their game and pushed on, putting themselves back in the lead just a few minutes later in the 32nd minute as Brisbane sent the ball across the goal where Miller saw his close range strike well saved before Kirwan rushed in on the rebound and slotted it home.
Kirwan, named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance up front for Montrose scored his second of the game as Brisbane played him through with a beautiful pass in behind the defence as he latched onto it and smashed it past the keeper to give Montrose a more comfortable lead and victory in the end.
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Team of the Week:
Johnny Lindsay, Steven Brisbane and Jack Kirwan were selected in the Scottish League 2 Team of the Week.
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Payer Injured:
Striker Ryan Miller has suffered a strained wrist after jumping for a header during the match against Stranraer. He will be out for about 2 weeks.
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Saturday 27th October 2018:
Scottish Cup 2nd Round:
Montrose Secure Comfrotable Win In Cup!
Montrose's players continued their good run with a win against East Fife in the Scottish Cup 2nd Round with a great performance despite not having as much possession with the ball as they'd hoped.
The first came from Sally, named Man of the Match as Brisbane crossed at the second time of asking where the ball bounced around in the box before Sally smashed it home to start the win in the 43rd minute. The second came from a cross by Sally on the left wing who crossed for Kirwan in the box whose glancing header saw it sail into the far corner and pick up another win at home for his side.
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Cup Reward:
Montrose have been awarded £4k for playing in the Scottish Cup Second Round.
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Scottish Cup 3rd Round Draw:
Clyde vs Montrose
The tie to be played on Saturday 1st December 2018 at Gayfield Park.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Stirling vs Montrose Ladbrokes League 2 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 27th November 2018 due to the clash with the Clyde vs Montrose Scottish Cup match on Saturday 1st December 2018.
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New Appointments/Firings:
06/10 - Morecambe have sacked manager Lee Clark.
06/10 - Oxford United have parted company with manager Michael Appleton.
06/10 - Burton Albion have released manager Dean Smith from his position.
07/10 - Lincoln have appointed Frazer Richardson as their new manager.
13/10 - Limavady Utd have unveiled Mark Sweeney as their new manager.
20/10 - Scunthorpe have parted company with manager Neale Cooper.
25/10 - Morecambe have hird Raymond Bell as their new manager.
27/10 - Galway Utd have unveiled Aaron Callaghan as their new manager after leaving Sligo Rovers.
27/10 - Oxford United have unveiled Martin Allen as their new manager.
28/10 - Burton Albtion have unveiled Micky Mellon as their new manager.
30/10 - P.S.N.I. have sacked manager James Kirk.
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International Friendlies:
England 3 - 2 Tunisia
European League Division A: Group 4:
France 0 - 1 England
European League Division C: Group 1:
Slovenia 1 - 1 Scotland
Iceland 1 - 3 Scotland
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guk99
November 2018
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Saturday 3rd November 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #12:
Montrose Rescue Point!
Montrose were able to rescue a point in injury time of the first half as they saw Annan take the lead early on in todays game taking place at Galabank.
Hopkirk found himself with time as he got onto a long ball sent to the right wing where he crossed to find Montgomery rushing in and free as he cracked it past the keeper to put the home side ahead. Montrose pulled level with a good passage of passing that saw Siimmons play it to Crawford on the edge of the box who headed it on into the goalmouth as Kirwan nipped in ahead of his man and headed it past the keeper to bring his team level and earn them a good point on their travels.
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Payer Returns:
Striker Ryan Miller has returned to full training after being out for 12 days following a strained wrist.
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International Duty:
Montrose's goalkeeper Drew McCluskey has been called up by Scotland Under 19s manager Marc Anderson for his squad to face France Under 19s and Belarus Under 19s, on 13th/15th November.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Scottish League Challenge Cup Semi-Final match between Montrose and Motherwell originally scheduled for Saturday 17th November 2018 has been moved to Tuesday 20th November 2018. Motherwell had requested the match be rearranged because of international call-ups around that date.
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Chosen For Live TV:
The Montrose vs Motherwell match on Saturday 17th November has been chosen for live television coverage.
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Saturday 10th November 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #13:
Montrose Cruise To Victory!
Montrose should have walked away from today's match with a lot more goals, had it not been for Berwick's goalie who pulled off save after save to deny them chances that were created.
Kirwan was named Man of the Match and also got himself a brace in the match, which began in the 30th minute as Stewart received the ball on the right wing, as he slotted it forward to Brisbane who crossed into the box where Kirwan found space and slotted it into the net to take the lead. Ten minutes later and in the 40th minute where Miller's cross found Henderson who got ahead of his man and bring Berwick level.
Montrose got the winner ten minutes from time, as Brisbane's strike from the edge of the box was saved and deflected clear to find Miller whose own shot was well saved by the keeper only to find it rebound to Kirwan who got his foot in and found the back of the net in a scramble inside the box as they walked away deserved winners on the day. Berwick saw Kane sent off late in the match when he brought down Miller from behind while already on a yellow card for his second of the game and an early bath.
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Team of the Week:
Steven Brisbane and Jack Kirwan were selected in the Scottish League 2 Team of the Week.
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Tuesday 20th November 2018:
Scottish League Challenge Cup Semi-Final:
Montrose Robbed Of Dream Final!
Montrose will consider themselves unfortunate today after losing out to favourites Motherwell in a match they competed in and deserved more.
The home side held Motherwell off till the second half of extra-time as they finally got broken down, despite playing with most of the match with only ten men after Whatley was sent off early in the second half for his second bookable offence of the game.
The goal that broke Montrose's hearts came in the 109th minute as a free-kick wasn't cleared well and the ball eventually found it's way to Benedictus on the left side of the box who played it to the far post where Murdoch's first strike was well saved before he followed up on the rebound to secure the win for Motherwell. Montrose's manager will have been proud of his side's performance and on another day could have seen them reach the final.
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Cup Reward:
Montrose have been given £1.2k after losing against Motherwell in the Scottish League Challenge Cup Semi-Final.
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Player Suspended:
Montrose's central midfielder Mark Whatley has been given an automatic one match ban after being sent off in the Challenge Cup match against Motherwell.
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Player Suspended:
Montrose's Harry Stewart has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 2 yellow cards. The ban will apply for Scottish League Challenge Cup matches only.
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Saturday 24th November 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #14:
Montrose Win Angus Derby To Continue Run!
Montrose crushed their rivals Arbroath on a wet afternoon at Links Park as they come away with a 2-0 win thanks to a brace by striker Kirwan, albeit they saw five of their players booked throughout the match.
The first came in the 13th minute as Stewart rode several tackles on the right wing before passing to Crawford in midfield, who played it wide to Lindsay who found space on the left wing and his cross was met by Kirwan's header that looped back across goal into the far corner.
The killer goal came in the 32nd minute as they played the ball from the back to where Whatley played a wonderful ball forward to find Kirwan, named Man of the Match as he got to it and slid it past the keepers fingertips to send the home fans into uproar at beating their arch rivals with a great result and performance.
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Ferguson Amazed At Loss:
Arbroath's manager, Barry Ferguson appeared to continue his war of words aimed at Montrose's manager John Smith when he appeared to hit out after suffering defeat to them once more in the Ladbrokes League 2 match.
Speaking to the press afterwards, Ferguson stated "I'm amazed we didn't get a win out there. Before the match, I was very complementary about the work John has done but their performance today was very ordinary and I'm stunned things didn't go our way. I can see them falling away pretty soon based on what I saw out there."
Smith afterwards refused to be drawn in a war of words with Ferguson by just telling the press to look at the last few games since he took over and his record against Arbroath to understand why he doesn't need to issue any reply.
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Team of the Week:
Ross Doohan was selected in the Scottish League 2 Team of the Week.
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Smith Brings In New Faces:
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Payer Returns:
Adam Porritt has begun full training following a sports hernia.
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Tuesday 27th November 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #15:
Montrose Fall To League Leaders!
Stirling came out on top as they faced off against Montrose in a great match that ended with a 2-1 victory in a close fought game that saw both sides trying to go for the win while Montrose's Stephen Simmons picked up the Man of the Match for controlling the midfield.
The first came in the 8th minute for the home side as a scramble in the box from a good save by Doohan found it's way back to Bradley who cracked it home to take the lead. Montrose pulled level by a mistake in defence as Stewart tackled the ball back in his own half as he sent it forward to Kirwan who drove out to the right wing and held the ball up, but with little movement in the box he sent it across only to find James stick his leg out and deflect off him to get past his own keeper in a disastorous own goal.
The winner came after kick-off in the second half as Robertson got on the right wing and sent it over to find Martin free at the far post where he put it into the back of the net as they held on for the win as Montose failed to break them back down to pull level.
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New Appointments/Firings:
07/11 - Scunthorpe United have unveiled Paul Konchesky as their new manager.
10/11 - Sligo Rovers have hired Michael Doyle as their new manager.
17/11 - Boreham Wood have sacked their manager Garry Hill.
17/11 - Hayes & Yeading have parted company with their manager Marcus Bignot.
22/11 - Shrewsbury have unveiled John Eustace as their new manager after leaving Ebbsfleet.
23/11 - Cork City have promoted interim manager Stuart Ashoton to the role of manager.
24/11 - Dundee Utd have sacked manager Steven Pressley.
25/11 - Solihull Moors have hired Robert Milsom as their new manager.
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International Friendlies:
Scotland 2 - 0 Kuwait
England 1 - 0 Egypt
European League Division A: Group 4:
England 4 - 1 Holland
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guk99
December 2018
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November Player of the Month:
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November Young Player of the Month:
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November Manager of the Month:
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Saturday 1st December 2018:
Scottish Cup 3rd Round:
Montrose Hold Out For Replay!
Montrose fought hard against Championship side Clyde to come away from the Broadwood Stadium and gain a replay at their home ground to remain in the competition for another week.
Montrose took the lead to the shock of the home fans in the 14th minute as Crawfords cross was cleared to Brisbane - named Man of the Match, who drove past a couple of players and struck it well, only to see the keeper make a good save but he got a second bite at it and cracked it past him this time to give the away side the lead. Boyd rescued the game for Clyde as a cross from Linton wasn't cleared by the defenders as it found him on the far post in the 37th minute and he headed home from close range.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Montrose vs Elgin City Ladbrokes League 2 match has been re-arranged to Tuesday 11th December 2018 due to the clash with the Montrose vs Clyde Scottish Cup replay match on Saturday 8th December.
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Scottish Cup 4th Round Draw:
Clyde or Montrose vs Partick Thistle
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Saturday 8th December 2018:
Scottish Cup 3rd Round Replay:
Montrose Lose Battle In Extra-Time!
Montrose pushed Clyde all the way to extra-time before suffering defeat, but John Smith will have been proud of his team's commitment and way they played in today's game as they fought for every ball all over the field but were just beaten by a better team on the day.
The first goal in this exciting game came in the 19th minute as Lindsay found Stewart on the edge of the box, who laid it into the path of Brisbane who ran onto the ball and put his laces through it to see if fly into the back of the net. Clyde pulled level just before half-time as Doyle drove down the right wing unmarked and crossed high into the box where Robertson met it and headed it back across goal to find Boyd who had an empty net to head it home and bring them level.
In the 71st minute, Crawford's cross was met with a powerful header by Brisbane who scored his second to send the home fans into rapture and belief of pulling off an upset. With just seconds left in injury time though, Alexander found the ball in the centre of midfield and let rip as it soared past the keeper and rippled the back of the net to bring Clyde level with a beauty.
As the game went into extra-time, Linton's throw-in was long and high into the box where Holmes rose above all and headed it home to send Montrose crashing out in the cruelest of circumstances after being so close to a win.
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Player Injured:
Striker Ryan Miller has suffered a twisted ankle after pulling up short chasing the ball during the match against Clyde. He will be out for 6-7 weeks.
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Player Injured:
Full-back Johnny Lindsay has suffered a facial injury after jumping to challenge for the ball during the match against Clyde. He will be out for approximately 2 weeks while he sees a specialist.
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Cup Reward:
Montrose have been given £6k foir playing in the Scottish Cup Third Round.
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Tuesday 11th December 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #16:
Montrose Come From Behind To Draw!
Montrose had to come from behind to pick up a point against Elgin City in this league match at Links Park with a heavy snowfall playing it's part on the day.
Elgin took the lead in the 24th minute as Duncan was tackled in the box, but the ball fell to Annan who followed it in and placed it past the keeper to score the opening goal. Montrose drew level in injury time of the first-half, as Stewart found the ball played out to the right wing as he crossed from the byline to find Sally rush in and side-foot it home to bring the home side level and earn a share of the points.
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Saturday 15th December 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #17:
Montrose Fail To Hold Onto Win!
Montrose couldn't hold on to the goal they scored halfway through the first-half as Turriff United pulled level midway into the second-half to spoil Montrose's celebrations on the day at a breezy and occasional hail stormed Haughs stadium.
Montrose took the lead in the 25th minute as a corner was sent over and bounced around before Sally slotted it across to McMillan who placed it cooly into the net to score the first-half goal and take the lead. Turriff pulled level when Montrose failed to clear a corner as it fell back to Muir who crossed again upon receiving the ball back and put it on the head of Davidson who headed it back across goal and into the far corner of the net to secure a point for his side.
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Player Injured:
Defender Adam Porritt has sustained a damaged heel after being the victim of a heavy challenge during the match against Morton Under 20s game. He will be out for 2-3 weeks.
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Team of the Week:
Ross Doohan and Gavin McMillan were selected in the Scottish League 2 Team of the Week.
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Saturday 22nd December 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #18:
Montrose Rise To See Off East Fife!
Montrose rose to comfortably see off East Fife on a sleet driven game at Links Park with a brace from their prolific striker Kirwan and one from Brough to secure the win as Crawford picked up Man of the Match for his part in setting up one of the goals during the game.
Montrose scored the opener in the 4th minute as they broke fast on a Fife free-kick they took possession of as the ball was sent out for O'Brien to latch onto and he sent it into the box where Kirwan placed it home to secure the opening goal of the match. Just before half-time, Crawford's corner was whipped in where Brough made a run and smashed a header past the keeper to send the home side 2-0 up.
Their third came just before half-time as the ball forward was cleared for Sally to get on the end of it, as he played it through to Kirwan who ran in on goal and cooly played it past the keepers hand to take Montrose into a 3-0 lead at half-time. Fife pulled one back just afer half-time as Austin found Eadie's cross into the box and slotted it home, but in truth Montrose continued on till the final whistle firmly in control and secured a great three points with a fantastic first-half performance.
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Team of the Week:
Ross Doohan, James Brough, Harry Stewart, Robbie Crawford, Jack Kirwan were selected in the Scottish League 2 Team of the Week.
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Wednesday 26th December 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #19:
Boxed In!
Montrose and East Stirlingshire fought a hard-fought battle against each other in Hail that fell from the heavens that sent the game in as a bore draw with either side unable to break the deadlock at Links Park. Stephen Simmons picked up the Man of the Match for Montrose with a good all-round performance.
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Saturday 29th December 2018:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #20:
Montrose Frustrate Stranraer!
Montrose came to Stranraer and frustrated their opponents by closing up shop and keeping them out at the back with a big display from the defence and keeper to share the spoils on the day, as well as keep them going on a five-match unbeaten run in the league.
Stranraer and Montrose created few chances as both keepers played well to keep the opposition out as the final whistle went at Stair Park and both teams came off with a point apiece in the end. The game was summed up with Paul Gallagher's wonderful display in the Montrose defence that saw him pick up the Man of the Match.
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Payer Returns:
Adam Porritt has begun full training following a 2 week lay-off with a damaged heel.
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New Appointments/Firings:
01/12 - Barrow have sacked their manager Steve Burr.
01/12 - Brighton & Hove Albion have terminated the contract of their manager Remi Garde.
03/12 - Hayes & Yeading have confirmed Steve Jenkins as their new manager after leaving Basingstoke.
07/12 - Boreham Wood have unveiled Gus MacPherson as their new manager after leaving FC Halifax.
08/12 - Dulwich Hamlet have sacked their manager Nicky Forster.
08/12 - Bradford PA have sacked manager Anthony Johnson.
09/12 - Ebbsfleet have unveiled Karl Henry as their new manager.
08/12 - Dundee Utd have re-appointed Billy Dodds as their new manager.
15/12 - AFC Wimbledon have sacked manager Neal Ardley.
15/12 - Cambridge Utd have sacked their manager David Adams.
15/12 - Ross County have parted company with their manager Jim McIntyre.
16/12 - Straraer have unveiled Stuart Balmer as their new manager.
16/12 - Barrow have hired Lee Glover as their new manager after leaving Torquay.
18/12 - Bright & Hove Albion have announced Zejko Petrovic as their new manager.
18/12 - Basingstoke have unveiled Martin McIntosh as their new manager after leaving Buxton.
19/12 - Dundee have sacked their manager Peter Grant.
22/12 - Cheltenham have sacked manager Lee Holmes.
23/12 - Kilmarnock have hired Paul Hartley as their new manager.
23/12 - Hartlepool have unveiled Adam Eckersley as their new manager after leaving Newport Co.
25/12 - FC Halifax have named Garry Flitcroft as their new manager after leaving Tamworth.
26/12 - Dulwich Hamlet have named Keith Briggs as their new manager after leaving Kidderminster.
26/12 - Derby have sacked their manager Mark Hughes.
26/12 - Chester have announced the departure of their manager John Askey.
26/12 - Huddersfield have sacked manager David Wagner.
26/12 - Bradord PA have unviled Mark Hawkes as the new manager after leaving Leamington.
29/12 - Hearts have sacked manager Paul Lambert.
29/12 - Annan have sacked manager Richard Sneekes.
29/12 - Sheffield Wednesday have dismissed their manager Carlos Carvalhal.
29/12 - Colchecters Utd have released Mark Robins from his role as manager.
31/12 - AFC Wimbledon have hired David Adams as their new manager.
31/12 - Torquay have named Dave Challinor as their new manager after leaving Guiseley.
31/12 - Doncaster have named Darren Ferguson as their new manager after he left Peterborough United.
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European Championship Qualifying Group Stage Draw:
Group C:
England (2nd)
Azerbaijan (138th)
Czech Republic (38th)
Finland (101st)
Hungary (55th)
Luxenbourg (185th)
Group F:
Scotland (33rd)
Iceland (91st)
Italy (3rd)
Liechtenstein (196th)
Russia (9th)
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guk99
January 2019
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Tuesday 1st January 2019:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #21:
Montrose Unlucky!
Montrose took the game to Annan on a drizzled pitch at Links Park but started the new year the same way last year ended, with a 0-0 result as both sides shared the spoils and picked up a point each while Montrose's Stephen Simmons collected the Man of the Match.
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New Player Joins:
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Staff Member Leaves:
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Saturday 5th January 2019:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #22:
Montrose Dig Deep For Win!
Montrose dug deep to overcome 2nd place Berwich Rangers at Shielfield Park today and come away with all three points with a battling display, as well as keeping out goal-friendly Berwick and keep a clean-sheet in their last four games.
The only goal of the game, from Montrose's only shot on goal came from Kirwan who got on the end of O'Brien's cross from the right that first deflected off the defender to fall back as he smashed it home to secure the win. James Brough, Captain of Montrose picked up the Man of the Match for dominating in the defence and keep Berwick out.
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Team of the Week:
Stephen Simmons was selected in the Scottish League 2 Team of the Week.
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New Player Joins /One Player Leaves:
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New Staff Member:
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Saturday 18th January 2019:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #23:
Smith Furious With Team!
Montrose's manager showed his anger and frustration on the sidelines as he saw his team blow what looked like a good win against rivals Arbroath by allowing the opposition to score in the dying seconds to share the points. Striker Jack Kirwan marked his 100th game for Montrose by scoring for his side.
The first goal came from a counter by Montrose who laid the ball to Kirwan who ran at the defence and got to the byline near the box, where he crossed low to find Whatley who slid it home to give the away fans the delight at taking such an early lead in the game. Arbroath pulled level in the 23rd minute as Currie found Watt who shook off his marker at the edge of the box and smashed it low into the near post to bring them back level.
O'Brien got past his man with ease in the 61st minute as his cross was cleared out of the box to find Brisbane who played it inside to Crawford who slotted it sideways to Kirwan who placed it into the net with ease to take the lead once more. Arbroath pulled level in the dying seconds of injury time though as a throw-in deep in Montrose's half was sent in, where McNaughton's shot from outside the box was well saved but rebounded out to find Tierney who placed it into the net and pull his team level and share the draw with their arch rivals on the day.
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Manager's At War Of Words:
As heard, Montrose's manager John Smith was said to be furious with his team for conceding such a late goal to allow their arch rivals to share the spoils in todays game. After the match, his frustration still shone through as he was interviewed by the press claiming the opposition were very lucky to have got anything out of the game.
Arbroath's manager, Barry Ferguson replied by claiming he didn't know what Smith was moaning about as Montrose were even lucky to be in the game at that point and Arbroath were much the better team. It doesn't look like this war of words between these two managers is gonna go away soon.
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Player Returns:
Striker Ryan Miller has returned to full training following his injury of a twisted ankle that left him out for the past 5 weeks.
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Player Suspended:
Stephen Simmons has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 6 yellow cards. The ban will apply for all Scottish League competitions and will start on Saturday 26th January.
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Manager Linked With Vacancy:
East Stirlingshire, who have just parted company with their manager Craig Tully who has gone on to join Annan as their new manager is rumoured to have been looking at Montrose's manager John Smith as a possible replacement.
Smith is favourite to take the job, although he is regarded as happy at his current job with Montrose and may be unlikely that they will let him go without a fight. East Stirlingshire are just one point behind Montrose as the two currently battle it out for the playoff spots in League 2.
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Board Happy With Manager:
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Saturday 19th January 2019:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #24:
Montrose Fall To Leaders!
Montrose saw their good run of games come to a crashing end against league leaders Stirling as they let slip two leads to see themselves lose the match to a Falconer hat-trick for the away side who controlled much of the game.
The opener in the 11th minute came from an error by their defence as a backpass was short and allowed McMillan to nip in to get the ball and smash it past the keeper to give Montrose the lead. Some nice quick exchanges of passing allowed Stirling to draw level when they played it fast towards the box as Clark slipped it across to find Falconer who placed it past the keeper.
Montrose took the lead immediately from kick-off in the second-half of the match as Simmons played a beautiful ball into the box for Kirwan to run onto and he cracked it into the near side of the keeper to put them ahead once more. Falconer scored his second of the game just a minute later though as he latched onto Martin's pass inside the box, turned and smashed it home to bring them level again.
The winner in the 67th minute saw McGuigan find Falconer whose run found space and time again as he slotted it past Doohan in goal to secure the win and all three points, as well as the match ball at the end for his hat-trick.
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Player Injured:
Midfielder Gavin McMillan has suffered strained knee ligaments after chasing the ball during the match against Stirling. He will be out of action for 2-3 months.
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Team of the Week:
Gavin McMillan was selected in the Scottish League 2 Team of the Week.
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New PlayerJoins:
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Saturday 26th January 2019:
Ladbrokes League Division 2: Match #25:
Montrose Hold On For Draw!
Montrose held Elgin to a 0-0 draw in todays league game at Borough Briggs to share the points in a game that saw Elgin dominate the game yet fail to find the net, while Montrose held strong and despite not having any shots on goal will come away happy with a point rescued from nothing.
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Assistant Manager Leaves Montrose?:
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Young Named New Assistant Manager:
Derek Young has been appointed the new Assistant Manager to John Smith after Twigg left the club to join ? as their new manager. Young was originally employed as the Under 20s Assistant Manager.
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New Staff Joins:
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Player Injured:
Midfielder Logan Davie has sustained strained knee ligamanets after turning awkwardly during a training session. He will be out of action for 2-3 months.
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New Appointments/Firings:
01/01 - Birmingham City have sacked manager Matty Taylor.
01/01 - Liverpool have sacked their manager Frank de Boer.
03/01 - Cambridge Utd have unveiled Harry Kewell as their new manager.
04/01 - Buxton have unveiled Jim Harvey as their new manager after leacing Nuneaton
07/01 - Dundee unveil Brian McClair as their new manager after leaving Peterborough.
09/01 - Tamworth have unveiled Ryan Clarke as their new manager.
09/01 - Leamington have announced Simon Mensing as the new manager after leaving Boston Utd.
09/01 - Newport Co. have unveiled Darrell Clarke as the new manager after he left Mansfield.
09/01 - Huddersfield have hired Mark Dempsey as their new manager after he left Haugesund.
10/01 - Derby County have announced Nigel Adkins as the new manager after he left Sheffield United.
12/01 - Cheltenham have named David Holdsworth as their new manager after he left Hampton & Richmond.
12/01 - Aberdeen have announced Malky Mackay as their new manager.
12/01 - Chester City have unveiled Danny Hollands as the new manager after leaving Dover.
12/01 - Liverpool have announced Roberto Donadoni as the new manager after he left Aston Villa.
12/01 - Doncaster have named Gareth Ainsworth as the new manager.
14/01 - Sheffield Wednesday have unveiled Stuart Pearce as their new manager.
14/01 - East Stirlingshire have parted ways with manager Craig Tully.
14/01 - Annan have hired Craig Tully as their new manager after he left East Stirlingshire.
15/01 - Guiseley have hired Alex Hay as their new manager.
15/01 - Kidderminsters have unveiled Steve Housham as their new manager after leaving Corby.
17/01 - Birmingham City have unveiled Alan Stubbs as their new manager.
18/01 - Colchester have hired Mark Cooper as their new manager.
19/01 - Leyton Orient have sacked manager Ian Hendon.
19/01 - Bournment have sacked manager Sean Dyche.
23/01 - Nuneaton have unveiled Gavin Rose as their new manager after he left Welling.
24/01 - Sheffield United have placed Brian Dean as interim manager for the forseeable future.
24/01 - Mansfield have hired Adam Murray as their new manager after he left Macclesfield.
25/01 - Boston Utd have announced Danny Johnson as the new manager after he left Tonbridge.
25/01 - Peterborough have unveiled Neil Harris as the new manager.
25/01 - Hearts have appointed Jackie McNamara as the new manager.
27/01 - Dover have promoted Ben Chorley to the role of manager.
28/01 - Dundalk have unveiled Stanimir Stoilove as the new manager after leaving Astana.
31/01 - Leyton Orient have appointed Tony Craig as the new manager.
31/01 - East Stirlingshire have named Gary Twigg as their new manager.
31/01 - Bournemouth have signed Carlo Ancelotti as the new manager after he left Watford.
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Dan