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guk99
Updated: 27th August 2016
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Name: John Smith
Born: Middlesbrough, England
Age: 21
Football Licence: None
Football Career: Sunday League Footballer
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Clubs Managed:
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Wednesday 1st July -- Saturday 11th July 2015: Unemployed
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Saturday 11th July -- ??:
Loughgall FC (Northern Ireland)
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guk99
My football career was over at the age of just 21, after breaking my leg during a sunday league game a year ago and had never recovered or ever likely to play football professionally again. I decided to take myself down a new road, trying my hand at management. I didn't have any qualifications at this time and began the first day of the rest of my life searching for a job as a Football Manager.
Name: John Smith
Born: Middlesbrough, England
Age: 21
Football Licence: None
Football Career: Sunday League Footballer
Note: While possibly looking for the biggest job in the game, managing an International Side (ie. England) - my priorities and hopes over my career is to one day manager either one of two clubs:
Liverpool FC (Supporter)
Middlesbrough FC (born)
Countries Available to Manage In:
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Wednesday 1st July 2015:
The day came when I looked online at the latest job vacancies available of clubs searching for a Football Manager.
Some of the vacancies available were for clubs who I knew I had little chance of succeeding in being employed by, therefore I looked at several of the lower end of the scale jobs available. Only one out of the list was suitable, or available within my range of looking for an inexperienced manager which I applied for:
Loughgall (NIFL C1)
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Thursday 7th July 2015:
I received notification that Loughgall had invited me to an interview with their respected club. I packed up my belongings, booked a flight across to Northern Ireland and set off on my journey. My interview with the Chairman went well, and I had a bright outlook upon them offering me a chance to start off my career in Management.
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Thursday 9th July 2015:
I received a message that Scottish League 2 side, Berwick Rangers had invited me to an interview with their respected club. I attended the interview - even though I hadn't heard from Loughgall at this time, and believed that Berwick Rangers was maybe too much a risk for my first opportunity in Management.
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Saturday 11th July 2015:
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Loughgall - A History:
Loughgall - The Squad:
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Pre-Season Friendly #1:
Loughgall's newest Manager stepped into the hotseat with immediate effect as he arrived at the Riverside Stadium to watch his team lose their first friendly of the Pre-Season 3-1 against a tough side in Scottish League 2's Annan.
Annan opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Smart Osadolar scored after he latched onto a long throw-in by Watson and headed it on into the far corner. Josh Todd doubled the lead for the away side in the 33rd minute when he ran through on goal with a wonderful pass by Ferguson to slot it past the oncoming keeper, before Loughgall pulled one back early in the second half through Tom Carlin who headed home from a Boyle cross to the far post. Martin McNiff scored a third for Annan through a free-kick that smashed through the wall and past the keeper to close the game out.
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Saturday 18th July 2015:
Pre-Season Friendly #2:
Loughgall picked up their first win of the Pre-Season after beating Dummury Young Men 2-0 with two second-half goals. The first came in the 56th minute from Warner Mullen who found himself with space at the far post and leapt up to head home from a Boyle looping cross, with the second in the 83rd minute from Tom Carlin after he scored into an empty net after Mullen set-up Henderson only to see his shot well saved but rebounded to Carlin who slotted home for a comfortable victory for the away side.
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Thursday 23rd July 2015:
Northern Irish League Cup 1st Round Draw:
To Be Played On Tuesday 11th August 2015:
Loughgall (NIFLC1) vs Dundela (NIFL C2)
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Friday 24th July 2015:
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Saturday 25th July 2015:
Pre-Season Friendly #3:
Loughgall will have questioned what could have, or should have been in a game they dominated and left home side Lisbellaw Utd with zero shots on target - but Loughgall couldn't break down the defence and goalkeeper and walked away with a 0-0 draw.
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Wednesday 29th July 2015:
Pre-Season Friendly #4:
Loughgall ended their Pre-Season matches with a solid 2-0 victory away to 1st Bangor with a double by Wesley Boyle - both goals coming in the 19th minute of the match. The first came when Willis crossed from the left wing low and hard to find Boyle put his foot through the ball to smash it into the near post. The second came straight from the kick-off as Loughgall took possession of the ball and moved forward, where once again - Willis found space on the left wing and crossed low to the far post where he found Boyle with an open goal and slotted it home.
Aaron Willis picked up an injury during the game with a dead leg and will be out of action for approximately 5-6 days
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Loughgall News:
Staff:
14/07 - Ryan Barr joins as Chief Scout
14/07 - Matthew Crilly joins as Head of Youth Development
15/07 - Conor Wells joins as Physio
17/07 - Kyle Irwin joins as a Scout
18/07 - Warren Johnston joins as Under 18s Assistant Manager
19/07 - Paul McLaughlin joins as Under 18s Fitness Coach
Players:
29/07 - Defender Ricky Copeland joins Ards on a Free Transfer
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Other News:
Managers Out:
17/07 - Finn Harps sack Ollie Horgan
31/07 - Drumconda announce Gary Howlett has left to join Finn Harps
Managers In:
04/07 - Glentoran appoint Jimmy Quinn
15/07 - Berwick Rangers appoint John Sheran
20/07 - Burton Albion appoint Gary Megson
20/07 - Limerick F.C. appoint Bobby Browne
22/07 - Galway Utd appoint Russell Latapy
31/07 - Finn Harps appoint Gary Howlett (Drumconda)
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Next Month:
08/08 - Institute (Away)
11/08 - Dundela (Home)
12/08 - League Cup Round 2 Draw
15/08 - Harland & Wolff Welders (Home)
22/08 - Lisburn Distillery (Away)
24/08 - League Cup 2nd Round Match
25/08 - League Cup 3rd Round Draw
29/08 - Ards (Home)
Recognised Tommy Cornell from the TEW games as your avatar too.
Grimnir
Did a double-take at first as I thought you were managing the mighty blue Brazil of Cowdenbeath (maybe in the future, eh?)
guk99
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August 2015:
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Sunday 2nd August 2015:
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Midfielder Wesley Boyle has sustained a gashed head after falling awkwardly during a training session.
He will be out of action for 11-13 days approximately.
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Monday 3rd August 2015:
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Ryan Moffatt is named as Captain
Neil Alderdice has been named as Vice-Captain
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Loughgall have set a bonus of £1.5k to be shared for the upcoming league and cup season.
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Friday 7th August 2015:
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Loughgall's Manager, John Smith, is set to make his debut in his first ever official position as a Football Manager in their upcoming NIFL Championship 1 League match away to Institute.
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Saturday 8th August 2015:
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Match #1:
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Venue: Riverside Stadium, Drumahoe
Attendance: 115 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Carson, J. | Weather: Breezy, 16c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Stewart, M. (RB) | Anderson, K. (CD) | Alderdice, N. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (c) (LB)
Henderson, G. (RCM)
Burns, A. (RW)
Mullen, W (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Black, R.
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Loughgall Fall At First Hurdle:
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Loughgall's John Smith, walked into his first ever match as a Football Manager - but came away looking frustrated as he saw his side lose to Institute in the Northern Irish Football League 1 match.
It all began in the 37th minute when Brolly played it out wide to Hume, who was able to keep the ball from his marker and slot it back inside the box where Brolly had run through and found himself with the ball before he cooly slotted it into the near post to give the home fans the lead on his debut for the club.
Fans were rewarded with two more goals in the second half of the match, the first came as Institute doubled the lead when Forker was played in to lots of space down the right wing, before he crossed and found Friel inside the box who slotted it home and sent the home fans into rapture - while John Smith, standing on the sidelines, looked on angry at how much space the home side was given to play the ball.
Loughgall did pull a consolation goal back in the 67th minute when they attacked in numbers, allowing Henderson to get the ball on the right edge of the box before he saw Willis free on the far post and knocked it across for him to slot into an empty net for a fantastic team goal. Unfortunately, it was too little too late as Loughgall failed to capitalize on the comeback and the final whistle blew to give the home side the victory as John Smith walked away with a defeat in his first match as Manager.
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Sunday 9th August 2015:
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Loughgall have announced they have sold 30 season tickets for the upcoming 2015/16 season.
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Tuesday 11th August 2015:
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Loughgall's Midfielder Gary Henderson was picked in the Team of the Week for the NIFL Championship League 1.
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1st Round:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 95 | Kick Off: 7.30pm
Referee: Boyce, E | Weather: Breezy, 23c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Montgomery, S. (RB) | Alderdice, N (CD)
Anderson, K. (DM)
McMahon, M. (RCM)
Burns, A. (RW)
Mullen, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Black, R.
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Loughgall Stun Dundela In Cup Drama:
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John Smith saw his side go through against Dundela in a tough League Cup 1st Round match that took it's toll on the fans, and the manager that resulted in a late-late goal to send it into extra-time before scoring the winner through Man of the Match performer Anto Burns.
Dundela took the early lead in the 35th minute through Nathan Jones as he ran into the box unmarked and got his head onto an Irwin corner to head home for the away fans with his first ever goal for the club, before Loughgall pushed on to get the equalizer but had to wait till injury time before they pulled level and break Dundela's hearts.
Loughgall drove forward in the dying seconds as the ball was played out to the right wing, where Burns latched onto it and took it in his stride before crossing into the box where he found Mullen with his first ever goal for the home side and celebrated with his team-mates as they snatched a dramatic equalizer just before the final whistle blew.
The winner came in extra-time in the 101st minute, when Loughgall played the ball around the field with some wonderful passing before Carlin found himself on the left edge of the box and crossed to the far post where Burns came running in and smashed it home to give the home side the victory and send them through to the next round of the competition while Dundela will have looked on wondering what could have been and how they lost this game that they looked to have won with mere seconds remaining on the clock.
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Wednesday 12th August 2015:
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2nd Round Draw:
To Be Played On Monday 24th August 2015
Loughgall (NIFLC1) vs Portstewart (NIFLC2)
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The Dilstillery vs Loughgall NIFL Championship 1 league match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 1st September due to the Loughgall vs Portstewart Northern Irish League Cup 2nd Round match.
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Saturday 15th August 2015:
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Match #2:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 83 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Gillan, D | Weather: 19c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Montgomery, S. (RB) | Stewart, M. (CD) | Alderdice, N. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (c) (LB)
Anderson, K. (DM)
Henderson, G. (CM) | McMahon, M. (CM)
Burns, A. (RW) | Carlin, T. (LW)
Mullen, W (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Black, R. | Boyd, C. | Ferguson, S. | Boyle, W.
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Loughgall Slip To Another Defeat:
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Loughgall saw themselves lose their second consecutive league match as they fell at home to Harland & Wolff Welders by just a single goal that came in the first half. Loughgall will have counted themselves lucky though, as it was a Man of the Match performance by Goalkeeper Gareth Buchanan that kept the home side in the match with some spectacular saves - but Loughgall failed to get up the other end to score and walked off with two defeats in two now.
The only goal came in the 28th minute through David Rainey as Devine slotted a beautiful pass in that broke past the defence and Rainey latched onto the pass to smash it low into the near post and past Buchanan's hands. Loughgall's fans, as well as the players and their Manager protested for the offside flag to be raised but failed to get what they believed they deserved and saw themselves with a heartbreaking defeat.
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Monday 17th August 2015:
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Full-back Stein Montgomery has sustained a strained stomach muscle while lifting weights during a training session.
He will be out of action for 5-6 weeks approximately.
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Tuesday 18th August 2015:
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Loughgall's Goalkeeper Gareth Buchannan was picked in the Team of the Week for the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Monday 24th August 2015:
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2nd Round:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 86 | Kick Off: 7.30pm
Referee: Boyce, E. | Weather: 18c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Stewart, M. (RB) | Anderson, K. (CD) | Alderdice, N. (CD)
Henderson, G. (DM)
McMahon, M. (CM) | Dallas, M. (CM)
Carlin, T. (LW)
Mullen, W (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Black, R. | Boyd, C.
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Loughgall Turn On The Style In Cup Match:
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Loughgall, despite having problems in picking up results in the League, found themselves bouncing back in style in the League Cup 2nd Round match at Lakeview Park as they saw off Portstewart with a solid 3-1 victory thanks to two assists by Man of the Match Anto Burns.
Portstewart took the lead in the 33rd minute through Robert Donnell's penalty as he sent keeper Buchanan the wrong way, after Stewart was clattered in the box by Moffatt and the referee pointed to the spot. Warner Mullen's equalizer came in injury time of the first-half to send the home side in level as Burns received the ball on the right edge of the box, where he played a ball over the top and inside which found Mullen running onto it and he headed it past the oncoming keeper to score with a wonderful team move.
In the second half, centre-back Neil Alderdice scored in the 57th minute as Henderson played over a corner-kick, which was knocked on by Anderson and onto Alderdice's head who slotted home from yards out, before Wesley Boyle finished the game minutes later in the 61st minute when Burns dribbled into the box and almost lost it before he got it back, where he then played it across the six-yard box and into the feet of Boyle who turned sharply and cracked it past the keepers hands to secure a victory and leave Portstewart looking on in despair.
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Tuesday 25th August 2015:
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3rd Round Draw:
To Be Played On Tuesday 6th October 2015
Loughgall (NIFLC1) vs Glentoran (DBP)
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Saturday 29th August 2015:
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Match #3:
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Stewart, M. (RB)
Henderson, G. (DM)
McMahon, M. (CM)
Burns, A. (RW) | Carlin, T. (LW)
Mullen, W (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Black, R. | Boyd, C. | Ferguson, S. | Boyle, W.
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Loughgall Dig Deep For First Win Of Season:
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Loughgall finally reached the dizzy heights of a victory in the league thanks to a wonderful display by the team that saw them comfortably see off Ards at Lakeview Park, with Matthew McMahon scoring a goal and picking up the Man of the Match for his performance in controlling the midfield.
The first goal came early in the game when in the 5th minute McMahon found himself with space and time as Henderson played in a corner, and he cracked the shot through the crowd as it sailed into the back of the net. Tom Carlin scored Loughgall's second in the 65th minute as Ards tried to close down the home side, but McMahon found space outside the box and played an exquisite through-ball for Burns to run onto through the right side of the box - before he got his head up and passed it across goal to find Carlin free and with an open goal to secure the win.
The home fans left looking delighted at not only the result, but the performance as Manager John Smith picked up his first three points of the season.
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Loughgall Monthly Report:
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We began with a mixed August to kick the season off, resulting in two good cup results that saw us go through to the Third Round of the League Cup - while in the league, we suffered two defeats at the start before turning it around with our third and final league game of the month to lead us into September. We finished the month in 11th Position.
Played: 5 | Won: 3 | Lost 2 | Drawn: 0
For: 8 | Against: 5
Top Scorers:
Mullen - 2 | Willis/Burns/Alderdice/Boyle/McMahon/Carlin - 1
Player of the Match Awards:
Burns, A (2) | McMahon, M. (1) | Henderson, G (1) | Buchanan, G (1)
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Players In / Out:
24/08 - Loughgall sign Gary Phair on Loan till End of Season (Ballinamallard Utd)
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Other News:
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Managers Out:
31/08 - St. Pat's Athletic hire Tom Mohan
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Managers In:
14/08 - St. Pat's Athletic sack Liam Buckley
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Next Month:
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01/09 - NIFLC1: Distillery (Away)
05/09 - NIFLC1: Lame (Away)
12/09 - NIFLC1: Knockbreda (Home)
19/09 - NIFLC1: Dergview (Home)
26/09 - NIFLC1: Lurgan Celt (Home)
Ludogorets96
guk99
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Tuesday 1st September 2015:
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Match #4:
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Venue: Grosvenor Stadium, Lisburn
Attendance: 120 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Larkin, P. | Weather: Shower, 25c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Stewart, M. (RB) | Anderson, K. (CD) | Alderdice, N. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (c) (LB)
Henderson, G. (DM)
McMahon, M. (CM) | Dallas, M. (CM)
Burns, A. (RW) | Carlin, T. (LW)
Mullen, W (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Black, R. | Steenson, A.
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Loughgall Slip Up In League Defeat:
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Loughgall will have counted themselves unlucky to have come away from Grosvenor Stadium with a defeat, after dominating the match and throwing everything at the home side - only to watch themselves walk away with a 1-0 loss and their third defeat of the season under John Smith's management since he took over.
The only goal of the game came in the 42nd minute through Andrew Graham, when McDonnell's free-kick from outside the box crashed against the crossbar and rebounded out which allowed Graham to latch onto the ball and smash it home as the defence were slow to react.
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Wednesday 2nd September 2015:
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Midfielder Wesley Boyle has sustained a dead leg after jumping for a challenge during a reserve match.
He will be out of action for 5-6 days approximately.
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Saturday 5th September 2015:
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Match #5:
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Venue: Inver Park, Larne
Attendance: 88 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Gillan, D. | Weather: Drizzle, 22c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Stewart, M. (RB) | Anderson, K. (CD) | Alderdice, N. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (c) (LB)
Henderson, G. (DM)
McMahon, M. (CM) | Dallas, M. (CM)
Burns, A. (RW)
Mullen, W (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Black, R. | Steenson, A.
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Loughgall In Second-Half Comeback:
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John Smith picked up only his second win in the league with a wonderful display by Loughgall as they dismantled Larne at Inver Park to come away with a 3-1 victory, with Marcus Dallas picking up Man of the Match for his performance.
Larne lead in the first-half through a goal by Thomas Robinson, which came in the 28th minute when McGrandles got past his marker on the left wing, crossed to the far post and found Robinson running inside to score from a tight angle.
Loughgall reacted after some words at half-time from their manager, which saw them score three goals in a fifteen minute spell midway through the second half. The first came from striker Warner Mullen in the 63rd minute through some wonderful passing outside the Larne box in which Dallas played a delightful pass behind the defence and allowing Mullen to slot it past the oncoming keeper, before Marcus Dallas struck a shot in the 74th minute after the ball bounced around inside the box and he cooly finished it off. Anto Burns finished the game off just three minutes later when Mullen played him in on the right side and he slotted it past the keeper's hands to secure a solid win.
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Tuesday 8th September 2015:
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Loughgall's Midfielder Marcus Dallas was picked in the Team of the Week for the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Saturday 12th September 2015:
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Match #6:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 86 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Munn, P. | Weather: Drizzle, 13c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Phair, G. (RB)
Henderson, G. (DM)
McMahon, M. (CM) | Dallas, M. (CM)
Burns, A. (RS)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Moffatt, R.
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Loughgall Spot On To Take Close Victory:
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Loughgall walked away from Lakeview Park with a 1-0 victory thanks to a Penalty by Neil Alderdice that saw them for the first time this season win two games on the bounce, in a match they dominated both in midfield and attack but failed to capitalize in scoring more.
The penalty was awarded when Ferguson clattered Steenson who tried to get past the defender inside the box, allowing Alderdice to step up from the penalty spot and smash it down the middle and into the back of the net to secure a good win for the home side and see them rise slightly up the table.
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Tuesday 15th September 2015:
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Full-back Stein Montgomery has resumed training after being out for 4 weeks with a strained stomach muscle.
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Loughgall's defender Neil Alderdice was picked in the Team of the Week for the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Saturday 19th September 2015:
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Match #7:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 94 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Ross, D. | Weather: 24c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Anderson, K. (CD) | Alderdice, N. (CD) (c) | Black, R. (LB)
Henderson, G. (DM)
McMahon, M. (CM)
Burns, A. (RS)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Moffatt, R. | Carlin, T. | Ferguson, S.
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Loughgall Share Points In Tough Match:
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Loughgall found themselves in a hard-fought game against Dergview, that saw both sides come away from Lakeview Park with a share of the points, while Warner Mullen picked up the Man of the Match for his equalizer.
Dergview took the lead early in the game, when in the 6th minute Richard Lecky found himself with space to turn inside the box after collecting a pass from Burns, and he cracked a shot past the keeper's fingertips to open the scoring. Mullen brought the home side level in the 17th minute when Loughgall passed the ball forward to find it's way outside the box, where Dallas played it sideways to Mullen who stood central of the box, who took his time to place his shot low and into the near corner to secure the point against his former club.
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Tuesday 22nd September 2015:
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Loughgall's defender Neil Alderdice and striker Warner Mullen were picked in the Team of the Week for the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Saturday 26th September 2015:
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Match #8:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 92 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Pollock, C. | Weather: 19c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Anderson, K. (CD) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Steenson, A. (LM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Moffatt, R.
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Loughgall Cruise To Big Win:
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Fans at Lakeview Park saw a collection of fine goals in the first half of this league match, in which Loughgall put on a fantastic display of football as manager, John Smith, changed his formation to a basic 4-4-2 that worked perfectly, as his side dismantled Lurgan Celtic 4-1 with Wesley Boyle picking up Man of the Match.
The opening goal came in the 11th minute as Loughgall moved the ball around, leaving Lurgan Celtic chasing their tails before the ball found itself to Mullen who passed to Boyle - whose strike was well saved, only to see Mullen continue his run and have an open goal to score on the rebound.
Lurgan found themselves lucky to be back in the match just minutes later after Loughgall had a corner in the 14th minute, but the ball found itself moving back towards their own goal and Alderdice miss-timed his pass-back that saw Mullan run onto it before the keeper could get to the ball and slot it around him to score the equalizer and bring frustration on John Smith's face, as he stood on the sidelines watching this dreadful mistake by his own defence and allowing the away side back into the game.
Loughgall didn't take long to put themselves back in front though when just minutes after they saw themselves pegged back, Mullen leaped up in the air while stood inside the box and found himself connecting with a beautiful header from Carlin's whipped cross that saw it sail into the far corner of the net.
Boyle scored just minutes later as Loughgall moved the ball around outside Lurgan's box and Dallas slotted it through to Boyle who struck a sweet strike that sailed into the far corner and past the keeper's hands. The rout was complete late in the second-half when in the 74th minute Boyle scored his second of the game, as Anderson hit a long high ball up front that sailed past the defenders and allowed Boyle to run onto it, before he struck the ball from outside the box and smashed it low into the net to secure a wonderful victory for the home side that was well deserved.
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The Loughgall vs Ballyclare NIFL Championship 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 13th October 2015.
This is due to the clash with the Ards vs Ballyclare Steel & Sons Cup match on Saturday 17th October 2015.
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Tuesday 29th September 2015:
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Loughgall's defender Kevin Anderson, midfielder Matthew McMahon and winger Wesley Boyle were picked in the Team of the Week for the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Loughgall Monthly Report:
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September saw us play five league matches, and began with a defeat, before we went on a good run of three wins and a draw to see out the month while scoring a good few goals. We started the month in 11th Position, but a series of good results saw us climb over the course of the month to finish as 3rd in the league.
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Played: 5 | Won: 3 | Lost 1 | Drawn: 1
For: 9 | Against: 4
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Top Scorers (Month):
Mullen - 4 | Boyle - 2 | Dallas / Burns / Alderdice - 1
Top Scorers (To Date):
Mullen - 6
| Boyle - 2 | Burns - 2 | Alderdice - 2
Willis / Boyle / McMahon / Carlin / Dallas - 1
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Player of the Match Awards (To Date):
Burns, A (2)
McMahon, M. (1) | Henderson, G (1) | Buchanan, G (1) | Dallas, M. (1) |
Alderdice, N. (1) | Mullen, W. (1) | Boyle, W. (1)
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Other News:
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Managers Out:
14/09 - Basingstoke sack Jason Bristow
19/09 - AFC Clyde sack Dave Challinor
19/09 - East Stirlingshire sack Craig Tully
19/09 - Seattle Sounders sack Sig Schmid
19/09 - Real Salt Lake sack Jess Cassar
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Next Month:
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03/10 - NIFLC1: Dunagal Celtic (Away)
06/10 - LC 3rd Rd: Glentoran (Home)
07/10 - League Cup Qtr-Final Draw
10/10 - NIFLC1: Bangor (Away)
13/10 - NIFLC1: Ballyclare (Home)
24/10 - NIFLC1: Armagh (Away)
31/10 - NIFLC1: Institute (Home)
31/10 - Intermediate Cup 1st Round
guk99
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Thursday 1st October 2015:
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Saturday 3rd October 2015:
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Match #9:
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Venue: Donegal Celtic Park, Belfast
Attendance: 122 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Larkin, P. | Weather: 11c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Anderson, K. (CD) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Steenson, A. (RM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Moffatt, R.
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Loughgall continued their impressive run of now five matches without defeat, with a 3-1 victory away at Donegal Celtic Park, depite going behind in the opening minutes of the game as Wesley Boyle pulled off a brace and an assist to pick up the Man of the Match award for Loughgall.
The opening goal came in the first minute from the home side as Ryan Dunlop scored from a ball to the far post that saw his shot rebound in off the keeper who couldn't keep it out, before Marcus Dallas was able to pull Loughgall level in the 16th minute when they attacked fast and Mullen found himself on the ball and ran at the defence, before he played it down to Boyle who slotted it behind the defence and Dallas continued his run to slot it past the oncoming keeper.
Wesley Boyle then upped his game and scored either side of the half to secure the win for his side, when in the 41st minute he got on the rebound from a double save by Lee in Dunegal's goal as Mullen couldn't find his way past him, despite having two bites at the cherry - before in the 58th minute some nice quick passing saw Mullen play the ball behind the defender and Boyle latched onto it and struck it into the corner for the win.
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Northern Irish Intermediate Cup:
1st Round Draw:
To be played on Saturday 31st October 2015
Newry City A.F.C (NI4) vs Loughgall (NIFLC1)
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The Loughgall vs Institute NIFL Championship 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 27th October 2015
This is due to the clash with the Newry City A.F.C. vs Loughgall cup tie on Saturday 31st October 2015.
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Tuesday 6th October 2015:
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3rd Round:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 105 | Kick Off: 7.30pm
Referee: McClenaghan, J. | Weather: Drizzle, 12c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Anderson, K. (CD) | Black, R. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (c) (LB)
Ferguson, S. (RM) | Dallas, M. (CM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Alderdice, N. | Burns, A. | Steenson, A. | Henderson, G.
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Loughgall shocked everyone in the League Cup 3rd Round after they battled to a deserving victory by knocking out one of the favorites for the competition in Glentoran, to see themselves go through to the Quarter-Final draw, as Marcus Dallas controlled the midfield and scored to pick up the Man of the Match award.
The home side took the lead going into half-time as Marcus Dallas opened the scoring in the 40th minute as players surrounded Boyle who looked dangerous on the edge of the box - but he played a through-ball to Dallas who cracked it into the corner of the net as he found himself unmarked inside the box, before Wesley Boyle scored a late goal to double the tally for Loughgall in the 80th minute as Loughgall attacked with players and the ball found itself at Ferguson's feet on the right wing, as he found Boyle free inside the box who slotted it home to send the home fans into rapture.
Glentoran pushed on and pulled a late consolation goal back just minutes later when in the 82nd minute Sean McCarron scored close to goal when McManaman headed across goal from a cross but it was too little too late for the away side who walked off disappointed and out of the comepetition as Loughgall celebrated with the fans at a fantastic victory, one of which will go down in the history books as one to remember by their fans.
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Wednesday 7th October 2015:
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Quarter-Final Draw:
To be played on Tuesday 10th November 2015
Loughgall (NIFLC1) vs Ards (NIFLC1)
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Saturday 10th October 2015:
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Match #10:
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Venue: Bangor Fuels Arena, Bangor
Attendance: 107 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: King, J. | Weather: Breezy, 4c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Anderson, K. (CD)
Ferguson, S. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM) | McMahon, M. (CM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Alderdice, N. | Burns, A. | Steenson, A.
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Loughgall put three past Bangor to continue their impressive form in the league after a bad start, which saw them come away from Bangor Fuels Arena with a 3-1 victory, while striker Warner Mullen scored, set up another and walked off the pitch with the Man of the Match award.
Like in their latest matches, it took the opposition to score first before Loughgall took the game to their opponents as Andy Morrow scored in the 8th minute for Bangor. The Loughgall defence cost themselves an easy goal as they mixed up a ball played back and allowed Morrow to get on the end of it and smash it into the near post.
Wesley Boyle pulled Loughgall level in the 32nd minute when Dallas picked up the ball in midfield and played it forward to Boyle, who dribbled on and struck it past the keepers hand to place it inside the back of the net, before a Kevin Anderson penalty that just got past the keeper in the 40th minute saw the away side go in at half-time with a lead, after Long was penalised for a foot up on Mullen inside the box.
Warner Mullen then scored the final goal that secured the solid win in the 54th minute as he got onto the end of a Phair free-kick from out wide and side-footed it home to give Loughgall another win on their travels and John Smith walking off in delight at their performance as of late.
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Tuesday 13th October 2015:
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Loughgall's defender Kevin Anderson and striker Warner Mullen were picked in the Team of the Week for the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Match #11:
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Venue: Riverside Stadium, Drumahoe
Attendance: 115 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Carson, J. | Weather: Breezy, 16c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Anderson, K. (CD) | Black, R. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (c) (LB)
Ferguson, S. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM) | McMahon, M. (CM)
Boyle, W. (ST) | Mullen, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Alderdice, N. | Burns, A. | Henderson, G. | Coney, S.
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Loughgall scored in the opening minute and went on to secure another victory in the league with a 1-0 win at Lakeview Park, as Ballyclare did their best to get something out of the match but failed in the end, while scorer Matthew McMahon picked up the Man of the Match award.
The only goal of the game came in the 1st minute of the game as Loughgall attacked from the kick-off, where Ferguson found himself through on the right wing and crossed into the box - the ball was shuffled around inside the penalty box as neither side could get their foot on the ball, before it rebounded away for McMahon to be the first to get to it and smash it home to secure the win and all three points.
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Thursday 15th October 2015:
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Saturday 24th October 2015:
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Match #12:
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Venue: Holm Park, Armagh
Attendance: 121 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Wiltshire, R. | Weather: Drizzle, 14c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Anderson, K. (CD)
Ferguson, S. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM) | McMahon, M. (CM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Alderdice, N. | Burns, A. | Henderson, G. | Coney, S.
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Loughgall picked up another three points in the league that saw them on an amazing run, as they saw off Armagh at Holm Park with a 1-0 victory - while Matthew McMahon picked up the Man of the Match award for the second game running for his performance as of late which is drawing plaudits from fans, and critics alike.
Wesley Boyle scored the only goal of the game early in the second-half, when in the 55th minute McMahon found himself with space outside the box and struck a sweet strike that the keeper could only parry, allowing Boyle to run in on the rebound and slot it home to give the away side the win.
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Tuesday 27th October 2015:
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The Loughgall vs Institute NIFLC1 League match scheduled for today has been postponed due to a water-logged pitch at Lakeview Park.
The fixture has been re-arranged for Saturday 7th November 2015.
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Saturday 31st October 2015:
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Northern Irish Intermediate Cup
1st Round:
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Venue: Newry Showgrounds, Newry
Attendance: 90 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: McConvery, D. | Weather: 9c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Anderson, K. (CD)
Ferguson, S. (RM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Alderdice, N.
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Loughgall saw themselves ease through to the 2nd Round of the Intermediate Cup with a solid, and very comfortable 3-0 victory capped off by a stunning strike from Dallas that was the icing on the cake for the away side.
The opening goal came in the 29th minute as McMahon went on a driving run from his own box into the opposition half, before he found Boyle - who slipped it across to strike partner Mullen, before he saw Dallas nip in behind the defence and played a sweet pass through that saw Dallas slide it past the keeper from inside the box to take the lead.
The second, and best goal in the match saw a long kick forward by Buchanan, which found McMahon once more who in truen looked for support. He found it in Dallas who was outside the box and received the ball - before he turned, appeared to have all the time in the world to place a stunning strike from 25 yards out that flew into the bottom left corner of the goal to secure a more impressive lead.
The final goal came immediately from the second-half kick-off, as Dallas played the ball across midfield to McMahon who saw Boyle's run into the box and played it through the space to find him - where upon he despatched his strike past the keeper on his near side and into the net for an impressive victory.
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Centre-back Kevin Anderson has suffered a back strain after jumping to challenge for the ball during the match today.
He will be out of action for 4-5 weeks approximately.
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Full-back Ryan Moffatt has suffered a bruised head after jumping for a header during the match today.
He will be out of action for 8-11 days approximately.
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Northern Irish Intermediate Cup
2nd Round Draw:
To Be Played On Saturday 21st November 2015:
Loughgall (NIFLC1) vs Brantwood (Ballymena Premier)
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Loughgall Monthly Report:
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We had a fantastic October which saw us win all six games, four in the League and two in cup matches. We scored 13 goals, while only conceding 3 at the start before keeping 3 clean sheets to end the month. A fantastic result against Glentoran saw us knock one of the favorites out of the cup. The results saw us climb up more as we ended the month in 2nd place with a game in hand (due to our postponed waterlogged pitch game against Institute).
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Played: 6 | Won: 6 | Lost 0 | Drawn: 0
For: 13 | Against: 3
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Top Scorers (Month):
Boyle - 6 | Dallas - 4 | Anderson / Mullen / McMahon - 1
Top Scorers (To Date):
Boyle - 8 | Mullen - 7
Dallas - 5 | Burns - 2 | Alderdice - 2 | McMahon - 2
Willis / Boyle / Carlin / Anderson - 1
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Player of the Match Awards (To Date):
McMahon, M. (3) | Dallas, M. (3)
Burns, A (2) | Mullen, W. (2) | Boyle, W. (2)
Henderson, G (1) | Buchanan, G (1) | Alderdice, N. (1)
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Players In / Out:
13/10 - Shane Coney signs from Coalisland Athletic (Free)
15/10 - Paul Bradley signs on a Free Transfer
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Other News:
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Managers Out:
01/10 - Thurrock release Mark Stimson to manage Basingstoke
05/10 - Castilla release Zinedine Zidane to join Seattle Sounders FC
05/10 - Hyde release Gary Lowe to join AFC Clyde
10/10 - Dundela sack Darren Lockhart
10/10 - Knockbreda sack Raymond Bell
13/10 - Haverfordwest County sack Wayne Jones
16/10 - Bangor City sack Neville Powell
17/10 - Fulham sack Peter Grant
20/10 - Wigan Athletic sack Gary Caldwell
23/10 - Drogheda Utd sack Pat Devlin
23/10 - Derry City sack Tommy Dunne
24/10 - Dundee Utd sack Mixu Paatelainen
26/10 - Philadelphia Union sack Jim Curtin
26/10 - Wrexham release Lee Jones to sign for Haverfordwest
27/10 - Lisburn Rangers have released Paul Kirk to sign for Knockbreda
29/10 - Bonagee Utd have released Peter Moran to sign for Dundela
30/10 - Los Angeles Galaxy sack Bruce Arena
30/10 - Tottenham Hotspur release Teemu Tainio to sign for Fulham
30/10 - Limerick FC sack Bobby Browne
31/10 - Port Vale terminate contract of Robert Page
31/10 - Stevenage fire Teddy Sheringham
31/10 - Yeovil sack Paul Sturrock
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Managers In:
01/10 - Basingstoke hire Mark Stimson (Thurrock)
03/10 - East Stirlingshire hire Ian Flaherty
05/10 - Seattle Sounders FC have hired Zinedine Zidane (Castilla)
05/10 - Real Salt Lake have hired Chris Armas
05/10 - AFC Clyde hire Gary Lowe (Hyde)
26/10 - Haverfordwest hire Lee Jones (Wrexham)
27/10 - Knockbreda hire Paul Kirk (Lisburn Rangers)
29/10 - Dundela sign Peter Moran (Bonagee Utd)
30/10 - Fulham sign Teemu Tainio (Tottenham Hotspur)
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Next Month:
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07/11 - NIFLC1: Institute
10/11 - LC Qtr-Final: Ards
14/11 - NIFLC1: Annagh Utd
14/11 - League Cup Semi-Final Draw
21/11 - NIN R2: Brantwood
28/11 - NIFLC1: H & W Welders
28/11 - Mid Ulster Cup 1st Round
guk99
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Sunday 1st November 2015:
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Saturday 7th November 2015:
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Match #13:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 90 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: McCorvery, D. | Weather: Drizzle, 15c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Black, R. (CD) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | Brady, J. (LB)
Ferguson, S. (RM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Bradley, P. | Burns, A.
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Loughgall Continue Good Form At Lakeview Park:
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Loughall looked to continue their good form with an impressive win at Lakeview Park, in which Steven Ferguson picked up the Man of the Match award, while also scoring a goal in the opening minute of the match.
Loughgall immediately set-off with a purpose as they scored virtually from the kick-off as Institute's keeper received the ball after a long ball forward became loose, but it was his mistake that cost the away side the goal as he threw it out to the left wing - only for it to land at the feet of Ferguson who out-witted his marker and got to the ball first, before he drove on to the edge of the box and unleashed a venomous strike that flew past the keeper who ran back to his goal but couldn't stop it from hitting the back of the net.
The second goal, and killer that sealed the game for Loughgall came in the 74th minute when Alderdice received the ball just inside his own half, where he lobbed a long ball upfield that found Coney, who had come on as a substitute just minutes prior, who continued to run onto the ball as he took it several yards and found himself driving into the box before he curled it around the keeper to give Loughgall another impressive win.
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1st Round Draw:
To Be Played On Tuesday 1st December 2015
Warrenpoint Town (DBP) vs Loughgall (NIFLC1)
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Sunday 8th November 2015:
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Monday 9th November 2015:
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4th Round Draw:
To Be Played On Saturday 5th December 2015
Limavady United (NIFLC2) vs Loughgall (NIFLC1)
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Tuesday 10th November 2015:
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Quarter-Final:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 91 | Kick Off: 7.30pm
Referee: Leckey, A. | Weather: Drizzle, 13c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Buchanan, G (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Black, R. (CD) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | Brady, J. (LB)
Dallas, M. (LCM) | McMahon, M. (CM)
Ferguson, S. (RW) | Carlin, T. (LW)
Boyle, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Bradley, P. | Burns, A. | Henderson, G. | Coney, S.
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Loughgall Edge Out Ards To Reach Semis:
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Loughgall saw off their opponents, Ards, as they went on to secure a Semi-Final spot in the Northern Irish League Cup thanks to two early second half goals by their prolific strikers, and a fantastic team performance on the field.
The opening goal came in the 52nd minute when Carlin and McMahon worked in tandem on the left wing, allowing Carlin to get to the byline and cross into the box. Mullen made a dart for the near post where he glanced a head at the ball and watched it fizz into the near corner to give Loughgall the lead they deserved.
The nail in the coffin for Ards came minutes later, when in the 55th minute a quick throw-out by the keeper saw Brady knock it forward to Carlin down the left wing - who hit a hopeful ball forward in which Mullen sprinted across to latch onto the ball on the left wing. He held the ball up, which allowed Boyle to get into the box and he crossed to find him as Boyle struck from inside the box to send the ball into the net and secure a more deserving lead to send his side through to the Semi-Finals of the competition.
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Thursday 12th November 2015:
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Saturday 14th November 2015:
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Semi-Final Draw:
To Be Played On Tuesday 15th December 2015
Banbridge Town (NIFLC2) vs Loughgall (NIFLC1)
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Match #14:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 99 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: McCullough, D. | Weather: Gale, 14c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Drummond, W. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Black, R. (CD) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | Brady, J. (LB)
Ferguson, S. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM) | McMahon, M. (CM) | Carlin, T. (LM)
Boyle, W. (ST) | Mullen, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Bradley, P. | Burns, A.
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Loughgall In Great Escape:
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Loughgall's manager, John Smith, had to resort to putting in their new signing Wayne Drummond in goal for his first appearance since his return back to the club he once was employed by, in this big match against Annagh Utd, after Smith described the departure of long-term and reliant keeper Gareth Buchanan as shocking just days prior after the Chairman allowed their number one keeper to move elsewhere.
Despite Loughgall taking the lead, the club saw themselves under immense pressure by the away side and will have counted themselves lucky to have escaped today's game with a share of the points. The side also saw Tom Carlin have to go off injured just before half-time when he was on the receiving end of a vicious tackle that left the winger with a gashed leg which will surely leave him out for several weeks.
The opening goal came from the home side in the 27th minute, when Mullen and Boyle played a beautiful one-two pass that split the defence and allowed Mullen to run into the box and fire a shot into the back of the net. After that, Annagh threw everything at their opponents and finally got their reward in the second-half when the defence failed to clear the ball as McCann was allowed to drive into the box with ease and the ball at his feet. It left McCordick unmarked on the left side as the ball found him and he side-footed it into an empty net to draw his side level.
Loughgall held on and looked relieved at the final whistle as a share of the points went to both sides - but John Smith will be looking at this game as two points dropped in a match they must surely have looked at prior to the game as one they should be winning going on the form of their team.
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Midfielder Tom Carlin has suffered a gashed leg whilst being tackled during the match today.
He will be out of action for 2-3 weeks approximately.
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Tuesday 17th November 2015:
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Saturday 21st November 2015:
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Intermediate Cup:
2nd Round:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 101 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Fairfield, T. | Weather: Drizzle, 12c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Black, R. (CD) | Alderdice, N. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (c) (LB)
Ferguson, S. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM) | McMahon, M. (CM) | Willis, A. (LM)
Coney, S. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Mullen, W. | Bradley, P. | Burns, A.
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Loughgall Scrape Past Opponents In Extra-Time:
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Loughgall looked to make the changes in today's Intermediate Cup tie against Brantwood, who are two divisions below them and gave the home side a huge fright in almost snatching a victory against the in-form side at Lakeview Park. With their new signing, and keeper Drummond unable to play in the competition - it was down to reserve keeper Tuda Murphy to step up and stand between the sticks to try and shut out their opponents, while a double change up top allowed new signing Forsyth to get off the mark in style on his debut for the club after just recently signing for the team.
The opening goal came in the 33rd minute, as the ball was moved from back to front, and from the left side to right wing where it found Ferguson who whipped in a delightful cross to the far post that avoided everyone but new striker Forsyth who came running in and slotted it home from close range to give Loughgall the lead on his debut.
Brantwood found themselves level late in the game, when with just minutes to go, Mallon tackled for the ball in his own half and found McClenaghan who played a ball forward for McCann to run in behind the defence and drove into the box as the keeper came out, but was unable to stop the shot from close range that sent the away fans screaming with delight at drawing level.
The decide came late in the first-half of extra-time as Loughgall pushed forward to finish the game off. And it was virtually a copy of the opening goal that saw them take the lead once more and break Brantwood's hearts as Ferguson found himself on the right wing and played a beautiful ball into the box as the keeper came rushing out to clear it - only for Forsyth to be brave and to get his head to the ball first and watch it go sailing into an empty net to secure the victory for his side.
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Striker Shane Coney has sustained a bruised shin after being on the receiving end of a tackle during the match today.
He will be out of action for 8-11 days approximately.
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Intermediate Cup:
3rd Round Draw:
To Be Played On Saturday 26th December 2015
Loughgall (NIFLC1) vs Institute (NIFLC1)
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The Ards vs Loughgall NIFLC1 League match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 22nd December 2015.
This is due to the clash with the Loughgall vs Institute Cup tie on Saturday 26th December 2015.
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Monday 23rd November 2015:
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Tuesday 24th November 2015:
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Saturday 28th November 2015:
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Match #15:
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Venue: Tillysburn Park, Belfast
Attendance: 87 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Larkin, P. | Weather: Wet, 14c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Drummond, W. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Black, R. (CD) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Ferguson, S. (RM)
Boyle, W. (ST) | Mullen, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Bradley, P. | Wilson, L. | Henderson, G. | Forsyth, D.
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Loughgall Steal Victory In Belfast Thriller:
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Loughgall walked into this away match with a purpose, after Harland were one of the few teams at the start of the season to beat them at Lakeview Park. This time around though, unlike their previous encounter which ended with a single goal to secure the win for Harland - the fans paid witness to a thriller of a match as they saw five goals, including a penalty and a last gasp winner for Loughgall that broke Harland's hearts at the final whistle after working so hard to pick up points in this encounter between the two.
Harland took the lead in only the 3rd minute of the game as Loughgall failed to clear a corner and the ball found itself at Dougherty's feet who slotted a sweet ball that split the defence to Rainey who saw his strike blaze past the keeper - only to see it rebound off the near post. Thankfully for him, Middleton was the first to react to the danger and placed it in the open net to give the home side the lead.
Loughgall battled hard to get back into the match, but it wasn't until a foul in the second-half that things turned around as Ferguson found himself with the ball inside the box and was tripped up by Rainey, allowing Willis to step up to the penalty spot and smash it into the right corner of the goal to bring Loughgall back level.
Loughgall then took the lead in the 68th minute when Harland failed to clear a corner this time, and the ball found it's way to Moffatt on the left wing who looked to cross - but with nothing happening, struck his left foot through the ball and watched as it flew into the top corner of the goal with a screamer that shook the stadium, as well as the away fans who went crazy at watching an amazing goal. Wether it was meant or not, it was a goal worthy of watching over and over and a rare one for the scrapbook in his career being it was his first ever goal for the club.
Loughgall must have thought it was all over though, as they saw Harland snatch a late equalizer with minutes left in the game. Harland held the ball well, and Dickson played a ball across to the left wing and in space as Rainey ran onto the ball and turned his man. His first cross rebounded back, only for him to whip a hard ball that skimmed into the box and to the far post where Brown came running in and couldn't miss from yards out as he smashed it home. Loughgall's players fell to the floor, their hearts sunken in despair at watching the victory slip through their fingers - little to know what laid ahead in the dying seconds of the game.
With the seconds counting down in injury time of the game, Loughgall found themselves with the ball and drove forward as Willis knocked it back to McMahon in midfield, who looked around and tried to play in Ferguson on the right wing - only to see his pass blocked by Wallace, but he was unable to control the ball and it bounced to Mullen inside the box who took a step forward and unleashed a strike that smashed past the keeper's left hand and into the near post to see Loughgall snatch all three points and this time, leave Harland's players drop to the grass in defeat at watching a hard-earned point slip out of their grasp.
As the final whistle went, John Smith punched the air in delight at his side's late recovery and picking up a vital three points on the road, while Harland trotted off the field in defeat with their heads down and unable to understand what just happened to their side in the cruelest of fashion.
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Midfielder Tom Carlin has returned to training after being out for 2 weeks.
Midfielder Kevin Anderson returns to training after being out with a back strain
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Quarter-Final Draw:
To Be Played On Saturday 26th December 2015
Armagh (NIFLC1) vs Warrenpoint (DBP) or Loughgall (NIFLC1)
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Loughgall Monthly Report:
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November saw us play five games, three in the league that saw us pick up 7 points with 2 wins and a draw while we reached the Semi-Finals of the League Cup and just scraped past Brantwood to see us in the 3rd Round of the Intermediate Cup. We finished the month in top spot in the league thanks our impressive period of results in the league, and lead by just 2 points from Ards with 11 games left to play.
The 22nd December will be counted down as Judgement Day in Loughgall as we go head-to-head against our contenders for the title in Ards in what could prove to be a crucial league match that will surely provide a Happy Christmas to one set of fans.
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======================================================================================
Played: 5 | Won: 4 | Lost 0 | Drawn: 1
For: 10 | Against: 4
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Top Scorers (Month):
Mullen - 3 | Forsyth - 2
Coney / Willis / Boyle / Moffett / Ferguson- 1
Top Scorers (To Date):
Mullen - 10 | Boyle - 9
Dallas - 5 | Burns - 2 | Alderdice - 2 | McMahon - 2 | Willis - 2 | Boyle - 2
Carlin / Anderson / Moffett / Ferguson - 1
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Player of the Match Awards (To Date):
McMahon, M. (4) | Mullen, W. (3) | Dallas, M. (3) |
Burns, A (2) | Boyle, W. (2) | Henderson, G (1) | Alderdice, N. (1)
Buchanan, G (1) | Ferguson, S. (1) | Forsyth, D. (1)
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======================================================================================
Players Out:
01/12 - Newry City sign Mark Stewart (Free)
12/12 - Newry City sign Gareth Buchanan (Free)
Players In:
08/12 - Loughgall sign Wayne Drummond signs (Free)
17/12 - Loughgall sign Darren Forsyth (Free)
23/12 - Loughgall sign David Gibson (Free)
24/12 - Loughgall sign Luke Wilson (Free)
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Other News:
======================================================================================
Managers Out:
06/11 - Usselmeervogels release Frans Adelaar to join Derry City
06/11 - Drogheda Utd sack John Gill
07/11 - Harrogate sack Simon Weaver
10/11 - Altrincham part ways with Lee Sinnott
10/11 - Torquay United fire Kevin Nicholson
12/11 - Toronto FC Release Robin Fraser to sign for Chicago Fire
14/11 - Weladstone sack Gordon Bartlett
14/11 - Barrow fire Darren Edmondson
14/11 - Leyton Orient sack Ian Hendon
14/11 - Eastleigh sack Chris Todd
15/11 - Shamrock Rovers dismiss Pat Fenlon
20/11 - Rhyl sack Gareth Owen
21/11 - FC Halifax sack Darren Kelly
21/11 - Stalybridge release Liam Watson to sign for Harrogate
28/11 - Swindon Town sack Martin Ling
28/11 - Birmingham City fire Gary Rowett
28/11 - Accrington Stanley sack John Coleman
28/11 - Barnet fire Martin Allen
30/11 - Chester release Steve Burr to sign for Eastleigh
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Managers In:
06/11 - Derry City hire Frans Adelaar (Usselmeervogels)
07/11 - Bangor City hire Robbie Hogan
08/11 - Wigan Athletic hire Oscar Garcia
11/11 - Dundee Utd hire George Burley
12/11 - Q.P.R. hire Neil Warnock
12/11 - Philadelphia Union hire Mike Sober
12/11 - Chicago Fire hire Robin Fraser (Toronto FC)
16/11 - Los Angeles Galaxy hire Zico
21/11 - Harrogate hire Liam Watson (Stalybridge)
26/11 - Port Vale hire John Dreyer
26/11 - Torquay United hire Nicky Barmby
26/11 - Altrincham hire David Thompson
26/11 - Yeovil Town hire Warren Joyce (Man Utd)
26/11 - Leyton Orient hire Kit Symons
30/11 - Eastleigh hire Steve Burr (Chester)
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Next Month:
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01/12 - Mid Ulster 1st Rd: Warrenpoint (Away)
05/12 - Irish Cup 4th Rd: Limavady uTD (Away)
12/12 - NIFLC1: Distillery (Home)
14/12 - Irish Cup 5th Rd Draw
15/12 - League Cup Semi-Final: Banbridge
22/12 - NIFLC1: Ards - Judgement Day
26/12 - Intermediate Cup 3rd Rd: Institute
26/12 - Intermediate Cup 4th Rd Draw
guk99
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Sunday 1st December 2015:
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1st Round:
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Venue: Milltown, Warrenpoint
Attendance: 98 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: McGarvey, D. | Weather: Drizzle, 12c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Drummond, W. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Black, R. (CD)
Ferguson, S. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM) | McMahon, M. (CM) | Willis, A. (LM)
Boyle, W. (ST) | Mullen, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Bradley, P. | Wilson, L.
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Loughgall Suffer Cup Defeat On Penalties:
======================================================================================
Loughgall walked into today's game against Danske Bank Premiership side Warrenpoint with a hope to proceed to the second round of the competition, and despite putting up a resiliant effort - John Smith saw his side knocked out on Penalties.
Warrenpoint had the best chances in the game, but couldn't convert them into goals as they tried everything - including hitting the crossbar early in the game, as well as striking the foot of the post from a shot inside the box in the dying seconds of extra-time. In the end though, Loughgall stood proud and battled to take the game to Penalties, where unfortunately Willis, Drummond and Phair found themselves unable to convert theirs while Warrenpoint were deadly from the spot to see the home side go through to the next round of the competition.
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Thursday 3rd December 2015:
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Friday 4th December 2015:
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Midfielder Gary Henderson has sustained a bruised shin after being the victim of a heavy challenge in the reserve match.
He will be out of action for 8-11 days approximately.
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Saturday 5th December 2015:
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4th Round:
======================================================================================
Venue: Limavady Showgrounds, Limavady
Attendance: 263 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: McFadden, P. | Weather: 6c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Drummond, W. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Black, R. (CD) | Alderdice, N. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (LB)
Ferguson, S. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM) | McMahon, M. (CM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Bradley, P. | Wilson, L. | Carlin, T. | Forsyth, D.
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McMahon Drags Loughgall Into 5th Round:
======================================================================================
In a game that saw limited number of chances for either side, it was Matthew McMahon's performance that shone out as he dragged his side into the next round of the Northern Irish Cup with a commanding performance in midfield, capped off by the only goal of the game.
The goal came early in the second-half, when in the 51st minute Loughgall counter-attacked the home side with Forsyth and Mullen teaming up as they moved the ball forward with pace and some wonderful passing. Mullen saw McMahon make a darting run from midfield and into the box unmarked, where upon he played a pass that broke the defence and allowed McMahon to latch onto the ball and slide it past the oncoming keeper to score. Limavady protested for an offside flag that never came, and rightfully so as the replays showed McMahon's run was timely and his finish was cooly put away to send Loughgall through to the fifth round of the competition.
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Sunday 6th December 2015:
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Ciaran Boyd has resumed training following a broken foot. He is scheduled to be back in 3 weeks.
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Friday 11th December 2015:
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Striker Shane Coney has sustained a gashed leg after being on the receiving end of a tackle in the reserve match.
He will be out of action for 2-3 weeks approximately.
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Saturday 12th December 2015:
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Match: #16:
======================================================================================
Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 119 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Gillan, D. | Weather: Drizzle, 6c
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======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Drummond, W. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Black, R. (CD)
Ferguson, S. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM) | McMahon, M. (CM) | Willis, A. (LM)
Boyle, W. (ST) | Mullen, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Bradley, P. | Wilson, L. | Carlin, T. | Forsyth, D.
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Loughgall Keep Out The Cold With Victory At Lakeview:
======================================================================================
On a cold, wet night at Lakeview Park - Loughgall continued their good form with a solid 1-0 victory against a battling Distillery who couldn't find their way past the defence and keeper.
A single goal was all it took to decide this league match, that came from prolific striker Warner Mullen when just minutes after half-time a kick upfield by the keeper was met by Ferguson who nodded it down in midfield to Boyle who dribbled forward before he split the defence with a pass that allowed Mullen to run in behind, as he strode into the box and cracked his shot from close range past the keeper to keep Loughgall's impressive record in the league going for another week.
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Sunday 13th December 2015:
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Monday 14th December 2015:
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5th Round Draw:
To Be Played On Saturday 9th January 2016
Donegal Celtic (NIFLC1) vs Loughgall (NIFLC1)
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The Loughgall vs Larne NIFLC1 League match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 5th January 2016.
This is due to the clash with the Larne vs Bangor Irish Cup tie on Saturday 9th January 2016.
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Tuesday 15th December 2015:
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Loughgall's defender Neil Alderdice was picked in the Team of the Week for the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Semi-Final:
======================================================================================
Venue: Crystal Park, Banbridge
Attendance: 283 | Kick Off: 7.30pm
Referee: McCourt, A. | Weather: Breezy, Hail 3c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Drummond, W. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB)
Ferguson, S. (RM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Bradley, P.
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Loughgall Reach Final With Dramatic Winner:
======================================================================================
Fans walked away from Crystal Park having witnessed a spectacular game in front of their eyes, resulting in five goals and a last grasp winner for the away side that saw Loughgall reach the Finals of the League Cup for the first time in their career, in John Smith's first season in charge of the club with a performance that saw his side fight all over the field for a place in the final.
Banbridge, who are a league below Loughgall put up a resiliant performance and their manager can't have been prouder of his side for doing all they could to snatch the win from their higher placed opponents - but in the end, Loughgall broke their hearts in extra-time.
The home fans didn't have to wait long to see the opening goal, when only in the 2nd minute of the game Banbridge took the shock lead as Lindsay's corner was met by Wilson who made a darting run and escaped his marker inside the box to smash home a delightful header that sent the home fans into rapture with his first ever goal for his club.
Loughgall didn't push on to get back into the game immediately though, as they bided their time and waited to strike until the 12th minute as they found the ball played around outside the Banbridge box - but it appeared they couldn't break the defence down, before Mullen and Boyle worked in tandem, as Mullen received the ball and attracted a number of players to him which allowed Boyle to break free inside the box. Mullen found him with a pass between the defence that closed him down and Boyle took it around the keeper and scored to bring the away side level.
Loughgall then took the lead in the 27th minute, as they moved the ball around before it was played inside the box. Mullen went in for a challenge which saw the ball break free for Ferguson running in on the right wing and he slotted it past the keeper's out-stretched fingertips to help put the away side in front. It only lasted minutes though, as Jones whipped in a looping cross from a free-kick on the right wing, as everyone appeared to leave it and watch it go out for a goalkick - apart from McCartan who ran forward and leapt for the ball to see him get his head onto it and send it back across goal and into the far corner. Banbridge brought themselves level in what was being played out as a classic cup tie.
Both sides failed to take their chances before the game went into extra-time, and it wasn't until minutes before the final whistle that Loughgall struck once more and this time helping to see them through to the next round. It all came from a Wilson free-kick on the left-wing, as he played a delightful cross into the box which missed everyone - apart from Forsyth who found himself at the far post and the ball landing at his feet, before he composed himself and struck a sweet foot through the ball that saw it sail into the far low corner to see his side take the victory in this wonderful cup tie between two attacking sides.
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Wednesday 16th December 2015:
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Friday 18th December 2015:
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Midfielder Gary Henderson has suffered concussion after jumping for the ball in the reserve match.
He will be out of action for 9-12 days approximately.
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Tuesday 22nd December 2015:
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Match #17:
Judgement Day:
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Venue: The Floodgates, Newtownards
Attendance: 238 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Ross, D. | Weather: Drizzle, 9c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Anderson, K. (CD)
Ferguson, S. (RM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Moffatt, R. | Wilson, L.
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Judgement Day:
======================================================================================
The top two sides in the league met on a cold, wet day at the Floodgates as both sides looked for the advantage to help push them on with all eyes on the sight for promotion. But, it was Loughgall who came away from the match with all three points and a display worthy of seeing them possibly go on and take the crown as league winners, as they kept the back door closed and denied Ards with not a single attempt on target, despite their superiority on shots.
The only goal in the game came mid-way through the second-half, when it looked like a draw was going to be played out as Steven Ferguson snatched the three points for Loughgall in the 70th minute. The ball was moved around by Loughgall as they tried to move forward, before Mullen played the ball out to the left-wing where Wilson was unable to get past his man and found Mullen in return and inside the box - but he was marked tightly, and was forced to pass back to Dallas outside the box. Dallas saw Ferguson's run on the right side and played him through as he side-footed the ball into the back of the net and give Loughgall the goal they deserved and see them go on to take all the points in this Judgement Day battle.
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Friday 25th December 2015:
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Shane Coney returns to full training after being out for 2 weeks with a gashed leg.
Ciaran Boyd has begun full training after recovering from a broken foot.
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Saturday 26th December 2015:
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Today's Intermediate Cup match between Loughgall vs Institute has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Lakeview Park.
The fixture has been re-arranged for Tuesday 29th December 2015.
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Intermediate Cup:
4th Round Draw:
To Be Played On Saturday 30th January 2016
Coagh Utd (NIFLC2) vs Loughgall or Instute (NIFLC1)
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Tuesday 29th December 2015:
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Loughgall's Tuda Murphy (GK) and Neil Alderdice (CD) was picked in the Team of the Week for the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Intermediate Cup
3rd Round:
======================================================================================
Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 94 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Boyce, E. | Weather: Drizzle, 6c
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======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Anderson, K. (CD) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | Black, R. (LB)
Ferguson, S. (RM)
Boyle, W. (ST) | Mullen, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Stewart, A. | Moffatt, R. | Burns, A.
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Loughgall See Off Institute:
======================================================================================
Loughgall continued on their march towards glory, both in the league and in cup competitions as they comfortably saw off Institute in the Intermediate Cup Third Round tie at Lakeview Park, leaving the opposition with only a single shot on target to count on their record as the defence fought to keep the doors closed at home once more.
Mullen scored the only goal in the game early in the first-half, when in the 5th minute Mullen played the ball back to Dallas who came running forward from midfield, only for him to play a pass in behind the defence for Mullen to break away from his marker and latch onto - before he slotted it past the keeper to secure the victory and see his side through to the next round of the competition.
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Wednesday 30th December 2015:
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Loughgall Monthly Report:
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December saw us finish the year on top of the league, and picking up a vital 3 points against our closest rivals Ards, that sees us by the end of the month take a 5 point lead into the new year. We have only 9 games left in the League to try and hold off our closest contenders and keep ourselves on top to see automatic promotion.
In the cup competitions, we continued on with our progress by seeing ourselves through in both the Irish Cup, Intermediate Cup and an outstanding performance in the Semi-Finals of the League cup saw us knock out Banbridge to reach the Final for the first time in the club's career. We were knocked out of the Mid-Ulster Cup at the 1st Round against a tough opposition in Warrenpoint, but we took them to Penalties and it could have gone any way.
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Played: 6 | Won: 5 | Lost 1 | Drawn: 0
For: 7 | Against: 2
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Top Scorers (Month):
Mullen - 2 | Ferguson - 2
McMahon / Boyle / Forsyth - 1
Top Scorers (To Date):
Mullen - 12 | Boyle - 11 | Dallas - 5
Ferguson - 3 | Forsyth - 3 | McMahon - 3
Burns - 2 | Alderdice - 2 | Willis - 2
Coney / Carlin / Anderson / Moffett - 1
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Player of the Match Awards (To Date):
McMahon, M. (5) | Mullen, W. (5) | Dallas, M. (4) |
Burns, A (2) | Boyle, W. (2) | Ferguson, S. (2) | Henderson, G (1)
Alderdice, N. (1) | Buchanan, G (1) | Forsyth, D. (1) | Black, R. (1)
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Players In:
12/12 - Aaron Stewart signs for Loughgall on Free Transfer
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Players Out:
03/12 - Graeme Taylor released from club on Free Transfer
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Staff In:
30/12 - Loughgall appoint Gary Dickson as Under 18s Manager
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Other News:
======================================================================================
Managers Out:
04/12 - Queen's Park release Gus McPherson to sign for Barrow
04/12 - Curzon Ashton release John Flanagan to sign for Stalybridge Celtic
05/12 - Rushall release Richard Sneekes to sign for Rhyl
05/12 - Leeds United sack Steve Evans
05/12 - Charlton Athletic fire Karel Fraeye
05/12 - Sunderland sack Sam Allardyce
07/12 - Northwich release Jim Gannon to sign for Limerick FC
11/12 - Newtown sack Chris Hughes
12/12 - Dollingstown sack Gary Duke
12/12 - Arbroath sack Todd Lumsden
12/12 - Fleetwood sack Steven Pressley
12/12 - Motherwell sack Mark McGhee
13/12 - Aldershot release Barry Smith to sign for Barnet
14/12 - Walsall release Dean Smith to sign for Birmingham City
15/12 - MK Dons fire Karl Robinson
18/12 - Waterford Utd release Roddy Collins to sign for Chester City
19/12 - Oldham sack David Dunn
19/12 - FC United of Manchester sack Karl Marginson
19/12 - Glenavon sack Gary Hamilton
19/12 - Watford release Antonio Diaz Carlavilla to sign for Charlton
21/12 - Sunderland hire Nigel Pearson
24/12 - Merstham release Hayden Bird to sign for Curzon Ashton
26/12 - Stenhousemuir sack Brown Ferguson
27/12 - Newport County release Byron Anthony to sign for Newtown
28/12 - Norwich City fire Alex Neil
29/12 - Banbridge Town sack Ryan Watson
31/12 - Albion Rovers release Billy Stark to sign for Motherwell
31/12 - Millwall release David Connolly to sign for Aldershot
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Managers In:
04/12 - Barrow hire Gus McPherson (Queen's Park)
04/12 - Stalybridge Celtic hire John Flanagan (Curzon Ashton)
05/12 - Rhyl hire Richard Sneekes (Rushall)
06/12 - Shamrock Rovers hire John Jensen
06/12 - Dundee United sack Paul Hartley
07/12 - Limerick FC hire Jim Gannon (Northwich)
10/12 - Montreal Impact hire Mike Petke
12/12 - Wealdstone hire George Borg
13/12 - Barnet hire Barry Smith (Aldershot)
14/12 - Birmingham City hire Dean Smith (Walsall)
14/12 - Swindon Town hire Ian Holloway
16/12 - Stevenage hire Paul Ince
18/12 - Chester City hire Roddy Collins (Waterford Utd)
19/12 - Charlton Athletic hire Antonio Diaz Carlavilla (Watford)
24/12 - Curzon Ashton hire Hayden Bird (Merstham)
24/12 - Dundee Utd hire Peter Grant
27/12 - Newtown hire Byron Anthony (Newport County)
29/12 - FC Halifax hire Darren Peacock
31/12 - Motherwell hire Billy Stark (Albion Rovers)
31/12 - Aldershot hire David Connolly (Millwall)
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Next Month:
======================================================================================
05/01 - NIFLC1: Larna (Home)
09/01 - Irish Cup 5th Rd: Donegal Celtic (Away)
09/01 - Irish Cup 6th Rd Draw
19/01 - League Cup Final: C'rick (Neutral)
23/01 - NIFLC1: Knockbreda (Away)
30/01 - Intermediate Cup 4th Rd: Coagh (Away)
guk99
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Friday 1st January 2016:
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World Golden Ball Awards:
1. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
2. Luis Suarez (FC Barcelona)
3. Juan Mata (Manchester Utd)
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World Player of the Year Awards:
1. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
2. Luis Suarez (FC Barcelona)
3. Juan Mata (Manchester Utd)
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World Team of the Year:
M. Neuer (Bayern)
Marcelo (R. Madrid) | M. Hummels (Dortmund) | R. Varane (R. Madrid) | P. Lahm (Bayern)
D. Silva (Man City) | P.Pogba (Juventus)
C. Ronaldo (R. Madrid) | J. Mata (Man Utd) | L. Messi (FC Barcelona)
L. Suarez (FC Barcelona)
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European Golden Boy:
Bernardo Silva (AS Monaco)
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Footballer of the Year:
1. Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
2. Gareth Bale (R. Madrid)
3. Joe Allen (Liverpool)
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Tuesday 5th January 2016:
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The Loughgall vs Larne NIFLC1 League match has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at Lakeview Park.
This fixture has been re-arranged for Friday 15th January 2016.
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Saturday 9th January 2016:
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5th Round:
======================================================================================
Venue: Donegal Celtic Park, Belfast
Attendance: 303 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Rowntree, P. | Weather: Breezy, Drizzle 6c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Hegarty, M. (CD)
Ferguson, S. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Anderson, K.
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Loughgall Steal Narrow Win In Cup Tie:
======================================================================================
Loughgall's good form continued into the Irish Cup Fifth Round tie at Donegal Celtic Park, where they battled to a 3-2 victory over their opponents on a breezy and wet afternoon to kick off the new year.
Donegal Celtic took the lead in the opening 13th minute of the game, as they pushed lots of men forward, where upon Todd slipped a ball to Carson who had darted into the box and took it around the keeper to score for the home side in a wonderful team move.
Loughgall leveled the match in the 29th minute as they worked the ball from the keeper down the left wing, as Willis played it on to McMahon, who knocked it through to Boyle who had slipped free of his marker and drove into the box where he cracked a low shot past the keeper and into the back of the net.
Donegal fought bravely to get themselves back in front once more before half-time, when in the 39th minute they drove forward in numbers and the ball broke into the box. Dunlop looked to strike but blocked, as the ball rebounded to Carson whose close range shot was well saved by Murphy before it cleared to McGonnell to score in an open goal. Unfortunately for the home side, the lead was short lived as Loughgall equalized just before the break. Driving forward with the ball, McMahon played it forward to Mullen who had his back to goal - but with a swivel of the hips, he turned and played Dallas into the box who continued a run from midfield. Dallas collected the ball, and despite his marker being tight on him - he was able to break just an extra yard away and strike the ball low and hard across goal and into the far corner.
Loughgall took the lead just a minute into the second-half kick-off, as they pushed forward and quickly found themselves with a corner on the right side. Black stepped over, and drifted in a beautiful looping cross, where upon the Captain, Alderdice at the near post headed it on. The ball flew over several players before it came off Hughes, just yards out as he watched in horror to see the ball fly past the keeper and into his own net to score a dreaded own-goal.
In the end, the own-goal sealed the fate for Donegal Celtic as they couldn't find a way to claw themselves back into the match and the final whistle came to see Loughgall continue their form and see themselves into the Sixth Round of the competition.
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6th Round Draw:
To Be Played On Saturday 6th February 2016
Loughgall (NIFLC1) vs Armagh City (NIFLC1)
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The Dergview vs Loughgall NIFLC1 League match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 2nd February 2016.
This is due to the clash with the Loughgall vs Armagh Irish Cup tie on Saturday 6th February2016.
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Wednesday 13th January 2016:
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Friday 15th January 2016:
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Match #18:
======================================================================================
Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 84 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Hayes, A. | Weather: Downpour, 8c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Drummond, W. (GK)
Gibson, D. (RB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Henderson, G. (LCM) | McMahon, M. (CM) | Carlin, T. (LM)
Forsyth, D. (ST) | Coney, S. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Murphy, T. | Anderson, K. | Burns, A. | Willis, A. | Mullen, W.
======================================================================================
Loughgall's Unbeaten Record Falls:
======================================================================================
Loughgall's manager, John Smith, rang the changes for his side - just days prior to their all important Cup-Final match against Carrick, but will have been devastated to see the fringe players who were offered a chance to shine perform so badly that it cost them, and their manager their unbeaten record in which they finally lost after being on a thirteen match run without losing.
Larne's players appeared to want it more on the night, as they fought for every ball - all over the field, and limited the home side to few chances and less possession. The opening goal came in the 55th minute, from a throw-in deep in Loughgall's half as the ball was looped into the box, where it found Maguire who got his head to the ball and lobbed the keeper from close to the penalty spot.
The second, and killer goal came just ten minutes from the end. Maguire collected the ball and drove inside the box with intention to score, only to be closely marked - so in turn, played a ball to the right post where he found McCabe who had escaped his man and struck from a tight angle, only to see the ball creep into the edge of the post and past the keeper on his near side. Larne celebrated their victory as if they had won the league, while Loughgall walked off with their heads down and surely a few choice words from their manager in the dressing room for this collapse on the field.
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Saturday 16th January 2016:
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Sunday 17th January 2016:
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Monday 18th January 2016:
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Tuesday 19th January 2016:
=======================================================================================
Final:
======================================================================================
Venue: Solitude, Belfast
Attendance: 1,204 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Weatherall, S. | Weather: Gusty, Shower 4c
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Anderson, K. (CD) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Stewart, A. | Burns, A.
======================================================================================
Loughgall Make History:
======================================================================================
John Smith, Loughgall's manager's name was ringing out at the Solitude Stadium in Belfast after he masterminded his side's run into the final and witnessed them clinch their first ever Northern Irish League Cup title with an outstanding display by his team, and one of which saw them stop Carrick from even having a shot on target throughout the entire match.
Loughgall pushed forward from the whistle, and could have won by more than just the single goal that got their hands finally on the trophy, as they threw everything at their opponents - but won't be looking back now with anything less now than sheer delight and joy at their wonderful cup run that ended with their Captain lifting the trophy for their fans.
The only goal came from striker Warner Mullen just after half-time, when the team worked the ball from the back of their keeper to drive forward with some exquisite passing that broke the Carrick defence apart. It was down to Man of the Match performer Matthew McMahon to split the defence, when he played the ball through to Mullen inside the box. Mullen though didn't have it all his own way, as he worked hard to make space for himself and struck a sweet shot that sailed over the green grass and into the far corner - past the keeper's outstretched fingertips to seal the victory for his side.
As the final whistle brought the game to a close, all Carrick could do was watch on and congratulate Loughgall on their incredible performance - not just in today's match, but throughout the competition as Alderdice stepped forward to raise the trophy for their fans before passing it down the line for Loughgall's young and inexperienced manager, John Smith, to raise it to a huge roar of the fans, in a game that will be told down from one generation to another of the day Loughgall finally got their hands on the Northern Irish League Cup for the first time.
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======================================================================================
======================================================================================
Loughgall have been awarded £6k for winning against Carrick in the Northern Irish League Cup Final.
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======================================================================================
Loughgall have paid out £750 to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after winning the League Cup.
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Wednesday 20th January 2016:
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======================================================================================
Thursday 21st January 2016:
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Saturday 23rd January 2016:
=======================================================================================
Match #19:
======================================================================================
Venue: Breda Park, Belfast
Attendance: 104 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Craig, M. | Weather: Drizzle, 7c
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Anderson, K. (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Stewart, A.
======================================================================================
Loughgall Knock-ed Down:
======================================================================================
After what had been a triumphant display, days after winning the League Cup for the first time in their career - Loughgall crashed back down to Earth with a heavy thumping against Knockbreda in the league. A result which the manager, John Smith, called in his post-match press conference as one of the most disappointing results he'd been involved in - while giving plaudits to Knockbreda for their performance and being deserved winners on the day.
Some of Loughgall's passing was woeful, which allowed Knockbreda to strike at them with venom, the first goal of which came from a bad pass forward that found it's way coming back at their own defence quickly. Henderson collected the ball in the center of midfield and drove on, before he played it to Dempster who drove into the box and despite being surrounded by several players, still found space to get a shot off at goal - one of which the keeper couldn't stop as it skimmed past him and into the net.
The second for the home side came in the 68th minute, as a cross was cleared out to the far wing - only for it to land at the feet of Stewart, who placed his foot on the ball and curled it back into the box where it found Demspter unmarked and running in to side-foot it home from close range to secure a more deserving lead for his team.
The goal that killed off any hope of a comeback for Loughgall, came in the 74th minute from a corner by Tommons. His ball into the box was knocked back across goal by Donnolly, who found Stewart at the far post. Stewart rose above everyone and headed the ball down and over the line to give the home side an unbeatable 3-0 lead with a quarter of an hour left to play as Loughgall's manager, John Smith, looked on with his head in his hands at his team crumbling on the field.
The best goal of the game though came just five minutes from time, and it came from the away side. Loughgall got more into their rhythm and moved the ball around, before it found Willis on the left wing. His ball back central found McMahon who played it on to Dallas who had time on the ball to decide what he wanted to do. He took a chance and it paid off, as he smashed his foot through the ball and watched as it skimmed across the surface and flew into the low, left corner of the goal from over 25-yards out to give the away fans something to cheer about on their travels back home tonight.
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Loughgall's Marcus Dallas (MC) was picked in the Team of the Week for the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Saturday 30th January 2016:
=======================================================================================
Intermediate Cup
4th Round:
======================================================================================
Venue: Hagan Park, Coagh
Attendance: 99 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Leckey, A. | Weather: Wet, 5c
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======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Anderson, K (CD) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | Black, R. (LB)
Burns, A. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM)
Boyle, W. (ST) | Mullen, W. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Coney, S.
======================================================================================
Loughgall Cruise Into Quarter-Finals:
======================================================================================
Loughgall bounced back from their previous defeat, to see themselves qualify for the Quarter-Final draw of the Intermediate Cup compeition with a 1-0 victory over League 2 side Coagh United, in a game they cruised through to a deserving victory.
The only goal in the match came from Dallas, who was one of the few performers to walk away from their last game with some pride as he helped his side see off their opponents in today's encounter with Coagh United. The ball was moved around outside the Coagh box by both Mullen and Boyle, before Boyle found Dallas creeping forward, and played him inside where upon he slotted it calmly past the keeper and into the far corner to give Loughgall the safe passage into the next round of the cup.
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Intermediate Cup
Quarter-Final Draw:
To Be Played On Saturday 20th February 2016
Queen's University Belfast (NIFLC2) vs Loughgall (NIFLC1)
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Loughgall Monthly Report:
======================================================================================
=======================================================================================
The new year saw us lose our unbeaten league record as I saw our side lose two consecutive league games. The 2-0 defeat against Larne I could chalk down to the huge changes I made to the side, with the upcoming Cup Final - I decided to rest a number of players and it backfired on me big time. The Knockbreda performance though was unnaceptable. The results leave Ards creeping back up on us, with the side now just 1 point behind us as we head into February.
Apart from those bad results, we performed well in the cups - seeing ourselves reach the 6th Round of the Irish Cup, Quarter-Finals of the Intermediate Cup and an outstanding display in the Final of the League Cup saw us defeat Carrick with almost total domination of the match over 90 minutes, that saw us win the League Cup for the first time in the Club's History. Dallas appeared to be the top player this month, with some wonderful displays on the field and scoring vital goals for us.
We lost a couple of Staff Members lately, which have now been replaced - although unlikely, this could have had a small impact on our performances on the field. I have to question though, are our Cup runs hurting my chances in the league as we head into the final stretch of games. I may have to consider giving up one or the other if the performances continue into the next month in the league games - and I may have to look at playing a second-string side in some cup matches to keep the first team players better prepared for our league battle ahead.
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Played: 5 | Won: 3 | Lost 2 | Drawn: 0
For: 6 | Against: 7
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Top Scorers (Month):
Dallas - 3
Mullen - 1 | Boyle - 1 | Own Goal - 1
======================================================================================
Top Scorers (To Date):
Mullen - 13 | Boyle - 11 | Dallas - 8
Ferguson - 3 | Forsyth - 3 | McMahon - 3
Burns - 2 | Alderdice - 2 | Willis - 2
Coney / Carlin / Anderson / Moffett - 1
Own Goals - 1
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Player of the Match Awards (To Date):
McMahon, M. (6) | Dallas, M. (6) | Mullen, W. (5)
Burns, A (2) | Boyle, W. (2) | Ferguson, S. (2) | Henderson, G (1)
Alderdice, N. (1) | Buchanan, G (1) | Forsyth, D. (1) | Black, R. (1)
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======================================================================================
Players In:
16/01 - Loughgall release Jeff Brady on a Free Transfer
30/01 - Loughgall sign Carl McComb from Knockbreda on a Free Transfer
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Staff Out:
15/01 - Carrick appoint Loughgall's Matthew Crilly as a Head of Youth Development
15/01 - Ballinamallard Utd appoint Loughgall's Ryan Barr as their Chief Scout
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Staff In:
01/01 - Loughgall appoint Nigel Platt as an Under 18s Manager
13/01 - Loughgall appoint Wakehurst's Sammy McVicker as a Director of Football
17/01 - Loughgall appoint H & W Welder's Alan Livingstone as the new Head of Youth Development
17/01 - Loughgall appoint H & W Welder's Johnny Williamson as their new Chief Scout
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Other News:
======================================================================================
Managers Out:
01/01 - Crystal Palace sack Alan Pardew
01/01 - Bradford City release Phil Parkinson to sign for MK Dons
02/01 - Newport County sack John Sheridan
06/01 - Oxford United release Michael Appleton to sign for Walsall
09/01 - Bangor fire Garth Scates
09/01 - Concord Rangers sack Adam Flanagan
09/01 - Clyde sack Barry Ferguson
12/01 - Brentford sack Lee Carsley
15/01 - Moneyslane release David Johnstone to sign for Dollingstown
16/01 - Bristol Rovers ack Darrell Clarke
18/01 - NFC Kesh release Niall Amos to sign for Banbridge
23/01 - Llandudno sack Alan Morgan
24/01 - Shrewsbury Town release Micky Mellon to sign for Bradford City
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Managers In:
01/01 - Waterford Utd hire James Fogarty
01/01 - MK Dons hire Phil Parkinson (Bradford City)
01/01 - Glenavon hire Tommy Cassidy
02/01 - Leeds United hire Chris Powell
02/01 - Oldham Athletic hire Lee Clark
03/01 - FC United hire Stuart Ashton
03/01 - Queen's Park hire Robbie Horn
04/01 - Accrington Stanley hire Paul Cox
04/01 - Fleetwood hire Martin Allen
06/01 - Walsall hire Michael Appleton (Oxford Utd)
12/01 - Stenhousemuir hire Paul Wright
15/01 - Dollingstown hire David Johnstone (Moneyslane)
16/01 - Arbroath hire Ian Little
18/01 - Banbridge hire Niall Amos (NFC Kesh)
21/12 - Crystal Palace hire Brendon Rodgers
24/01 - Norwich City hire Michael Laudrup
24/01 - Newport County hire Deland Farmer
24/01 - Bradford City hire Micky Mellon (Shrewsbury)
26/01 - Clyde FC hire John Coughlin
27/01 - Bangor hire Mark Sweeney
28/01 - Oxford hire Steve Brown
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Next Month:
02/02 NIFLC1: Dergview (Away)
06/02 - NIC: Armagh (Home)
06/02 - Irish Cup Qrt Final Draw
16/02 NIFLC1: Lurgan Celtic(Away)
20/02 - NIN: Q.U.B. (Away)
20/02 - Intermediate Cup Semi-Final Draw
guk99
=======================================================================================
Tuesday 2nd February 2016:
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Match #20:
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Venue: Darragh Park, Castlederg
Attendance: 90 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Pollock, C. | Weather: Hail, 1c
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======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Anderson, K (CD)
Burns, A. (RM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Coney, S. | Stewart, A. | Henderson, G. | Carlin, T.
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Loughgall Struggle In Six-Goal Thriller:
======================================================================================
Loughgall fought hard against a resilient Dergview side in hail storm conditions that saw both teams walk away from today's game with a share of the points and three goals each at the end of the day.
The opening goal of this fantastic game came from the home side, where in the 7th minute of the match - Dergview had a throw-in on the left side of the field. A cross into the box was well cleared, only for it to land at the feet of McMaster who put his boot through the shot and watched as it sailed into the top left corner of the goal from a good 25-yards out in a screamer of a strike.
Loughgall got themselves back into the match in the 18th minute, as Boyle played the ball forward to Mullen who couldn't find room for a shot of his own, so played it back across field for Dallas who came running onto the ball and struck it from just outside the box to see it slide across the grass and sail into the corner of the net for the equalizer.
Loughgall then gifted Dergview an easy goal, when Alderdice found himself with the ball and being forced back to his own goal in the right corner. He played it across field to clear, only for Lynch to sneak inside and get a foot to the ball and knock it on for Carlin inside the box who took his time and cracked a shot past the keeper to put the home side back in front.
Loughgall levelled it up again just after half-time, when in the 52nd minute a corner came across and Burns, as well as Willis saw their strike inside the box hit the foot of the post and cleared off the line before it was cleared outside the box. McMahon got forced back, but some wonderful play between himself and Dallas saw the ball return to him and he lobbed the ball over the defence, allowing Mullen to run in behind and get to the ball before the keeper to score and bring his team back into the match once more.
Loughgall finally took the lead for the first time in the game, when in the 59th minute, a Carlin cross saw it land at Mullen's feet inside the box, only for his shot to be blocked - but it rebounded to Boyle who struck it into the corner of the net to give Loughgall a 3-2 advantage.
Dergview chased the game, and snatched a late equalizer with only minutes left on the clock. Porter played a ball over the top and down the right wing, where Clarke ran onto it and found space as he drilled it across goal to the far post and found Higginbotham running in, who despatched the ball from a tight angle to give them a share of the points.
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Saturday 6th February 2016:
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6th Round:
======================================================================================
Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 265 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Courtney, M. | Weather: Shower, 7c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Thompson, S. (RB)
Burns, A. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM)
Coney, S. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Stewart, A. | Henderson, G. | Carlin, T. | Boyle, W.
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Loughgall's Quality Shines Through To Next Round:
======================================================================================
Loughgall put on a wonderful display of passing as they comfortably saw off their oppoonents, Armagh, to sail into the next round of the Irish Cup with a 2-0 victory, with Dallas - who has been in fine form lately scoring the fastest goal in the competition's history.
Loughgall attacked from the kick-off, as Forsyth played it on to Coney who saw Dallas make a run from midfield and played him through on goal with only the keeper to beat and he cooly slotted it past him and into the net with only a mere 12 seconds on the clock as Armagh just fell to pieces.
The final goal that came on the half-hour mark, was almost identical to the first, as Dallas this time played it forward to Forsyth, who played a through-ball to Coney who broke free of his marker and slotted it past the keeper's hand to score and send his side through to the next round of the competition.
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Quarter-Final Draw:
To Be Played On Saturday 5th March 2016
Loughgall (NIFLC1) vs Crusaders (DBP)
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Sunday 7th February 2016:
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Tuesday 9th February 2016:
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Loughgall's Matthew McMahon (MC) was picked in the Team of the Week for the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Centre-back Mark Hegarty has sustained a twisted ankle after twisting painfully during a training session.
He will be out of action for 5-6 weeks approximately.
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Wednesday 10th February 2016:
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The Loughgall vs Donegal Celtic NIFLC1 League match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 1st March 2016.
This is due to the clash with the Loughgall vs Crusaders Irish Cup tie match on Saturday 5th March 2016.
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Tuesday 16th February 2016:
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Match #21:
======================================================================================
Venue: Knockramer Park, Lurgan
Attendance: 107 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: McCullogh, D. | Weather: Wet, 10c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Thompson, S. (RB)
Burns, A. (RM)
Coney, S. (ST) | Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Stewart, A.
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Loughgall Edge Opponents In Close Encounter:
======================================================================================
Loughgall scored a last second winner to break Lurgan Celtic's hearts in the league match at a wet Knockramer Park, as Forsyth struck twice to see off an own-goal by Alderdice and give Loughgall points on the table to push for that league title they have been grasping at all season now.
The opener came just after half-time as Loughgall got a hold of the ball and attacked. McMahon drove forward through midfield, and played a delightful pass to the right side of the box where he found Forsyth who took a touch before despatching the strike into the far corner to give the away side the lead.
Lurgan counted themselves lucky to be level with only ten minutes left, when they attacked down the left wing through Rodgers. His cross into the box saw the ball being deflected off Alderdice's foot and past his own keeper to give the home side the equalizer. It didn't last long though, as with a minute or so to go, Loughgall snatched the winner that was truly deserved.
The players battled hard to get the ball back from their opponents, and the ball found it's way to Dallas on the right wing. He drove on before crossing to the far post and finding Forsyth running in and sliding the ball home to break Lurgan's hearts as Loughgall snatched all three points in the dying minutes of the match.
The big surprise came not long after the final whistle, where Lurgan Celtic announced they had parted ways with their manager Colin Malone with the result coming today being seen as the final nail in the coffin, as well as being unable to control the finances for the club over the season.
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Saturday 20th February 2016:
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Intermediate Cup
6th Round:
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Venue: The Dub Pavillion, Belfast
Attendance: 119 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Shanks, E. | Weather: Drizzle, 10c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Thompson, S. (RB)
Burns, A. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM) | McMahon, M. (CM) | Willis, A. (LM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Mullen, W. | Stewart, A.
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Loughgall Crash Out Of Cup:
======================================================================================
Loughgall crashed out of the Intermediate Cup at the Quarter-Final stage after a disappointing collapse against a side who appeared to desire the result more than their opposition, despite taking the lead and holding on for most of the match.
The opener in the 29th minute came as Loughgall drove forward, before Dallas moved the ball on to Forsyth who found Boyle inside the box and his shot skimmed past the keeper's right hand to sail into the net. The equalizer came after some bad passing by the away side, allowing McManus to play Mulholland in on the right wing - where his cross to the far post found Dalzell unmarked and he found the open net to score.
The eventual winner came in the second-half of extra-time as Queen's got the ball and pushed on. A long ball down the right wing found Lavery who ran onto it and in space. He held it up, before playing a beautiful drilled ball across goal as both the defence and attack appeared to leave it for each other, before the ball made it's way to Mulholland on the far post who had the easy chance of scoring in an empty net and secure a victory for the home side and send Loughgall crashing out of the competition.
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Loughgall have been awarded £1.5k after losing against Queens University in the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Quarter-Final.
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Sunday 28th February 2016:
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Monday 29th February 2016:
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Loughgall Monthly Report:
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We had a mixed February, as we kicked the month off with a draw against Dergview in a match we should have won. A good cup win was followed by a positive result in the league to keep us in the top spot for the month, before we crashed out of the Intermediate Cup to lower opposition which I was not happy about.
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Played: 4 | Won: 2 | Lost 1 | Drawn: 1
For: 8 | Against: 6
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Top Scorers (Month):
Forsyth - 3 | Dallas - 2
Mullen - 1 | Boyle - 1 | Coney - 1
======================================================================================
Top Scorers (To Date):
Mullen - 14 | Boyle - 12 | Dallas - 10
Forsyth - 6 | Ferguson - 3 | McMahon - 3
Burns - 2 | Alderdice - 2 | Willis - 2 | Coney - 2
Carlin / Anderson / Moffett - 1
Own Goals - 1
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Player of the Match Awards (To Date):
McMahon, M. (7) | Dallas, M. (6) | Mullen, W. (5)
Boyle, W. (3) | Burns, A (2) | Ferguson, S. (2) | Forsyth, D. (2)
Alderdice, N. (1) | Buchanan, G (1) | Henderson, G (1) | Black, R. (1) Coney, S. (1)
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Players Out:
28/02 - Loughgall release Aaron Stewart on a Free Transfer
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Other News:
======================================================================================
Managers Out:
09/02 - Cefn Druids release Huw Griffiths to sign for Llandudno
13/02 - Brechin City sack Darren Dods.
16/02 - Leeds United release John Anderson to sign for Shrewsbury Town
16/02 - Donegal Celtic sack Nicky Maye
16/02 - Lurgan Celtic sack Colin Malone
20/02 - Gainsborough sack Steve Housham
20/02 - Ballinamallard Utd sack Whitey Anderson
23/02 - Rotherham United sack Neil Redfearn
27/02 - Alloa sack Danny Lennon
27/02 - Basingstoke dismiss Mark Stimson
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Managers In:
01/02 - Concord Rangers hire Johnson Hippolyte
01/02 - Brentford hire Alex Neil
01/02 - Bristol Rovers hire John Sheridan
09/02 - Llandudno hire Huw Griffiths (Cefn Druids)
16/02 - Shewsbury Town hire John Anderson (Leeds Utd)
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=======================================================================================
Next Month:
01/03 - NIFLC1: Donegal Celtic (Home)
05/03 - Irish Cup Qtr-Final: Crusaders (Home)
05/03 - Irish Cup Semi-Final Draw
19/03 - NIFLC1: Bangor
guk99
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Tuesday 1st March 2016:
=======================================================================================
Match #22:
======================================================================================
Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 90 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Flynn, G. | Weather: Drizzle, 18c
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======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Anderson, K. (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM) | McMahon, M. (CM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Forsyth, D. | Moffatt, R.
======================================================================================
Loughgall Crush Opponents:
======================================================================================
Loughgall cruised to a comfortable victory at Lakeview Park, as they demolished Donegal Celtic to pick up all three points and close in on the League title.
Warner Mullen picked up the Man of the Match for his performance, in scoring two goals and setting-up the third - the first goal of which came after only 13 minutes of the match. Willis received the ball on the left wing, as he crossed it into the box. The defence struggled to deal with the ball, and it bounced to the feet of Mullen who struck it away from close range to begin the demolition of their opponents.
Mullen's second goal came in injury-time of the first-half, as Wilson collected the ball out on the right wing, and it was he this time who crossed into the box and to the far post which found Mullen running in to score another easy goal from just yards out. The final goal came in the 81st minute, as a crorner was knocked back out, where upon Willis found Mullen inside the box. He looked around, before a quick pass towards McMahon who had time to place his shot and struck it sweetly to see it glide into the near corner to close the game out and seal the result for Loughgall.
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Saturday 5th March 2016:
=======================================================================================
Quarter-Final:
======================================================================================
Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 239 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Fairfield, T. | Weather: Drizzle, 10c
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======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Anderson, K (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM)
Boyle, W. (ST) | Mullen, W. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Moffatt, R. | Henderson, G. | Carlin, T.
======================================================================================
Loughgall Hold Opponents To Replay:
======================================================================================
Loughgall battled bravely to try and hold off Danske Bank Premiership side Crusaders, and had some close calls throughout the game - but in the end, were able to hold out for the full ninety minutes and find themselves facing their opponents in a replay.
Few chances were seen throughout the game, as Crusaders did all they could to try and win the match without having to force a replay - while Loughgall had several slim chances themselves to pick up a dramatic victory, but in the end both sides will have to meet each other for one last time to see who will reach the Semi-Finals of the competition.
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Midfielder Aaron Willis has sustained a bruised thigh after being on the receiving end of a tackle in the last match.
He will be out of action for 11-13 days approximately.
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Semi-Final Draw:
To Be Played On Saturday 5th March 2016
Loughgall (NIFLC1) or Crusdaders (DBP) vs Dollingstown (NIFLC2) or Glenavon (DBP)
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======================================================================================
Loughgall's Tada Murphy (GK), Neil Alderdice (CD), Aaron Willis (LM), Matthew McMahon (CM), Luke Wilson (RM), Warner Mullen (ST) were all picked in the Team of the Week for the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Wednesday 9th March 2016:
=======================================================================================
Quarter-Final Replay:
======================================================================================
Venue: Seaview, Belfast
Attendance: 409 | Kick Off: 7.30pm
Referee: McCorvery, D. | Weather: Drizzle, 13c
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======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Gibson, D. (CD) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM) | McMahon, M. (CM) | Carlin, T. (LM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Moffatt, R. | Henderson, G. | Burns, A. | Forsyth, D.
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Brave Loughgall Fall At Last Hurdle:
======================================================================================
Loughgall saw themselves battle a wet pitch at Seaview, and took the lead but to no avail - as the Premiership opponents appeared to be the better side as they looked to dominate the game, albeit took extra-time to finally see off their League 1 opposition. Loughgall had lost two of their players before the game with both Willis and Anderson missing through injury and suspension.
Loughgall opened the scoring from the Penalty spot after only 21 minutes, through Alderdice who smashed it home to give the away fans some hope they could pull off an upset. This was after Robinson caught Mullen with a high foot inside the box. It didn't last long though, as in the 38th minute - Crusaders drew level through Carvill as McClean had the ball on the right wing, and crossed to the far post where Carvill leaped up and headed home from yards out.
As the match went into extra-time, it was Heatley who finished the game off in the 93rd minute when Whyte had the ball in midfield and played a delightful pass into the left side of the box - which everyone missed and ran through to where Heatley followed the ball, latched onto the end and slotted it into the far corner past the keeper's hands to secure the win.
Loughgall were applauded off the field at the full-time whistle from the home fans who showed their appreciation of the club that had pushed their team all the way and could have, on another day, walked away with a win.
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Loughgall have been given £1.5k after losing against Crusaders in the Northern Irish Cup Quarter-Final.
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Friday 11th March 2016:
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Defender Mark Hegarty has resumed to full training following a twisted ankle.
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Saturday 12th March 2016:
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Centre-back Kevin Anderson has suffered a twisted ankle after chasing the ball during a reserve match.
He will be out of action for 5-6 weeks approximately.
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Tuesday 15th March 2016:
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Saturday 18th March 2016:
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Match #23:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 86 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Gillan, D. | Weather: Drizzle, 14c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Heneghan, S. (CD) | Gibson, D. (CD) | Boyd, C. (LB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM) | McMahon, M. (CM)
Coney, S. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W.. | Moffatt, R. | Henderson, G.
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Loughgall Rise To See Off Bangor:
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Loughgall bounced back from being knocked out of the cup to comfortably see off Bangor in the league and virtually secure their position as League Champions, with only three games left and six points clear after today's results.
Warner Mullen was once more the Man of the Match, as well as being give the Captain's armband, and it showed as he lead from the front by scoring two goals to secure the win for his side. The first of which came just before the half-time whistle, when in injury-time of the first-half Mullen got his foot to a cross by Carlin at the near post to deflect the ball past the keeper and into the net.
The second came just five minutes from the end of the game, as the ball was moved around from left to right before a ball was hit upfield to the left wing, where upon Buchanan got to it first and lobbed it clear. Unfortunately for him, it fell to Boyle's feet outside the box who quickly lobbed it back into the centre of the box where he found Mullen running in and met it with his head to knock it past the oncoming keeper to score his second of the match.
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Tuesday 23rd March 2016:
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Loughgall's Tom Carlin (LM) and Warner Mullen (ST) were both picked in the Team of the Week for the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Loughgall Monthly Report:
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We had another mixed month once more, but hopefully it's enough to see us over the line in winning the league with only 3 games left to play. A good home win kicked us off, before we took Crusaders all the way in a replay and extra-time before they saw us off and knocked us out of the last cup competition we were in. A solid performance against Bangor should have secured us the title thanks to Mullen's excellent performance.
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Played: 4 | Won: 2 | Lost 1 | Drawn: 1
For: 6 | Against: 2
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Top Scorers (Month):
Mullen - 4
McMahon - 1 | Alderdice - 1
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Top Scorers (To Date):
Mullen - 18 | Boyle - 12 | Dallas - 10
Forsyth - 6 | McMahon - 4 | Ferguson - 3
Alderdice - 3 | Burns - 2 | Willis - 2 | Coney - 2
Carlin / Anderson / Moffett - 1
Own Goals - 1
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Player of the Match Awards (To Date):
McMahon, M. (8) | Mullen, W. (7) | Dallas, M. (6)
Boyle, W. (3) | Burns, A (2) | Ferguson, S. (2) | Forsyth, D. (2)
Alderdice, N. (1) | Buchanan, G (1) | Henderson, G (1) | Black, R. (1) Coney, S. (1)
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Players In:
15/03 - Loughgall sign Sean Heneghan from Coagh Utd on a Free Transfer
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Staff In:
09/03 - Loughgall sign Brian McClean as a Scout
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Other News:
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Managers Out:
02/03 - Hull City sack Steve Bruce
05/03 - Burton Albion sack Gary Megson
05/03 - Bolton Wanderers sack Neil Lennon
06/03 - Brentwood release Dean Holdsworth to sign for Gainsborough
07/03 - Donegal Celtic hire Pat McAllister
12/03 - Boreham Wood sack Luke Garrard
14/03 - Millwalla release Scott Fitzgerald to sign for Basingstoke
19/03 - Mansfield Town sack Adam Murray
25/03 - Margate sack Terry Brown
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Managers In:
05/03 - Lurgan Celtic appoint Aaron Forgrave
05/03 - Brechin name Todd Lumsden
06/03 - Gainsborough hire Dean Holdsworth (Brentwood)
08/03 - Ballinamallard Utd hire John Quigg
10/03 - Rotherham Utd hire Alexander Zickler
14/03 - Basingstoke hire Scott Fitzgerald (Millwall)
17/03 - Hull City hire Tim Sherwood
18/03 - Alloa appoint Stuart Balmer
24/03 - Bolton Wanderers hire Karl Robinson
24/03 - Burton Albion appoint Neil MacFarlane
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Next Month:
02/04 - NIIFLC1: Armagh (Home)
16/04 - NIFLC1: Ballyclare
23/04 - NIFLC1: Annagh Utd (Away)
HockeyBhoy
guk99
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Friday 1st April 2016:
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Saturday 2nd April 2016:
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Match #24:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 127 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Munn, P. | Weather: 12c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Heneghan, S. (CD) | Gibson, D. (CD) | Boyd, C. (LB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM) | McMahon, M. (CM) | Carlin, T. (LM)
McComb, C. (ST) | Mullen, W. (c) (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W.. | Moffatt, R. | Henderson, G. | Burns, A. | Coney, S.
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Loughgall WIn To Clinch League 1 Title:
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Loughgall saw off Armagh City at Lakeview Park to secure the Northern Irish Football League 1 Championship Title on a cold, wet day with a 2-1 victory. Warner Mullen picked up the Man of the Match for his performance as he set-up both goals to help his team lead from the front.
Loughgall took the lead in the 5th minute of the match, as a Mullen free-kick from out on the right wing was whipped into the box and found Gibson at the near post to head it home for his first goal for the club. Armagh found themselves fortunate to be level when in the 28th minute, a bad pass across field found it's way to O'Callaghan who slotted it through to Havern who found himself through on goal and he slotted it past the keeper to equalize.
The winner for the home side came midway through the second-half as a free-kick just outside the box allowed Boyd to hit a beautiful strike that curled over the wall and into the top right corner. He ran and celebrated with the players and fans with an oustanding free-kick to secure the three points, and more importantly - clinch the title for his side after the final whistle.
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Tuesday 5th April 2016:
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Loughgall's Ciaran Boyd (LB), David Gibson (RB), Matthew McMahon (CM) and Warner Mullen (ST) were all picked in the Team of the Week for the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Midfielder Marcus Dallas was in some discomfort after training today and looks to be suffering from a sports hernia.
He will be out of action for 6-7 weeks approximately.
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Wednesday 6th April 2016:
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Centre-back Mark Hegarty has suffered a torn hamstring after attempting a sprint during training today.
He will be out of action for 3-4 months approximately.
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Tuesday 12th April 2016:
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Centre-back Kevin Anderson has resumed full training following a twisted ankle.
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Saturday 16th April 2016:
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Match #25:
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Venue: Dixon Park, Ballyclare
Attendance: 149 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Larkin, P. | Weather: Wet, 8c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Heneghan, S. (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM) | McMahon, M. (CM) | Carlin, T. (LM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W.. | Alderdice, N.
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Loughgall Fail To Take Chances In Tough Match:
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Loughgall must have still had their heads in the clouds as they watched themselves fall to Ballyclare in their penultimate game, after failing to score any of the good chances they had throughout the match.
Despite Loughgall having more possession throughout the game, it was Ballyclare who had the best, and most chances as they made one of them count midway through the second-half. The ball was moved around before it found it's way inside the box to Reed, but he struggled to find space and slotted it sideways to Walsh who saw an opportunity and took it as he struck it across goal and into the far corner to secure the win for the home side against the newly crowned League Champions.
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Intermediate Cup Winners:
Armagh have won the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup after a 2-0 win over Knockbreda at Seaview.
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Intermediate Cup:
Loughgall have paid out £100 to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after reaching the Quarter-Finals in the Intermediate Cup.
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Tuesday 19th April 2016:
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Loughgall's Tuda Murphy (GK) was picked in the Team of the Week for the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Saturday 23rd April 2016:
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Match #26:
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Venue: Tandragee Road, Portadown
Attendance: 93 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Pollock, C. | Weather: 17c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Murphy, T. (GK)
Phair, G. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Anderson, K. (LCM) | McMahon, M. (CM)
Boyle, W. (ST) | Mullen, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W.. | Gibson, D. | Henderson, G. | Willis, A. | Forsyth, D.
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Loughgall In Control To See Off Opponents:
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Loughgall controlled the match to see off their opponents Annagh Utd in the final game of the season, thanks to an own-goal and a Penalty from Neil Alderdice - despite a late fightback from the home side, who had been on a good run lately.
The opening goal came just before half-time when in the 42nd minute, Mullen was played down the left wing as he drove down to the byline and crossed. The ball flew over the keeper's hands and hit the far post, only to see Mulgrew slide in along with Boyle and see himself knock the ball into his own net.
Just after half-time, Alderdice scored from the Penalty spot after Mullen was fouled in the box. Armagh fought back, and found themselves with a late consolation goal just minutes before the end of the game as Riddle played the ball through to the left edge of the box for Mulgrew to run onto, before he passed it across field to Paget who was free inside the box and he slotted it past the keeper to score. It was too little too late though for the home side as Loughgall held on to secure the three points in the final game of the season.
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Tuesday 26th April 2016:
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Loughgall's Kevin Anderson (DC) was picked in the Team of the Week for the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Loughgall Monthly Report:
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We finished the season off with two wins and a defeat that saw us finally clinch the Northern Irish Football League Championship 1 title, and see us promoted as Champions to the Danske Bank Presmierhip. This completes the double for us, having already won the League Cup Final after beating Carrick 1-0 back in January. We did have a bad result against Ballyclare, where we played awful - but the games surrounding them helped us close the season out with something worth celebrating.
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Played: 3 | Won: 2 | Lost 1 | Drawn: 0
For: 4 | Against: 3
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Top Scorers (Month):
Gibson - 1 | Boyd - 1 | Alderdice - 1
Own Goal - 1
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Top Scorers (To Date):
Mullen - 18 | Boyle - 12 | Dallas - 10
Forsyth - 6 | McMahon - 4 | Alderdice - 4
Ferguson - 3 | Burns - 2 | Willis - 2 | Coney - 2
Carlin / Anderson / Moffett / Gibson / Boyd - 1
Own Goals - 2
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Player of the Match Awards (To Date):
McMahon, M. (9) | Mullen, W. (8) | Dallas, M. (6)
Boyle, W. (3) | Burns, A (2) | Ferguson, S. (2) | Forsyth, D. (2)
Alderdice, N. (1) | Buchanan, G (1) | Henderson, G (1) | Black, R. (1) Coney, S. (1)
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Other News:
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Managers Out:
02/04 - Airbus UK sack Andy Preece
02/04 - Ross County sack Jim McIntyre
02/04 - Port Vale sack John Dreyer
04/04 - Chelsea release Tore Andre Flo to sign for Mansfield Town
09/04 - Bury sack David Flitcroft
15/04 - Connor's Quay release Andy Morrison to sign for Airbus UK
16/04 - MK Dons sack Phil Parkinson
24/04 - Dundela sack Peter Moran
26/04 - York release Jackie McNamara to sign for Port Vale
30/04 - FC Halifax sack Darren Peacock
30/04 - Barrow sack Gus MacPherson
30/04 - Altrincham sack David Thompson
30/04 - Wealdstone sack George Borg
30/04 - Sunderland sack Nigel Pearson
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Managers In:
03/04 - Boreham Wood appoint Kevin Blackwell
04/04 - Mansfield Town appoint Tore Andre Flo (Chelsea)
10/04 - Margate appoint Steve Tilson
15/04 - Airbus UK hire Andy Morrison (Connah's Quay)
23/04 - Bury hire Brian Deane
26/04 - Port Vale hire Jackie McNamara (York)
27/04 - Ross County hire Callum Davidson
29/04 - Connah's Quay hire Sean Parrish
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Next:
Post Season Analysis
Post-Season (May/June 2016)
New Season: End of June 2016
guk99
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Seasons League Positions (Graph):
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Cup Competitions Review:
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Loughgalls End of Season Awards:
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Loughgalls 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'ss Stats:
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Loughgall's Player's Final Review List:
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Manager's Season'sThoughts:
My first season in charge was a positive one, that saw us do well in several of the cup competitions - including reaching the Quarter-Finals of a couple, while also going on and beating Carrick 1-0 to win the League Cup for the first time in the club's history.
This season also saw us clinch promotion to the Danske Bank Presmiership after a successful league campaign that saw us lead the division for much of the season after a patchy start to the campaign. We had some really positive results in the league, with a 4-1 beating of Lurgan Celtic, 3-2 vs Welders and 3-0 vs Donegal Celtic.
Our best performance had to have come from our 1-0 victory in the League Cup against Carrick, who we dominated and didn't allow them even a shot at goal throughout the entire game.
Our most disappointing must have come from losing 2-1 to Queen's University in the Quarter-Final of the Intermediate Cup. Also a 3-1 defeat against Knockbreda, and 2-0 defeat to Larne.
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Other Leagues News:
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Other League/Cup Reviews:
European Champions Cup:
Paris Saint-Germain defeated Juventus 3-1 to win the Final.
Euro Cup:
Shakhtar defeated Atletico 4-2 on Penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Euro Super Cup:
FC Barcelona defeated Sevilla 3-1 to lift the Euro Super Cup.
English Premier Division:
Man City won the Premiership by 4 points from Chelsea (2nd), Tottenham (3rd) and Liverpool (4th) who just pipped Arsenal (5th) to the European Champions League spot by 1 point. Man Utd came 6th, a good 21 points off their neighbours.
Sunderland finished bottom, while Norwich and Bournemouth are also relegated - while Watford, Crystal Palace and Leicester City just escaped going down by 1 point.
English Sky Bet Championship:
Q.P.R. returned to the Premiership as Champions, while Reading join them and Derby won the Play-off to secure their spot. meanwhile, MK Dons finished bottom, and relegated alongside Rotherham and Birmingham City.
Sky Bet League 1:
Sheffield United won League 1, ahead of Millwall and joined by Barnsley in promotion.
Fleetwood were bottom, alongside Bury, Swindon and Port Vale who are all relegated.
Sky Bet League 2:
Notts County won League 2, ahead of Carlisle, Oxford and Leyton Orient who won the Play-Off.
Mansfield and Barnet are relegated.
Vanarama National League:
Tranemer won the league, ahead of Wrexham.
Welling, Altrincham, Barrow and FC Halifax are relegated.
Vanarama National League North:
Solihull Motors won the division, ahead of Stockport.
Harrogate, Gainsborough and FC United are relegated.
Vanarama League South:
Ebbsfleet and Oxford City are promoted.
Basingstoke, Wealdstone and Truro are relegated.
English Community Shield:
Chelsea beat Arsenal 3-2 to win the Community Shield.
English FA Cup:
Chelsea beat Everton 2-1 in the final to win the FA Cup.
Capital One Cup:
Manchester United defeated Chelsea to win the Capital One Cup.
Johnson's Paint Trophy:
Millwall beat Carlisle 4-2 on Penalties after a 1-1 draw to win the cup.
English FA Trophy:
Tranmere beat Barrow 1-0 to win the trophy.
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Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership:
Celtic won the Premiership by 13 points from Hearts (2nd), Hamilton (3rd) and Aberdeen (4th) who win Euro spots.
Dundee Utd and Motherwell are relegated.
Ladbrokes Scottish Championship:
Hibernian won the Championship by 4 points to win Promotion along with Queen fo the South.
Alloa and Dumbarton are relegated.
Ladbrokes Scottish League 1:
Dunfermline win the league by 19 points from Stranraer who are also promoted.
Albion Rovers and Brechin are relegated.
Ladbrokes Scottish League 2:
Annan won the league by 7 points and joined by East Fife.
Scottish Cup:
Celtic beat St. Johnstone 2-1 to win the Scottish Cup.
Scottish League Cup:
Celtic defeated Dundee Utd 4-0 to put their hands on the League cup.
Scottish League Challenge Cup:
Livingstone beat St. Mirren 2-0 to win the Challenge Cup.
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Danske Bank Premiership:
Linfield won the Premiership by 7 points from Portadown and Cliftonville.
Ballinamallard United are relegated.
Northern Irish Football League Championship 1:
Loughgall won the League by 6 points and promoted.
Lurgan Celtic, Knockbreda and Bangor are relegated.
Northern Irish Football League Championship 2:
Limavady Utd won the league by 5 points.
Banbridge, Wakehurst, Dollingstown, Moyola Park and Dundela are all relegated.
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Next:
Close Season (May/June)
Pre-Season Begins: June (Loughgall: Season 2)
Shedender
guk99
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Friday 1st May 2016:
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Saturday 7th May 2016:
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Irish Cup Winners:
Crusaders have won the Northern Irish Cup on Penalties after a 2-2 draw with Carrick at Windsor Park.
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Loughgall have paid out £2.5k to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after winning the NIFL Champion 1 League title.
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Loughgall have been given £3.85k for their final position in the NIFL Championship 1.
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Loughgall have paid out £150 to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after reaching the Quarter-Final in the Irish Cup.
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Sunday 8th May 2016:
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Wednesday 11th May 2016:
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Midfielder Marcus Dallas has resumed full training following a sports hernia.
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Sunday 29th May 2016:
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Tuesday 31st May 2016:
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June 2016:
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Wednesday 1st June 2016:
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Best Player In Europe Award:
1. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
3. Luis Suarez (FC Barcelona)
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Saturday 4th June 2016:
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Friday 10th June 2016:
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Sunday 12th June 2016:
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Saturday 18th June 2016:
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Other News:
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Managers Out:
01/05 - Albion Rovers sack Darren Young
01/05 - Ayr United sack Ian McCall
05/05 - Harrogate Town sack Liam Watson
05/05 - Truro sack Steve Tully
07/05 - Birmingham City sack Dean Smith
07/05 - Newtown sack Byron Anthony
07/05 - Norwich City sack Michael Laudrup
07/05 - Barnet sack Barry Smith
08/05 - Cambridge United sack Joe Dunne
08/05 - Grimsby Town sack Paul Hurst
09/05 - Swindon Town dismiss Ian Holloway
09/05 - Fleetwood Town sack Martin Allen
10/05 - Dundee Utd sack George Burley
12/05 - Burnley sack Sean Dyche
17/05 - Manchester City announce Manuel Pelegrini has left as Manager
21/05 - Motherwell sack Billy Stark
21/05 - Dumbarton sack Stevie Aitken
22/05 - Ipswich Town sack Mick McCarthy
22/05 - Queen's Park announce Robbie Horn has resigned
26/05 - Ross County release Billy Dodds to sign for Dundee Utd
01/06 - Moyola Park's Mervyn Pattison has resigned
01/06 - Wakerhurst Manager Paul Muir steps down
01/06 - Chest City's Roddy Collins resigns
01/06 - Haverfordwest manager Lee Jones resigns
01/06 - Dollingstown manager David Johnstone steps down
01/06 - Banbridge Town's Niall Amos resigns
01/06 - U.C.D. sack Colin O'Neill
05/06 - Bayern Munich release Pep Guardiola to sign for Manchester City
05/06 - Derry City release Frans Adelaar to sign for Birmingham City
06/06 - Q.P.R. release Steve Gallen to sign for Swindon Town
06/06 - Exeter release Rob Edwards to sign for Fleetwood
08/06 - Sheffield United release Nigel Adkins to sign for Burnley
11/06 - Forest Green release Jamie Day to sign for York City
12/06 - Wolves release Darren Ryan to sign for Altrincham
17/06 - Portadown's Ronnie McFall steps down and retires
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Managers In:
08/05 - MK Dons hire Justin Edinburgh
19/05 - Ayr hire Lee Glover
20/05 - Albion Rovers hire Alan Mahood
26/05 - Dundee Utd hire Billy Dodds (Ross County)
02/06 - Motherwell hire Teddy Sheringham
03/06 - Grimsby Town hire Chris Kiwomya
04/06 - Dumbarton hire Craig McPherson
04/06 - Gillingham hire Chris Wilder
05/06 - Queen's Park hire Stevie Findlay
05/06 - Manchester City hire Pep Guardiola (Bayern Munich)
05/06 - Bimingham City hire Frans Adelaar (Derry City)
06/06 - Swindon Town hire Steve Gallen (QPR)
06/06 - FC Halifax hire Garry Flitcroft
06/06 - Fleetwood hire Rob Edwards (Exeter)
07/06 - Sunderland hire Darko Milanic
07/06 - Barrow hire Alex Hay
08/06 - Burnley hire Nigel Adkins (Sheffield United)
08/06 - Ipswich Town hire Sean Dyche
11/06 - Norwich City hire Paul Lambert
11/06 - Barnet hire Andy Scott
11/06 - Cambridge United hire John Coleman
11/06 - York City hire Jamie Day (Forest Green)
12/06 - Altrincham hire Darren Ryan (Wolves)
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Next Month:
Sunday 19th June 2016: Beginning of Pre-Season
guk99
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June/July 2016: Pre-Season
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Sunday 19th June 2016:
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Monday 20th June 2016:
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Sunday 26th June 2016:
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Defender Mark Hegarty has begun full training following his torn hamstring.
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Thursday 30th June June 2016:
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Friday 1st July 2016:
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Friday 8th July 2016:
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Saturday 9th July 2016:
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Pre-Season Friendly #1:
Loughgall's opening friendly of the new season saw them draw against relegated Championship 2 side Limavady Utd. The home side took the lead in the 5th minute of the match as the team got men forward in numbers, before the ball was played inside the box only for Alderdice to make the interception - but his clearance fell to Moore who slotted it into the goal to take the lead. Loughgall got back into it in the 28th minute as Carlin crossed into the box from the left wing, as Boyle knocked it down and Mullen ran onto the ball and despatched it past the keeper to draw level.
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Sunday 10th July 2016:
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Tuesday 12th July 2016:
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Friday 22nd July 2016:
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Saturday 23rd July 2016:
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Pre-Season Friendly #2:
Loughgall controlled their second friendly of the Pre-Season as they comfortably saw off Sirocco Works to secure a good 2-0 victory. The opening goal came in the 25th minute as some good tackling allowed Dallas to receive the ball in his own half, before he lobbed a long ball upfield that Forsyth ran onto and drove into the box where he cooly slotted it past the keeper to take the lead. The second came in the 78th minute when Boyd's corner found Dallas who rose up and headed into the far corner only to see it hit the post, before a mistake by Duff saw him deflect the ball into his own net.
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Midfielder Aaron Willis has sustained a damaged heel whilst being tackled in the friendly game.
He will be out of action for 2 weeks approximately.
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Sunday 24th July 2016:
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Monday 25th July 2016:
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Saturday 30th July 2016:
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Pre-Season Friendly #3:
Loughgall finished off their Pre-Season friendlies with a 3-0 victory over Grove Utd. Despite their domination in the game, it took till injury time in the first-half for Loughgall to finally score. Mullen played the ball out to Wilson, who slotted it back across field to McComb, who saw Mullen's run into the box and played him in as he finished with a beautiful strike to hit the back of the net. The second goal came five minutes from time as a Wilson corner was knocked out of the box, but it landed at Mullen's feet who played it inside to Moffatt who turned and struck the shot into the net to make the game more secure. The third came minutes later, as a clearance out of the box found Carlin on the left wing, who crossed it quickly back to the far post and found Mullen unmarked as he headed home for a good finish to the pre-season for Loughgall.
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Other News:
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Managers Out:
22/06 - Galway Utd release Russell Latapy to sign for Derry City
23/06 - Arsenal's Arsene Wenger has stepped down and retired
01/07 - Glentoran release Jimmy Quinn to sign for Portadown
03/07 - Reading release Steve Clarke to sign for Q.P.R.
04/07 - Sevilla release Unai Emery to sign for Manchester United
08/07 - Charlton release Simon Clark to sign for Hartlepool United
15/07 - Bray Wanderers sack Mick Cooke
17/07 - Middlesbrough release Aitor Karanka to sign for Reading
24/07 - ENGLAND's manager Roy Hodgson has left his post
31/07 - Everton release Roberto Martinez to sign for England
31/07 - Bangor City release Robbie Hogan to sign for Bray Wanderers
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Managers In:
21/06 - U.C.D. hires John Martin
21/06 - Sheffield United hire Johan Mjallby
22/06 - Derry City hire Russell Latapy (Galway Utd)
01/07 - Portadown hire Jimmy Quinn (Glentoran)
03/07 - Q.P.R. hire Steve Clarke
04/07 - Manchester United hire Unai Emery (Sevilla)
05/07 - Immaculata hire Clifford Adams
07/07 - Arsenal hire David Moyes
07/07 - Galway Utd hire Alan Reynolds
07/07 - Hartlepool United hire Simon Clark (Charlton)
09/07 - Falkirk hire Ian Baraclough
11/07 - Tonbridge hire Darren Ward
17/07 - Glentoran hire Ternan Lynch
17/07 - Reading sign Aitor Karanka (Middlesbrough)
20/07 - Finn Harps promote John Francis Doogan
31/07 - ENGLAND appoint Roberto Martinez (Everton)
31/07 - Bray Wanderers hire Robbie Morgan (Bangor City)
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Next Month:
06/08 - DBP: Crusaders (Home)
13/08 - DBP: Portadown (Away)
20/08 - DBP: Glenavon (Away)
22/08 - League Cup 2nd Round Match
23/08 - DBP: Coleraine (Away)
27/08 - DBP: Ballymena utd (Home)
guk99
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Monday 1st August 2016:
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Neil Alderdice is named as Captain
Ryan Moffatt has been named as Vice-Captain
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Thursday 4th August 2016:
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Winger Aaron Willis has returned to full training following his damaged heel injury.
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Saturday 6th August 2016:
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Match #1:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 127 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Ball, A. | Weather: Shower, 23c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Thompson, S. (RWB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Dallas, M. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM)
Wilson, L. (RAM)
McComb, C. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W.. | Telford, M. | Heneghan, S. | Henderson, G. | Forsyth, D.
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Loughgal's Fightback Fails To Gain Point:
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Loughgall started their Danske Bank Premiership campaign with a defeat, as they found themsleves outplayed by Crusaders who knocked them out of the cup last season after being forced into a replay.
Loughgall were beaten before half-time after a poor display that lead to them going in 3-0 down. The opening goal came just 2 minutes into the match, where some bad passing allowed Carvill to pick up the ball on the right wing and he drove past his marker and to the byline, before he crossed into the box and found Owens at the near post who got up and headed it into the net to give the away side the early lead.
The second came at the quarter of an hour mark, when Crusaders pushed men forward to finish the game and struck, when Owens played a through-ball to Carvill who broke free of his marker and slotted the ball calmly past the oncoming keeper to make the game more secure. Loughgall's manager must have been scratching his head at his team's performance, which only got worse when Owens played in Heatley who broke free and inside the box on the right wing to slot it past the keeper and make it a comfortable 3-0 lead going into the break.
John Smith must have had harsh words at half-time as Loughgall came out looking like a changed team as he slightly altered the formation to a more re-assuring 4-4-2 and pushed his men forward - which resulted in a small fightback on his side. Loughgall's first came in the 64th minute, as Carlin found time and space down the left wing and drove on before playing it forward to Mullen inside the box who held off his marker well. He turned sharply, and played it inside to Forsyth who broke a yard of space and cracked the ball past the keeper to score his first of the season.
Loughgall's second came in the 75th minute, when McMahon and Thompson moved the ball around before allowing Thompson space on the right wing, just outside the box. He played a delightful ball inside to find Wilson who was unmarked and he smashed a shot that drilled it's way past the keeper and give Loughgall some hope. Unfortunately, it was to no avail as Crusaders held their nerve and stayed resiliant enough to claim the vital opening three points of the season as Loughgall started this campaign the same as last season - with a defeat.
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Striker Carl McComb has suffered a facial injury after jumping for the ball during today's match.
He will be out of action for 11-13 days approximately.
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Sunday 7th August 2016:
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Loughgall have announced they have sold 36 season tickets for the upcoming 2016/17 season.
The season ticket sales have soared from last season, when the club only sold 30 season tickets.
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Wednesday 10th August 2016:
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2nd Round Draw:
To Be Played On Tuesday 30th August 2016
Loughgall (DBP) vs Coleraine (DBP)
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Thursday 11th August 2016:
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Saturday 13th August 2016:
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Match #2:
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Venue: Shamrock Park, Portadown
Attendance: 807 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Moutray, T. | Weather: Wet, 15c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Thompson, S. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | Feeney, S. (CD) | Black, R. (LB)
Dallas, M. (CM) | McMahon, M. (CM)
Wilson, L. (RAM) | Carlin, T. (LAM)
Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W.. | McCashin, S. | Heneghan, S. | Henderson, G. | Boyle, W.
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Loughgall Lose To Late Goal In Thriller:
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Loughgall put up a good fight at Shamrock Park, but came away from the stadium with a second defeat in a row for John Smith's side, despite taking the lead in the game.
The first goal came just after half-time, as Loughgall tried to push forward, before Dallas played Wilson in down the right wing and he drove down to the byline before crossing into the box. The ball bounced around close to the penalty spot before Forsyth made a move and cracked it past the unsighted keeper to give the away side the lead - his second goal in as many games for the club now.
Portadown got themselves back into the match about ten minutes later, when in the 56th minute the side moved the ball from left to right side of the field. Murray found himself on the ball just at the edge of the box and played a delightful simple pass across to McAllister who was able to despatch it home to bring his side back level. In the 70th minute, Hutchinson found himself putting the home side ahead with a Penalty which he cooly placed into the left corner and past the keeper's hands, this was after Garrett was fouled inside the box by Black.
Loughgall broke themselves level though in the 79th minute as Wilson found time on the right wing and crossed into the box. The defender tried to clear it but kicked it directly towards Mullen who side-footed it into the net from just inside the box to bring Loughgall level with only ten minutes of the game left.
Unfortunately for Smith's side, with only minutes left of the game Portadown snatched all three points and placed Loughgall towards the bottom of the league after only two games when Croskey played a ball into the box and McAllister latched onto the end and placed it around the keeper to give the home side the victory and break Loughgall's hearts - despite their fine efforts in trying to get something out of today's game.
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Saturday 20th August 2016:
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Match #3:
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Venue: Mourneview Park, Lurgan
Attendance: 629 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Courtney, M. | Weather: 18c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Thompson, S. (RB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM)
Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Feeney, S. | Heneghan, S. | Henderson, G. | Boyle, W.
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Loughgall Slip-Up To Deny First Win:
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Loughgall let-slip a two-goal advantage with only ten minutes left on the clock to see their first win in the Danske Bank Premiership drift away to picking up a single point on their travels, despite putting on a good performance for most of today's match in the league and dominating the game.
Loughgall snatched the lead just before half-time, as McMahon played a ball down the right wing and into the corner where Carlin broke onto the ball and found himself unmarked. He drilled the ball into the box, where upon Forsyth made a dart inside and was able to get his foot to the ball before the keeper and despatched it into the net for his third goal of the season.
Loughgall found themselves doubling the lead in the 76th minute, when a loose ball found it's way to Dallas who lifted his head and played a fantastic lobbed ball upfield that got past everyone and allowed Forsyth to break in behind the defence. Forsyth wasn't selfish though as he held the ball up, allowing the keeper to break down on him before he knocked it across field to Mullen who came running into the box and found himself with an open net to score for the away side.
The home side found themselves claing a goal back in the 82nd minute, when a free-kick out on the right wing of the box was played inside by Adamson, which found Tempest unmarked who got up and headed it into the corner of the net. They drew level just minutes later as Loughgall failed to defend as Braniff played the ball for Adamson who broke inside the box on the right wing and slotted it around the keeper and into the near post edge of the net to draw his side level in dramatic circumstances as Loughgall's players looked around at the collapse on the field by themselves.
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Tuesday 23rd August 2016:
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Loughgall's Darren Forsyth (ST) was picked in the Team of the Week for the Danske Bank Premiership.
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3rd Round Draw:
To Be Played On Tuesday 30th August 2016
Ards (NIFLC1) vs Loughgall (DBP) or Coleraine (DBP)
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Match #4:
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Venue: Coleraine Showgrounds, Coleraine
Attendance: 301 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Weatherall, S. | Weather: 24c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | McCashin, S. (CD) | Black, R. (LB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM)
Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Feeney, S. | Heneghan, S. | Henderson, G.
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Loughgall Still Waiting On First Win:
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Despite a game with few chances, and having more possession - Loughgall fought back from being a goal down early in the game to snatch a share of the points against Coleraine thanks to an early second-half goal from Mullen.
Coleraine took the lead in the 16th minute, as McGonigle found himself with little room to move in the Loughgall half, so played it back to McCafferty who was quickly surrounded by the opposition but found enough room to send the ball through to McGonigle in return and play him through on goal unmarked as he despatched it home to give the home side the lead.
Loughgall broke level just after half-time when Carlin went on a run and found himself drawing players towards him which allowed McMahon space to run into and he found him with the ball inside the edge of the box. McMahon played it sideways down to Mullen who came onto the ball and slotted it into the near post to draw level.
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Wednesday 24th August 2016:
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N. Ireland flag
Conor Hazard has been called up by Norther Ireland Under 19s Manager, Stephen Craigan, for his squad to face Austria Under 19s, Wales Under 19s and Holland Under 19s.
The matches take place on 30th August, 1st September and 5th September.
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Saturday 27th August 2016:
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Match #5:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 119 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: McKnight, J. | Weather: Gusty, 16c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Thompson, S. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM)
Forsyth, D. (ST) | Mullen, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Feeney, S. | Heneghan, S. | Henderson, G. | Boyle, W.
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Loughgall Clinch First Victory In League:
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Loughgall celebrated their first win in the league thanks to a battling display lead by their Captain, Neil Alderdice, who also scored the only goal in the game. The goal came from a corner in the 2nd minute, as Wilson played it into the box as Carlin's header was blocked on the line - allowing Alderdice to nip in and stroke it over the line from close range to score his first of the season.
Ballymena Utd tried desperately to claw themselves back into the game, and despite the number of attempts on target - they failed to score, allowing Loughgall to pick up all three points and their first win of the Danske Bank Premiership.
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Tuesday 30th August 2016:
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Loughgall's Neil Alderdice (DC) and Matthew McMahon (MC) were both picked in the Team of the Week for the Danske Bank Premiership.
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2nd Round:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 95 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Carville, H. | Weather: Gusty, 25c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Drummond, W. (GK)
Thompson, S. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | Black, R. (CD) | Telford, M. (LB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (LCM)
Forsyth, D. (ST) | McComb, C. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Mullen, W. | Feeney, S. | Heneghan, S. | Henderson, G. | Boyle, W.
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Loughgall Stun Coleraine In Shock League Cup Win:
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Loughgall went into today's game with hope more than anything, that they could find a result of some kind - but came away from today's game with an incredible victory thanks to striker, Carl McComb who struck a hat-trick for his side to upset the odds and stun Coleraine into submission, while also sending the opposition crashing out of the cup.
McComb's first goal came on the 7th minute mark, as the midfielder found time and space to pass the ball around - before a ball played forward to Forsyth was knocked on to Wilson who darted in from the right wing. Unfortunately for him, a good tackle came in from the side - but this allowed the ball to break free across the goal and found itself at the feet of McComb who slotted it into an empty net to give Loughgall the surprising lead.
The second came as Loughgall looked to build from the back, where a long ball forward found Wilson who had moved in from the right wing and found plenty of space. He lobbed a ball over the top of the defence, allowing McComb to run into the box and latch onto the ball before he smashed it with ferocity past the keeper and into the corner of the net to make the game more secure, as Coleraine began to sink without a trace.
Coleraine found themselves back in the match in the 76th minute as they closed down the opposition, forcing the ball to be played back before it found it's way heading back towards the keeper's goal as the ball moved out to the left wing. McGonigle found himself on the ball and crossed to just outside the centre of the box which found McCauley who headed it on and found Morrow who got ahead of his marker and despatched it low past the keeper into the near post.
McComb sealed the game, and his hat-trick with a wonderful goal in the 87th minute as Coleraine had sent men forward with a hope of an equalizer, leaving the back wide open and a free-kick was played back out and towards Wilson who got to the ball. Some wonderful fast paced passing forward found it soon outside the box, where McMahon played it inside for McComb to seal the game from close to the penalty spot as he scored his third of the game and send Coleraine crashing out of the competition.
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3rd Round Draw:
To Be Played On Tuesday 4th October 2016
Ards (NIFLC1) vs Loughgall (DBP)
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Loughgall Monthly Report:
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We began the new campaign pretty much as we began last season, with a bad start that got better as the weeks moved on. Two first games ended in defeats, despite our best fighbacks in 3-2 losses for both matches. Two draws in the league, the first of which we had a 2-0 lead and just gave it away was disappointing. A good result against Ballymena, our first win in the league was only highlighted more thanks to a wonderful display against Coleraine in the League Cup that saw us comfortable 3-1 winners to qualify to the 3rd round.
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Played: 6 | Won: 2 | Lost 2 | Drawn: 2
For: 11 | Against: 10
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Top Scorers (Month):
Forsyth (3) | Mullen (3) | McComb (3)
Wilson (1) | Alderdice (1)
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Top Scorers (To Date):
Forsyth (3) | Mullen (3) | McComb (3)
Wilson (1) | Alderdice (1)
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Player of the Match Awards (To Date):
Forsyth, D. (1) | McMahon (1) | Alderdice, N. (1) | McComb, C. (1)
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Other News:
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Managers Out:
03/08 - Rangers release Mark Warburton to sign for Middlesbrough
05/08 - Blackburn Rovers release Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to sign for Leicester City
05/08 - Athlone Town sack Alan Mathews
12/08 - Watford release Quique Flores to sign for Everton
12/08 - Longford Town sack Tony Cousins
27/08 - Rayo release Paco Jemez to sign for Watford
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Managers In:
03/08 - Middlesbrough appoint Mark Warburton (Rangers)
05/08 - Leicester City hire Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (Blackburn Rovers)
10/08 - Cheltenham hire Adam Murray
12/08 - Everton hire Quique Flores (Watford)
15/08 - Bangor City hire Derek Goulding
20/08 - Rangers appoint Billy Davies
21/08 - Athlone Town hire Mick Dolan
27/08 - Watford hire Paco Jemez (Rayo)
30/08 - Longford hire Bobby Browne
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Next Month:
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10/10 - DBP: Cliftonville (Home)
17/10 - DBP: Linfield (Away)
20/10 - Warrenpoint (Away)
24/10 - DBP: Dungannon (Home)
guk99
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Saturday 10th September 2016:
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Match #6:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 124 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: McCourt, A. | Weather: Drizzle, 21c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Thompson, S. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | McCashin,S. (CD) | Black,R. (LB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM) | Carlin, T. (LM)
McComb, C. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W.. | Feeney, S. | Henderson, G. | Boyle, W.
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Loughgall Fall To Late Goal:
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Loughgall went into today's game as the underdogs against a tough Cliftonville side, and almost snatched a point from the game had it not been for a late goal conceded that saw them remain down the bottom of the league.
The only goal came in the 86th minute, when Donnelly dribbled past his man on the left wing and got to the byline where he crossed into the box and found McDaid at the near post who was able to divert the cross past Hazard's legs and into the net to break Loughgall's hearts.
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Saturday 17th September 2016:
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Match #7:
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Venue: Windsor Park, Belfast
Attendance: 1,947 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Loughrey, D. | Weather: 21c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Thompson, S. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | McCashin,S. (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM)
McComb, C. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W.. | Feeney, S.
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Linfield Dominate Match To Win:
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Loughgall slipped to a second defeat in a row after coming up short against a top class Linfield side who dominated and controlled most of the match to earn themselves all three points, despite McMahon's oustanding performance in midfield for Loughgall, which was capped off by a goal.
Linfield took the lead in the first-half, when in the 16th minute of the game Glendinning's cross was cleared back out to the right wing where he stood, before he crossed it in once more. This time, his cross was long and high that drifted over everyone in the box and caught the keeper out as it sailed over his hands and into the top far corner of the net to cap a marvelous goal for the winger.
Linfield's second came in the 69th minute, as a corner was cleared away, before finding it's way back out to the right wing where this time Mulgrew was waiting around and drilled it across the box to the far post where Frazer had slipped free of his man and slotted it home from close range to secure a more positive lead. Just 4 minutes later though, and a corner by Boyd found it's way to the back post where McMahon leapt above everyone to head home a cracker of a shot to bring Loughgall back into the game - but it was to no avail, as they failed to get a second and watched the game slip away to another defeat in the league.
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Tuesday 20th September 2016:
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Match #8:
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Venue: Milltown, Warrenpoint
Attendance: 167 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Turkington, B. | Weather: 14c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Montgomery, S. (RB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM)
McComb, C. (ST) | Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W.. | Feeney, S. | Henderson, G. | Boyle, W. | Mullen, W.
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Loughgall Collapse To Another Defeat:
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Loughgall took the lead, thanks to a penalty in the first-half of today's game only to see Warrenpoint claw themselves back into the match just before the half-time whistle with a penalty of their own - before snatching a winner early in the second-half to claim all three points, and despatch Loughgall to their third defeat in a row.
The first goal came after Bagnall went in for a challenge with his foot high on McComb as the referee pointed to the spot in the 39th minute, allowing Loughgall's captain, Neil Alderdice to step up and drill it home as it smashed off the underside of the bar for the opening goal. Warrenpoint drew level just before half-time when Alderdice himself clattered Arthurs, which appeared to be soft as he complained when the referee blew the whistle and pointed to the spot to allow Warrenpoint back into the game. Bagnall stepped up after the uproar at the decision, and didn't make a mistake as he struck it home with style to bring his side level going in at the break.
The eventual winner came just after half-time, when in the 49th minute, Hanley had a second bite at the cherry with a cross from the right-wing that was sent to the far post and found Hughes climb above his marker and head it past Hazard in goal to give the home side the lead. Loughgall's players picked up a couple of bookings throughout the match as they tried desperately to get back into the game - as John Smith looked on from the sidelines but was helpless in watching his side fall to a third defeat in a row.
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Saturday 24th September 2016:
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Match #9:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 104 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Best, D. | Weather: 17c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Montgomery, S. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | McCashin,S. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (LB)
Wilson, L. (RM)
McComb, C. (ST) | Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W.. | Boyd, C.
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Loughgall in Thrilling Encounter:
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Loughgall's manager, John Smith, must have been pulling out his hair as he stood on the sidelines and watched his side give away the advantage in this thrilling encounter with Dungannon that saw six goals, including a late-late equalizer in injury-time that saw Loughgall feel like they had lost the game with a cruel finish to the match.
Darren Forsyth was the star peformer in today's game, picking up the award for his performance on the field as he lead from the front and scored a hat-trick for his team - the first goal of which came in the 11th minute, when a Wilson free-kick on the far right wing was crossed into the box and found Forsyth at the near-side of the wall and was able to deflect the goal on and into the far corner to give Loughgall the good start to the game.
The second came in the 26th minute, as Dallas went on a run across the midfield, before picking out McComb with his back to goal, but a delightful turn allowed him to slip the ball through and into the box for Forsyth who latched onto it and despatched it into the near corner to give Loughgall a more secure lead. Dungannon got themselves back into the match in the 64th minute, as a long ball down the left-wing found Hazley unmarked as he reached it and crossed into the box to find Liggett break ahead of his marker and slide his foot to the ball and send it sailing past Hazard in goal.
Straight from kick-off, Loughgall looked to attack and a bizarre incident allowed them to take a two-goal advantage once more - when the ball broke to Carlin on the left-wing, who tried to lob the keeper from way out and watched as the keeper backtracked and crashed into his own net while the ball bounced off the crossbar allowing Forsyth to nip in ahead of everyone as he chased it down and slotted it into the net to secure a hat-trick and the match ball.
In the 75th minute, Dungannon found themselves back in the match once more - when Hazley, once again, drove forward down the left-wing and drilled it across the box and to the far post where McEllroy came running in unmarked and cracked it home to give the away fans something to fight for. In injury-time, Loughgall's loose passes allowed Dungannon to move forward, and the ball found it's way across goal to Hazley inside the box on the left-wing as he crossed it back across goal to find Thompson nipping in ahead of his marker to score a dramatic equalizer as Loughgall's players looked around in shock at what had just taken place at their own ground.
At the end of the game, Loughgall walked off with broken minds at what was witnessed, while Dungannon celebrated like they had just won the league - while Forsyth was handed the ball for a game to remember in this thrilling encounter.
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Thursday 29th September 2016:
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Loughgall Monthly Report:
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We had a very bad September, which saw us lose three games before stopping the rot with a point against Dungannon. I did see some positives as we battled hard in a couple of the matches, but just failed to take our chances and allowed simple goals in our own end that could have been dealt with better. The bad results see us fall to the bottom two in the league, and we'll have to look to turn things around if we are to avoid instant relegation upon our return to the top league. The only highlight of the month was Forsyth's hat-trick in our final game.
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Played: 4 | Won: 0 | Lost 3 | Drawn: 1
For: 5 | Against: 8
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Top Scorers (Month):
Forsyth (3) | McMahon (1) | Alderdice (1)
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Top Scorers (To Date):
Forsyth (6) | Mullen (3) | McComb (3)
Alderdice (2) | Wilson (1) | McMahon (1)
======================================================================================
Player of the Match Awards (To Date):
Forsyth, D. (2) | McMahon (2) | Alderdice, N. (1) | McComb, C. (1)
=======================================================================================
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
Other News:
======================================================================================
Managers Out:
07/10 - Oldham release Lee Clark to sign for Wigan
14/10 - Toronto FC sack Greg Vanney
22/10 - Crewe release Steve Davis to sign for Oldham
24/10 - Colorado Rapids sack Pablo Mastroeni
======================================================================================
Managers In:
07/10 - Wigan Athletic hire Lee Clark (Oldham)
22/10 - Oldham Athletic hire Steve Davis (Crewe)
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
Next Month:
======================================================================================
01/10 - DBP: Glentoran (Home)
04/10 - League Cup 3rd Rd: Ards (Away)
05/10 - League Cup Qtr-Final Draw
15/10 - DBP: Carrick (Away)
18/10 - DBP: Portadown (Home)
22/10 - DBP: Crusaders (Away)
25/10 - DBP: Glenavon (Home)
29/10 - Intermediate Cup 1st Round Draw
guk99
=======================================================================================
Saturday 1st October 2016:
=======================================================================================
Match #10:
======================================================================================
Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 156 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Moutray, T. | Weather: Shower, 14c
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM)
McComb, C. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Boyd, C.
======================================================================================
Goal Bonanza At Lakeview Park:
======================================================================================
Loughgall and Glentoran put on a goal bonanza today at Lakeview Park, resulting in nine goals as the away side came away from the game with all three points as the defence appeared to have stayed at home on both ends of the field.
The first goal came in the 11th minute, when a Henderson corner for Glentoran was met by Cleary who saw his header crack against the crossbar, before Magee was able to get his foot on the rebound and slot it home. They doubled their advantage just several minutes later, when in the 14th minute McAlorum found himself with the ball in central midfield and outside the box where he played it inside for Smith to latch on to and he placed it calmly past Hazard in goal.
Loughgall replied immediately as they pushed on from kick-off and a ball whipped in from the right-wing by Wilson found McMahon inside the box who side-footed it into the near post to bring a goal back for his side. Five minutes later and Glentoran took the two-goal advantage once more, as they broke down the left-wing and McCullough drilled the ball to the far post and found Henderson coming in to score an easy goal from close range.
Loughgall clawed it back once more in the 28th minute, when a clearance found McCeeshin who played it forward to McMahon in the Glentoran half. He slid it forward to McComb who turned his man on the edge of the box and smashed the ball low into the far corner. Loughgall got their equalizer in the 59th minute, when a Boyd corner was deflected out to the edge of the box and McComb cracked a shot that flew past everyone and sailed into the net.
Just minutes after the equalizer, Loughgall took the lead for the first time in the match as they played the ball across from left to right wing before it found Wilson on the right wing who edged into the box and played it across for Forsyth, who drifted free of his man and found enough space to crack a shot past the keeper. Glentoran got back into the match in the 78th minute as a Henderson corner found Magee inside the box who got up to head it home.
The winner came minutes later, as Glentoran pushed on to find a winner and did so as Kane found himself on the ball by the left byline and crossed to the far post where he found Henderson to slot home the eventual winner. Both teams walked off to applause from both sets of supporters for a cracking match that entertained everyone.
======================================================================================
=======================================================================================
Marcus Dallas has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
The ban will apply for all Northern Irish domestic competitions.
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Sunday 2nd October 2016:
=======================================================================================
=======================================================================================
Tuesday 4th October 2016:
=======================================================================================
3rd Round:
======================================================================================
Venue: The Floodgates, Newtownards
Attendance: 149 | Kick Off: 7.30pm
Referee: Shanks, E. | Weather: 13c
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM)
McComb, C. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Boyd, C. | Henderson, G.
======================================================================================
Loughgall Snatch Extra-Time Goal To Win:
======================================================================================
Loughgall, who found themselves in one of the most thrilling matches last week against Glentoran - came up against a resilliant Ards side in which extra-time and a fifth goal was needed to finally see them through to the Quarter-Final draw.
Despite both teams looking to attack, it took till the second-half of the match before things finally kicked off and goals came knocking in this 3rd Round Cup match. The opening goal came from the home side on the 63rd minute, as Wright collected the ball with his back to goal, but a swift turn and a beautiful ball placed inside the box allowed Hoey to make a dart towards it and got to the ball before the keeper to knock it past him and into the net. They doubled the lead minutes later as a free-kick by Hoey was played into the box, which bounced around inside before Cahoon slotted it into the net to give the home side a great advantage.
Loughgall got themselves back into the match minutes later, when McComb was played in down the left-wing unmarked, as he held the ball up and then played a looping cross into the box. The ball was knocked out, but landed at the feet of Wilson on the right edge who smashed it into the net. The equalizer came as Loughgall looked to attack, allowing the ball to find the feet of McComb inside the box. He tried to get past his marker but failed, before knocking it sideways to Forsyth whose first shot was blocked - but the rebounded effort skimmed past everyone and into the net to draw the away side level.
In extra-time, both sides looked to snatch the winner but it came down to the away side when just seven minutes from the final whistle and possible penalties, Loughgall counter-attacked as McComb and Forsyth played a wonderful passing exchange that sent McComb through on goal and free as he curled it around the keeper to break Ards hearts and send Loughgall into the Quarter-Final draw.
======================================================================================
Midfielder Matthew McMahon has sustained a dead leg after being the victim of a heavy challenge in the match against Ards.
He will be out of action for 5-6 days approximately.
=======================================================================================
Wednesday 5th October 2016:
=======================================================================================
Quarter-Final Draw:
To Be Played On Tuesday 8th November 2016
Loughgall (DBP) vs Linfield (DBP)
======================================================================================
Winger Wesley Boyle has suffered a twisted ankle after he attempted a sprint during the reserve match.
He will be out of action for 5-6 weeks approximately.
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Sunday 9th October 2016:
=======================================================================================
=======================================================================================
Tuesday 11th October 2016:
=======================================================================================
=======================================================================================
Saturday 15th October 2016:
=======================================================================================
Match #11:
======================================================================================
Venue: Taylor's Avenue, Carrickfergus
Attendance: 242 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Malcolm, D. | Weather: 14c
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Thompson, S. (RB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Heneghan, S. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM) | Carlin, T. (LM)
McComb, C. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Black, R.
======================================================================================
Loughgall Lose In Brave Battle:
======================================================================================
Loughgall did everything possible in today's game, apart from score more than their opposition as they fought to the final whistle to get something out of today's match but failed in their attempts - with Conor Hazard picking up the Man of the Match in Loughgall's goal for his oustanding performance.
Carrick took a two-goal advantage in the early stages of the game, the first goal coming in the 3rd minute as Loughgall failed to break down the oppositions defence. Miskimmin found himself on the ball in the Loughgall half, as players found themselves attracted to his position which allowed Browne space and time as he was played into the box and slotted it around the keeper to score. The second came in the 23rd minute, as a long ball upfield by the keeper was headed down by Miskimmin to Browne almost 25-yards out of goal - which he put his foot through the shot and watched as it flew into the top left corner of the goal to secure a solid advantage.
Loughgall pulled a goal back in the 28th minute, as they counter-attacked Carrick, as Wilson collected the ball inside his own half and drove down the right-wing and to the byline before crossing inside for Forsyth who had the simple task of slotting it past the keeper to score. Unfortunately, it was all the away side could find as Carrick walked away with all three points.
======================================================================================
=======================================================================================
Tuesday 18th October 2016:
=======================================================================================
Conor Hazard (GK), Luke Wilson (RM) and Matthew McMahon (CM) were all picked in the Team of the Week for the Danske Bank Premiership.
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Match #12:
======================================================================================
Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 243 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Weatherall, S. | Weather: Drizzle, 10c
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Thompson, S. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Black, R. | Henderson, G. | Heneghan, S. | McComb, C.
======================================================================================
Loughgall Break Bad Run With Big Win:
======================================================================================
Loughgall bounced back from their recent poor run in the league to comfortably see off their opponents Portadown in today's game at a wet Lakeview Park, with Matthew McMahon continuing to put in top performances.
Loughgall took the lead in the 32nd minute through a penalty, after Casement shoved Mullen inside the box as the ball came over. Alderdice stepped up and calmly slotted it into the back of the net to start Loughgall's goal bonanza. Loughgall doubled their advantage just a minute later, when they got hold of the ball and attacked - passing the ball around, before McMahon found himself on the ball. He played it forward to Mullen who turned his marker and struck a sweet shot that sailed through the air and into the top right corner - leaving the goalkeeper standing and just watching from his position.
Loughgall scored their third of the game in the 62nd minute, as a ball from the right-wing was played across goal and to the outside of the box which found McMahon. His wonderful pass inside allowed Carlin to break free and he cracked it in at the near post. Portadown pulled a consolation goal back minutes from time when a Stewart cross from the left byline found Richardson running into the box and knocked it home from close range but Loughgall walked away deserved winners on the day.
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======================================================================================
======================================================================================
Saturday 22nd October 2016:
=======================================================================================
Match #13:
======================================================================================
Venue: Seaview, Belfast
Attendance: 304 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: McFadden, P. | Weather: 11c
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Thompson, S. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | McCashin,S. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (LB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM) | Carlin, T. (LM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Black, R. | Henderson, G. | Wilson, D.
======================================================================================
Leaders Rob Loughgall In Late Goal Drama:
======================================================================================
Loughgall put up a brave battle, and deserved more than they got in today's game at Seaview as their fans watched them fall to league leaders Crusaders thanks to a late-late goal in injury-time to steal all three points for the home side.
Crusaders took the lead in the 18th minute, as McClean crossed from the left byline to the far post where Carvill came running in and slotted it home to score. The equalizer came from a mistake by the Crusaders goalkeeper, when Carlin looped a long ball upfield that everyone left - apart from Forsyth, who chased after it. O'Neill came running out of his goal and got to the ball first, but his first touch was awful and it slipped away from him which allowed Forsyth to latch onto the ball. He took a step to the side and smashed it all the way into the empty net from 25-yards out to draw level.
Crusaders snatched the winner in cruel fashion, when a free-kick from the left-wing was played into the box. The ball wasn't cleared, as it got knocked down for Caddell to put his foot through it and send it past the keeper and into the net to win the match, and more importantly all three points.
======================================================================================
Midfielder Tom Carlin has sustained a gashed leg after being the victim of a heavy challenge in today's match.
He will be out of action for 2-3 weeks approximately.
=======================================================================================
Tuesday 25th October 2016:
=======================================================================================
Match #14:
======================================================================================
Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 314 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Carville, H. | Weather: Drizzle, 10c
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Thompson, S. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Black, R. | Henderson, G. | Wilson, D.
======================================================================================
Loughgall In Control To See Off Rivals:
======================================================================================
Loughgall cruised to a comfortable victory against one of their arch rivals as they saw off Glenavon at Lakeview Park to seal a 1-0 victory, thanks to a goal by striker Warner Mullen.
Despite their domination in the game, it took till the 61st minute for Loughgall to finally score as Glenavon defended with resiliance to keep them out - until they finally broke. Wilson tackled and collected the ball deep in his own half, before a wonderful long-ball pass upfield allowed Mullen to break in behind his marker. He drove into the box, as the keeper came rushing out to stop him - but he curled his shot around the keeper and sailed into the net to give Loughgall a deserved victory in today's encounter.
======================================================================================
Saturday 29th October 2016:
=======================================================================================
Midfielder Steven Ferguson has suffered a calf-strain after chasing the ball during a match.
He will be out of action for 3-4 weeks approximately.
=======================================================================================
=======================================================================================
Loughgall Monthly Report:
======================================================================================
=======================================================================================
=======================================================================================
We suffered a mixed month, with 3 defeats - and one classic opening encounter with Glentoran where we were on the wrong end of a nine-goal thriller. We despatched Ards to see us through to the Quarters of the League Cup, but still find ourselves close to the relegation bottom two and need to turn things around to climb away from it soon.
=======================================================================================
Played: 6 | Won: 3 | Lost 3 | Drawn: 0
For: 13 | Against: 12
======================================================================================
Top Scorers (Month):
Forsyth (4) | McComb (3) | Mullen (2)
McMahon (1) | Wilson (1) | Alderdice (1) | Carlin (1)
======================================================================================
Top Scorers (To Date):
Forsyth (10) | McComb (6) | Mullen (5)
Alderdice (3) | Wilson (2) | McMahon (2)
Carlin (1)
======================================================================================
Player of the Match Awards (To Date):
Forsyth, D. (3) | McMahon (3) | Alderdice, N. (2) | McComb, C. (1)
Hazard, C. (1)
=======================================================================================
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
Other News:
======================================================================================
Managers Out:
01/10 - Colchester United sack Tony Humes
02/10 - New England release Tom Soehn to sign for Toronto FC
10/10 - New York Red Bulls havs released Denis Hamlet to sign for Colorado
10/10 - Morecambe release Jim Bentley to sign for Crewe
11/10 - MK Dons sack Justin Edinburgh
15/10 - Sport & Leisure Swifts sack Sean O'Rourke
15/10 - Kansas City sack Peter Vermes
22/10 - Southport sack Paul Carden
22/10 - Northampton Town sack Alan Knill
22/10 - Bradford PA sack Martin Drury
22/10 - Middlesbrough sack Mark Warburton
27/10 - Burton Albion release Neil MacFarlane to sign for MK Dons
29/10 - Dundee Utd sack Peter Grant
29/10 - Bishop's Stortford sack Rod Stringer
======================================================================================
Managers In:
02/10 - Toronto FC hire Tom Soehn (New England)
10/10 - Colorado Rapids sign Denis Hamlett (New York Red Bulls)
10/10 - Crewe Alexander sign Jim Bentley (Morecambe)
21/10 - Colchester United hire David Wright
27/10 - MK Dons hire Neil MacFarlane (Burton)
28/10 - Sporting Kansas City promote Kerry Zavagnin to Manager
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
Next Month:
======================================================================================
01/11 - DBP: Ballymena (Away)
05/11 - DBP: Coleraine (Home)
08/11 - League Cup Qtr-Final: Linfield (Home)
12/11 - League Cup Semi-Final Draw
19/11 - Intermediate Cup 3rd Rd Draw
26/11 - DBP: Coleville (Away)
29/11 - DBP: Linfield (Home)
guk99
=======================================================================================
Tuesday 1st November 2016:
=======================================================================================
Neil Alderdice (CD) was picked in the Team of the Week for the Danske Bank Premiership.
======================================================================================
Match #15:
======================================================================================
Venue: Ballymena Showgrounds, Ballymena
Attendance: 371 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Black, A. | Weather: Wet, 8c
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Thompson, S. (RB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM)
Mullen, W. (ST) | Forsyth, D. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Black, R. | Henderson, G. | Wilson, D. | McComb, C.
======================================================================================
Honours Even:
======================================================================================
Loughgall fought back from going a goal down early in today's match to earn themselves a share of the points at the Ballymena Showgrounds stadium, where despite multiple yellow cards - the game offered little action to speak of.
Ballymena moved the ball around well, before in the 9th minute of the match - Kane swung the ball out to the right wing, where Ervin lofted the ball to the far post as Henderson came running in and rose above his marker to head in and put the home side ahead.
Loughgall brought themselves level with a cracker of a goal, as a throw-in deep in Ballymena's half found the ball laid back to McMahon - who found his midfield partner, Dallas in the center of midfield. He played it across with a precision pass that allowed Dallas to just run onto the ball and strike it smoothly as he watched it sail into the top left corner of the net from a good 25-yards out with a scintilating strike to stun the home side, and earn Loughgall a share of the points.
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Saturday 5th November 2016:
=======================================================================================
======================================================================================
Match #16:
======================================================================================
Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 106 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Ball, A. | Weather: Shower, 10c
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Thompson, S. (RB)
Wilson, L. (RM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Black, R.
======================================================================================
Loughgall Brush Coleraine Aside:
======================================================================================
Loughgall rose to the occasion as they comfortably saw off Coleraine in a good match that took place at the Lakeview Park today, despite the home side losing a player to injury in the dying minutes of the game.
Loughgall took the lead, when in the 28th minute - Loughgall were pushed back towards the half-way mark, as the ball found it's way back to Moffatt on the left side. He looked up and played a delightful lobbed ball upfield which floated over everyone, and into the edge of the box as Mullen escaped his marker and chased after it. He latched onto the ball and took it around and slid it past the oncoming keeper to give Loughgall the lead.
Coleraine found themselves back into the match after the break, when in the 56th minute they looked to attack and the ball found it's way to Kane on the right wing who drilled it across to the far post - which found McGonigle running in and slid inside to get his foot on the ball and knock it into the back of the net.
The winner came just ten minutes from time, as Dallas tackled for the ball in his own half, allowing Loughgall to move the ball around the pitch and look to get forward. The ball was swung out to Wilson on the left-wing, who was unmarked and he lofted it to the far post as Wilson came running in and thumped a wonderful header past the keeper from close range to secure the win for the home side.
=======================================================================================
Centre-back Stefan Thompson has suffered a back strain after jumping to challenge for the ball during today's game.
He will be out of action for 4-5 weeks approximately.
=======================================================================================
Tom Carlin has returned to full training following 2 weeks out with a gashed leg.
Wesley Boyle returns to full training following 4 weeks out with his twisted ankle injury.
=======================================================================================
1st Round Draw:
To Be Played On Tuesday 6th December 2016
Loughgall (DBP) vs Coagh United (NIFLC2)
======================================================================================
Tuesday 8th November 2016:
=======================================================================================
Quarter-Final Match:
======================================================================================
Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 160 | Kick Off: 7.30pm
Referee: Rowntree, P. | Weather: Drizzle, 8c
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Montgomery, S. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM) | Willis, A. (LM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Black, R. | Henderson, G. | Wilson, D. | McComb, C.
======================================================================================
Loughgall Knocked Out In Late Drama:
======================================================================================
Loughgall found themselves falling short against top side Linfield, watching the away side snatch a late winner to send Loughgall crashing out of the League Cup at the Quarter-Final stage of the competition - despite their best efforts on the night.
Linfield took the lead in the 19th minute, when Murray who found himself on the ball outside the box curled a beautiful shot that worked it's way around the keeper and into the corner of the net. Loughgall pulled themselves level in the 30th minute, when a corner by Willis was sent into the box and their captain - Neil Alderdice rose above everyone and headed the ball into the roof of the net to bring joy to the home supporters.
Linfield took the lead once more just minutes into the second-half of the game, as they drove forward with numbers as the ball played across field found it's way to Salley outside the box who played a delightful pass inside for Murray to get on the end of it and strike home his second goal of the game. Loughgall didn't fall down though, and clawed their way back into the match once more when in the 71st minute, defender McCashin played a wonderful lobbed pass over everyone as McComb chased after it - while everyone else just stood around and reached it before the keeper to slot it past his hands and into the far end of the goal to bring Loughgall level.
Linfield broke Loughgall's hopes of reaching the semi-finals though just 9 minutes from the end, as Burns drilled cross into the box found it's way to Clarke running inside who slid it home to give the away fans the victory and see them through as the home fans applauded their side's efforts as they walked off the field.
=======================================================================================
Loughgall have been given £1k after losing against Linfield in the Northern Irish League Cup Quarter-Final.
======================================================================================
Monday 14th November 2016:
=======================================================================================
Winger Luke Wilson has was in some pain following today's training session, and suffering from a sports hernia.
He will be out of action for 6-7 weeks approximately.
=======================================================================================
Saturday 19th November 2016:
=======================================================================================
Centre-back Kevin Anderson suffered a diclocated jaw after jumping for a header in a reserve match.
He will be out of action for 4-5 weeks approximately.
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Saturday 26th November 2016:
=======================================================================================
Match #17:
======================================================================================
Venue: Solitude, Belfast
Attendance: 785 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Courtney, M. | Weather: Drizzle, 10c
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Montgomery, S. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Burns, A. (RM)
McComb, C. (ST) | Forsyth, D. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Black, R.
======================================================================================
Loughgall Lose Again:
======================================================================================
Loughgall fell to a second defeat in a row as Cliftonville scored a first-half goal in which the away side couldn't find a way back into the match after their cup-exit just a couple of weeks go, as the side give a poor performance that deserved the defeat.
The only goal came in the 18th minute, as a cross into the box was blocked and deflected out which landed at the feet of Knowles who ran onto the ball from outside the box and struck a screamer which flew into the top right corner of the net, a strike which no keeper could have saved and a goal deserving of being named the winner of any match.
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2nd Round Draw:
To Be Played On Saturday 21st January 2016
Ballymacash (MIA1) or Warrenpoint (DBP) vs Loughgall (DBP) or Coagh United (NIFLC2)
======================================================================================
Neil Alderdice has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
The ban will apply for all Northern Irish domestic competitions.
=======================================================================================
Tuesday 29th November 2016:
=======================================================================================
Match #18:
======================================================================================
Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 211 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: McCourt, A. | Weather: Wet, 11c
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Montgomery, S. (RB)
Burns, A. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM)
McComb, C. (ST) | Forsyth, D. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Telford, M.
======================================================================================
Loughgall Stunned By Injury-Time Winner:
======================================================================================
Loughgall fell to another defeat in the league, as their heads dropped and a possible lack of concentration allowing Linfield to once more break their hearts after beating them in the cup just weeks prior, this time stunning the home side with a late-late goal in injury-time - while the home side didn't even offer a shot on target throughout the full ninety minutes of the game.
The goal came in the 91st minute, as Linfield attacked in numbers on the counter and the ball found it's way to Clarke on the left edge of the box. His ball into the box found Waterworth who ran in and smashed it into the net to secure the late win for his side.
=======================================================================================
=======================================================================================
Loughgall Monthly Report:
======================================================================================
=======================================================================================
=======================================================================================
We suffered a terrible month, in which despite a reasonable start with a draw and good win against Coleraine, we found ourselves falling short as we got knocked out of the League Cup at the Quarter-Finals, before a double defeat against Cliftonville and Linfield once more in the league on this occasion. The results leave us just above Coleraine on goal difference, and that good result against them keeps us fighting to remain out of the relegation battle.
=======================================================================================
Played: 5 | Won: 1 | Lost 3 | Drawn: 1
For: 5 | Against: 7
======================================================================================
Top Scorers (Month):
Dallas (1) | Mullen (1) | Wilson (1)
Alderdice (1) | McComb (1)
======================================================================================
Top Scorers (To Date):
Forsyth (10) | McComb (7) | Mullen (6)
Alderdice (4) | Wilson (3) | McMahon (2)
Carlin (1) | Dallas (1)
======================================================================================
Player of the Match Awards (To Date):
Forsyth, D. (3) | McMahon (3) | Alderdice, N. (2) | McComb, C. (1)
Hazard, C. (1) | Dallas, M. (1) | Wilson, L. (1)
=======================================================================================
======================================================================================
======================================================================================
Other News:
======================================================================================
Managers Out:
01/11 - Abbey Villa release T.J. Young to sign for Sport & Leisure
01/11 - Boreham Wood sack Kevin Blackwell
12/11 - Alfreton Town sack Nicky Law
12/11 - Mansfield Town sack Tore Andre Flo
12/11 - Welling United sack Loui Fazakerley
15/11 - Kidderminster Harriers sack David Hockaday
18/11 - Aldershot release David Connolly to sign for Boreham Wood
19/11 - TNS release Craig Harrison to sign for Southport
19/11 - Kilmarnock sack Gary Locke
19/11 - Ton Pentre sack Lee Phillips
20/11 - Stockport sack Neil Young
26/11 - Sheffield United sack Johan Mjallby
26/11 - Nottingham Forest sack Dougie Freedman
27/11 - Concord Rangers release Johnson Hippolyte to sign for Welling United
======================================================================================
Managers In:
01/11 - Sport & Leasire appoint T.J.Young (Abbey Villa)
06/11 - Bradford PA hire Richard Dryden
07/11 - Morecambe hire Harry Kewell
09/11 - Middlesbrough hire Steve Bruce
10/11 - Northampton Town hire John Dreyer
12/11 - Burton Albion hire Nigel Worthington
12/11 - Dundee United hire Alex McLeish
16/11 - Bishop's Stortford hire Duncan Wilde
18/11 - Boreham Wood hire David Connolly (Aldershot)
19/11 - Southport hire Craig Harrison (TNS)
27/11 - Welling United hire Johnson Hippolyte (Concord Rangers)
28/11 - Alfreton Town hire Michael Tonge
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Next Month:
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03/12 - DBP: Dungannon (Away)
06/12 - Mid Ulster 1st Rd: Coacgh United (Home)
10/12 - DBP: Warrenpoint (Home)
17/12 - DBP: Glentoran (Away)
26/12 - DBP: Carrick (Home)
28/12 - DBP: Crusaders (Home)
31/12 - DBP: Glenavon (Away)
guk99
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Saturday 3rd December 2016:
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Match #19:
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Venue: Stangmore Park, Dungannon
Attendance: 151 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Best, D. | Weather: Downpour, 12c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | McCashin,S. (CD) | Feeney, S.
Montgomery, S. (RWB) | | Moffatt, R. (LWB)
Wilson, D. (RcM)
McComb, C. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Telford, M. | Henderson, G.
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Loughgall Rise To Occasion:
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Loughgall's manager sent his team out with a slight change of formation, turning to a 5-3-2 instead of his more familiar 4-4-2 after a series of bad results as of late - and the changes appeared to help his team counter the oppositions formation as Loughgall bounced back in the league with a solid 2-0 victory with goals coming from both strikers.
The opening goal came just before the half-time whistle, as a Wilson free-kick from the right wing was played into the box as Forsyth got onto the end and slotted it home from inside to put the home side ahead going into the break. The second, and eventual goal that sealed the win came in the 57th minute as Forsyth found himself on the right-wing as he tried desperately to dribble past his marker - who kept up with him. Forsyth then turned his attention to a cross, as he found McComb inside the box who was able to get his foot to the ball and slot it past the keeper to score and make the match more comfortable.
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Stefan Thompson has returned to full training following 4 weeks out with a back strain.
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Tuesday 6th December 2016:
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Steve Feeney (CD) and Darren Forsyth (ST) were picked in the Team of the Week for the Danske Bank Premiership.
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1st Round:
======================================================================================
Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 91 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Moutray, T. | Weather: Wet, 19c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Montgomery, S. (RWB) | | Moffatt, R. (LWB)
Wilson, D. (RCM) | Dallas, M. (CM) | McMahon, M. (LCM)
McComb, C. (ST) | Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Telford, M. | Henderson, G.
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Loughgall Cruise Into Next Round:
======================================================================================
Loughgall cruised into the 2nd Round of the Mid-Ulster Cup after a good 3-0 win against Coagh United with total domination, allowing Forsyth to get on the mark again with a double and picking up the Man of the Match for the second game running for his performance in front of goal.
The first goal came in the 32nd minute, as a McCashin corner was played high into the box and Alderdice made a run across goal and smashed a header past the keeper to put the home side ahead. The second came in the 69th minute, as Loughgall counter-attacked the oppsition allowing McMahon time on the ball to play a wonderful pass ahead, past the defence and allowing Forsyth to pick it up and drive into the box as he curled it past the keeper to make the game more secure.
The third and final goal came in injury-time, as a McCashin free-kick on the right side of the box was played inside for Forsyth to get ahead of his man and knock the ball on - as he watched it sail into the far corner of the net to get his second of the game and a comfortable win for his team to see them through to the next round.
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Saturday 10th December 2016:
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Match #20:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 128 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Stewart, J. | Weather: Sleet, 3c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Telford, M. (RWB) | | Moffatt, R. (LWB)
Wilson, D. (RCM)
McComb, C. (ST) | Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Black, R.
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Honours Even At Lakeview:
======================================================================================
Loughgall continued their recent good form in picking up a point at home to Warrenpoint, despite the home side taking the lead - they were unable to hold on for all three points.
Loughgall opened the scoring in the 42nd minute, when the ball moved across field to find Telford driving into the box on the right wing as he played it across goal to find Forsyth, who despatched it into the net to score once more on this good run of goals he's been on lately and help his side go in at half-time with the lead.
Warrenpoint fought back to draw level in the 62nd minute, as a throw-in deep in Loughgall's half found the ball being sent all the way across to the left wing and at the feet of McCabe. He took several steps forward before putting his laces through the ball and watching as it blasted past the keeper's outstretched hands and into the corner of the net with a scorcher of an equalizer to help his team pick up a point from the jaws of defeat.
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Monday 12th December 2016:
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5th Round Draw:
To Be Played On Saturday 7th January 2017
Ballyclare Comrades (NIFLC1) vs Loughgall (DBP)
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Mark Telford (RWB) was picked in the Team of the Week for the Danske Bank Premiership.
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Tuesday 13th December 2016:
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Wednesday 14th December 2016:
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Friday 16th December 2016:
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Kevin Anderson has returned to full training following a dislocated jaw.
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Saturday 17th December 2016:
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Match #21:
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Venue: The Oval, Belfast
Attendance: 831 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Ginnett, K. | Weather: 6c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | Feeney, S. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (LB)
Boyle, W. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM) | Carlin, T. (LM)
McComb, C. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Black, R. | Henderson, G. | Willis, A. | Burns, A.
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Loughgall Snatch Draw From Defeat:
======================================================================================
Loughgall returned back to their more familiar 4-4-2 formation, and saw themselves snatch a late-late equalizer to share the points at the Oval ground, leaving Glentoran fuming at losing all three points after the match - while Darren Forsyth, who has been in fine form lately had to be taken off injured early in the second-half after suffering from concussion.
Loughgall took the lead straight from kick-off as they attacked from the off. It only took a mere 20 seconds into the game, as a ball played out on the left-wing found Carlin running forward as he played it into the box towards McComb, who in turn despatched it past the keeper to shock the home fans with this early lead that stunned everyone.
O'Hagan found himself on the ball in the 22nd minute, as he played a delightful chip into the edge of the box as Nelson chased it down and got to the ball before drilling it to the far post and past everyone to find Allen run in and knock it into the empty net to draw Glentoran level. Allen doubled his tally when Gibson played Magee in down the right-wing as he found himself unmarked in the 62nd minute. His cross into the box found Allen running inside and side-foot it past the keeper from close range to put the home side ahead.
In injury-time, Loughgall hit a smash and grab of a share of the points as they found an equalizer in dramatic fashion. Glentoran drove forward and a cross into the box was punched clear by Hazard, allowing Loughgall to get men forward with a counter-attack and they did. The ball was played out to Boyle on the ring-wing, who easily got past his marker - leaving the Glentoran manager fuming on the touchline, and it was his cross into the box that found McComb at the far post to slot the ball home and snatch a fantastic goal to break Glentoran's hearts as the home fans watched their side slip up and allow the opposition to grab a point.
After the match, it was later announced that Glentoran had sacked their manager Tiernan Lynch, after their disappointing collapse and recent results had not gone their way.
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Striker Darren Forsyth has suffered a concussion after jumping to challenge for the ball during today's game.
He will be out of action for 9-12 days approximately.
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Tuesday 20th December 2016:
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Conor Hazard (GK), Wesley Boyle (RM) and Tom Carlin (LM) were all picked in the Team of the Week for the Danske Bank Premiership.
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Luke Wilson has returned to full training following a sports hernia for 5 weeks.
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Striker Carl McComb has suffered a torn groin muscle after attempting to sprint during a reserve match.
He will be out of action for 2-3 months approximately.
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Monday 26th December 2016:
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Match #22:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 131 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Black, A. | Weather: Hail, 1c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB)
Boyle, W. (RM)
Burns, A. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Alderdice, N.
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Loughgall Fightback Earns Point In Thriller:
======================================================================================
Loughgall and Carrick put on a wonderful display of football that saw a share of the points, in a thrilling 3-3 draw that took place under storms that lashed down over Lakeview Park in Loughgall.
Carrick took a two-goal advantage, the first coming in the 23rd minute as McKerr played a whipped cross into the box from the ring-wing, as McCaul rose up above the keeper and was able to head it past his hands and sail into the net. The second came in injury-time of the first-half, which left Loughgall stunned and uncertain of how to come back it appeared - as some wonderful sharp quick passing allowed the ball to be slipped into the box, where O'Connor found the ball at his feet, turned his man and struck it past the diving keeper's hands and into the back of the net.
Words must have been said at half-time by Loughgall's manager, as they came out with a purpose and attacked from the off. They began their fightback just a minute into the half, as Dallas started the move before finishing it in style. He lobbed a wonderful pass over everyone allowing Carlin to chase after it, and he got to the ball just before it was able to cross the line on the left-wing. His cross was cleared out of the box - but Dallas followed it up as he drove towards the box and unleashed a screamer from the edge of the area that flew into the top of the net and bring Loughgall an important goal.
Carlin played a part in the equalizer in the 57th minute, as he received the ball on the edge of the box, where he played a delightful cross inside which found Mullen rise above everyone and his head just sailed past the defence and into the top left corner leaving the keeper standing and just watching Loughgall draw level. Dallas, who was instrumental in the game found himself on the ball outside the box and played it inside for Burns who had time and space to find his mark and place it past the keeper to give Loughgall a surprise lead in their amazing fightback in the 61st minute.
Carrick drew level minutes later, when in the 67th minute McCaul found enough space away from his marker on the right-wing to play a drilled ball across goal and into the box which found itself at the far post where Patton came running in to score and draw the away side level with a share of the points in this wonderful league tie between two exciting sides.
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Midfielder Wesley Boyle has suffered a dead leg after being the victim of a heavy challenge against Carrick
He will be out of action for 5-6 days approximately.
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Marcus Dallas (CM) was picked in the Team of the Week for the Danske Bank Premiership.
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Wednesday 28th December 2016:
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Match #23:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 110 | Kick Off: 7.30pm
Referee: McKnight, J. | Weather: Hail, 2c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | Feeney, S. (CD) | Black, R. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (c) (LB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM) | Carlin, T. (LM)
Mullen, W. (ST) | Burns, A. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Alderdice, N. | Henderson, G. | Willis, A | Forsyth, D.
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Stunners Sink Loughgall:
======================================================================================
Loughgall found themselves helpless in defeat as two stunning strikes sunk their side at Lakeview Park, as they fought under thunderous conditions and despite their better possession.
Two goals within minutes of each other summed up the game, with the first coming in the 33rd minute as Carvill received the ball outside the box - took a side-step away from his marker and cracked a sweet strike that flew over the wet surface and past the keepers hands into the net with a wonderful goal. The second came minutes later, as Owens found the ball at his feet outside the box. With nothing much on around him, he took a chance and swung his foot through the ball and watched on as it sailed past the keeper and into the top corner of the net with a second beautiful goal of the game to give Crusaders another victory over Loughgall.
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Saturday 31st December 2016:
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Match #24:
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Venue: Mourneview Park, Lurgan
Attendance: 504 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: McKnight, C. | Weather: Drizzle, 4c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Montgomery, S. (RB)
Burns, A. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM)
Mullen, W. (ST) | Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Feeney, S. | Henderson, G. | Willis, A. | Wilson, L.
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Bore Draw At Mourneview Park:
======================================================================================
Loughgall and Glenavon played to a bore draw at the Mourneview Park in Lurgan today, as neither side could find the net, with Loughgall only having one shot on target throughout the game but will be more than satisfied coming away from the stadium with a share of the points after a disappointing performance by the away side.
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Loughgall Monthly Report:
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Once again, we had a rather positive start to the month before falling away towards the end. Two good wins, one against Dungannon in the league and the other against Coagh Utd in the Cup saw us with a couple of clean sheets - but despite these good games, we saw ourselves go on a five-game run without a win, with 4 draws and a defeat against our bogey side Crusaders. One of the positives was Forsyth's goal-scoring form at the start but his concussion lead to him taking time off to rest which hurt us.
The results helped force us down into the bottom 2 of the league, just 1 point behind Coleraine and desperately in need of turning things around to climb out and away from the relegation zone.
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Played: 7 | Won: 2 | Lost 1 | Drawn: 4
For: 11 | Against: 8
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Top Scorers (Month):
Forsyth (4) | McComb (3) | Mullen (1)
Alderdice (1) | Dallas (1) | Burns (1)
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Top Scorers (To Date):
Forsyth (14) | McComb (10) | Mullen (7)
Alderdice (5) | Wilson (3) | McMahon (2) | Dallas (2)
Carlin (1) | Burns (1)
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Player of the Match Awards (To Date):
Forsyth, D. (5) | McMahon (3) | Alderdice, N. (2) | McComb, C. (1)
Hazard, C. (1) | Dallas, M. (1) | Wilson, L. (1) | Montgomery, S. (1)
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Other News:
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Managers Out:
03/12 - Chester City sack Gary Howlett
03/12 - Burnley sack Nigel Adkins
10/12 - Glebe Rangers sack Jason Wilmont
10/12 - Dergview sack Richard Clarke
10/12 - Birmingham City sack Frans Adelaar
11/12 - Shamrock Rovers release John Jensen to sign for Sheffield United
17/12 - Dungannon Swifts sack Darren Murphy
17/12 - Peterborough United sack Graham Westley
17/12 - Chelmsford sack Mark Hawkes
17/12 - Glentoran sack Tiernan Lynch
25/12 - Los Angeles Galaxy's Zico retires from Management
26/.12 - Crystal Palace release Keith Millen to sign for Birmingham City
26/12 - Coleraine sack Oran Kearney
26/12 - Forest Green sack Adrian Pennock
26/12 - Mansfield Town sack John Askey
26/12 - Partick Thistle sack Alan Archibald
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Managers In:
01/12 - Kidderminster Harriers hire Lee Sinnott
02/12 - Mansfield Town hire Gavin Arthur
02/12 - Aldershot hire Andy Whing
07/12 - Stockport hire Kevin Blackwell
10/12 - Rhondda Bulldogs place Assistant Manager lee Jones in Temporary charge
10/12 - Kilmarnock hire Paul Hartley
11/12 - Sheffield United hire John Jensen (Shamrock Rovers)
16/12 - Concord Rangers hire Luke Garrard
20/12 - Chester hire Ian Foster
20/12 - T.N.S. hire Mark Robinson
23/12 - Nottingham Forest hire Nigel Pearson
23/12 - Dergview hire Johnny Montgomery
24/12 - Burnley hire Pauldo Di Canio
26/12 - Birmingham City hire Keith Millen (Crystal Palace)
27/12 - Shamrock Rovers hire Harry Kenny
29/12 - Glebe hire Ryan Brown
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Next Month:
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07/01 - Irish Cup 5th Rd: Ballyclare (Away)
10/01 - DBP: Portadown (Away)
14/01 - DBP: Ballymena (Home)
21/01 - Mid-Ultser Cup Qtr-Final: Warrenpoint (Away)
21/01 - Mid Ulster Cup Semi-Final Draw
guk99
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Sunday 1st January 2017:
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World Golden Ball Awards:
1. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG)
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World Player of the Year Awards:
1. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG)
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World Team of the Year:
M. Neuer (Bayern)
D. Alaba (Bayern) | G. Pique (FC Barcelona) | R. Varane (Real Madrid) | Daniel Alves (FC Barcelona)
J. Mata (Man Utd) | P.Pogba (Juventus)
C. Ronaldo (R. Madrid) | Z.Ibrahimovic (PSG) | J. Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
L. Messi (FC Barcelona)
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European Golden Boy:
Luke Shaw (Man Utd)
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Footballer of the Year:
1. Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
2. Ashley Williams (Swansea)
3. Joe Allen (Liverpool)
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Tuesday 3rd January 2017:
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Thursday 5th January 2017:
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Saturday 7th January 2017:
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5th Round:
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Venue: Dixon Park, Ballyclare
Attendance: 269 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Malcolm, D. | Weather: Gusty, Drizzle 9c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Montgomery, S. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Burns, A. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM) | Carlin, T. (LM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Feeney, S. | Henderson, G. | Willis, A. | Wilson, L.
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Loughgall Struggle In Cup Tie:
======================================================================================
Loughgall struggled against lower opposition that saw the away side snatch a late goal in the dying minutes to walk away from Dixon Park with a replay against Ballyclare.
Loughgall took the lead in the 23rd minute, as McMahon played the ball to Forsyth inside the box who turned his man and despatched the ball into the corner of the net to give his side the all important lead. It didn't last long though, as minutes later a Duffin cross from the right-edge of the box saw the ball clip off Black's head and sail into his own net to score an own goal and help the home side draw level.
Ballyclare must have thought they'd done enough to win the match, when they received a penalty in the 86th minute, after McMahon was harshly penalised for a foot up on Duffin, which allowed Duffin himself to step up and smash it home to give Ballyclare the lead with only minutes left in the game. Loughgall's heads never dropped though, and they pushed on as the ball found it's way out to the right-wing where Montgomery was unmarked and he whipped in a beautiful cross to the far post where Carlin ran in and smashed it home to stun the home side and give Loughgall a late equalizer to send the game into a replay at Lakeview Park.
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The Portadown vs Loughgall Danske Bank Premiership League match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 17th January 2017.
This is due to the clash with the Loughgall vs Ballyclare Irish Cup tie on Wendesday 11th January 2017.
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6th Round Draw:
To Be Played On Saturday 4th February 2017
Institute (NIFLC1) vs Loughgall (DBP)
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The Coleraine vs Loughgall Danske Bank Premiership League match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 31st January 2017.
This is due to the clash with the Coleraine vs Waarenpoint Irish Cup tie on Saturday 4th February 2017.
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Sunday 8th January 2017:
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Wednesday 11th January 2017:
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5th Round Replay:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 342 | Kick Off: 7.30pm
Referee: Fairfield, T. | Weather: Wet, 6c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Montgomery, S. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | Black, R. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (LB)
Burns, A. (RM) | Wilson, D. (RCM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Feeney, S. | Dallas, M.
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Long Night Of Penalties Sees Loughgall Through:
======================================================================================
Loughgall and Ballyclare fought late into the night at Lakeview Park, as both sides found themselves in a long-running Penalty shoot-out that finally ended with a 17-16 win for Loughgall after someone finally missed their chance from the spot.
It all began though in the 18th minute, as prolific striker Darren Forsyth got Loughgall off to a good start with another goal in this good run of form for the player. It all stemmed from a strike by Wilson, who struck a hard shot from well outside of the box which the keeper saved, but couldn't hold onto the ball as Forsyth found himself running in onto the ball and slotted it home to take the lead.
McIveen equalized for Ballyclare from the Penalty spot in the 66th minute, after McMahon appeared to impead Trussell, something the Loughgall players and manager protested against but the referee refused to listen and pointed to the spot. As the game went into extra-time, neither side could find a winner despite both having chances before the game went to the dreaded Penalty Shoot-out. Credit must go to both sets of players, as every player scored on their first attempt - sending them back around once more. It fell to McIlroy to finally miss late in the night as he saw his shot saved before Tom Carlin stepped up to secure the win as he smashed the ball home.
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Saturday 14th January 2017:
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Match #25:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 99 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Loughrey, D. | Weather: Breezy, 0c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hogg, A. (GK)
Montgomery, S. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | Black, R. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (LB)
Burns, A. (RM) | Wilson, D. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM) | Carlin, T. (LM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Hazard, C. | Feeney, S. | Dallas, M. | Willis, A. | Wilson, L.
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Loughgall Fightback To Earn Draw:
======================================================================================
Loughgall came back from a goal down to pick up a share of the points in today's game at Lakeview Park, where manager, John Smith, put new signing and goalkeeper Aaron Hogg straight into the team after dropping Conor Hazard to the bench in a surprising move.
Ballymena took the lead half-way through the first-half with a goal by Shevlin in the 24th minute. It all came from a free-kick towards the half-way line for the side, where Kane lobbed a long high ball into the box which found Shevlin rise above everyone and head the ball on towards goal as it sailed into the far corner.
Loughgall came back into the match and drew level in the 54th minute, as Burns drove forward on the right edge before playing it inside the box for Mullen who was unmarked and he struck it past the keeper to score the equalizer.
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Tuesday 17th January 2017:
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Neil Alderdice (CD) and Anto Burns (ST) was picked in the Team of the Week for the Danske Bank Premiership.
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Match #26:
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Venue: Shamrock Park, Portadown
Attendance: 754 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Ginnett, K. | Weather: Breezy, Drizzle, 6c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hogg, A. (GK)
Montgomery, S. (RB)
Burns, A. (RM) | Wilson, D. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM) | Carlin, T. (LM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Hazard, C. | Feeney, S. | Ferguson, S. | Willis, A. | Wilson, L.
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Loughgall Resilliant In Big Win To Escape Drop Zone:
======================================================================================
Loughgall fought hard to earn anything out of today's game on a wet and windy night at the Shamrock Park in Portadown, with their Captain, Neil Alderdice picking up the Man of the Match for his outstanding performance and leadership on the field to help his side keep a clean sheet against the strong opposition.
The only goal of the game fell in the 72nd minute, as Loughgall counter-attacked their opposition and allowed Wilson to drive down the right-wing with the ball to the edge of the box. Holding it up briefly for his team-mates to catch up, he played it inside towards the penalty spot where Forsyth came running onto it and cracked a shot into the back of the net from close range to score the winner.
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Striker Warner Mullen has sustained a damaged shoulder whilst being tackled in the match today.
He will be out of action for 4-5 weeks approximately.
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Saturday 21st January 2017:
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Quarter-Final:
======================================================================================
Venue: Milltown, Warrenpoint
Attendance: 145 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Turkington, B. | Weather: Strong Wind, Drizzle, 13c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hogg, A. (GK)
Montgomery, S. (RB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Wilson, D. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM) | Carlin, T. (LM)
Burns, W. (ST) | Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Hazard, C. | Feeney, S. | Ferguson, S.
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Loughgall Fall To Warrenpoint:
======================================================================================
Despite more domination throughout the match, Loughgall failed to capitalize on the control of the game as they saw themselves fall short in the Quarter-Finals of the Mid-Ulster Cup to be knocked out by Warrenpoint.
The home side took the lead in the 19th minute, when they struggled to break down the tough defence - before Hanley found himself free inside the box suddenly as the ball was out wide on the left-wing, before played inside to him as he knocked it on for Hughes across goal to shoot into the far corner and give them the lead.
Loughgall found themselves back in the match in the 60th minute, as Dane tripped Forsyth inside the box which resulted in a yellow card for the player and a point to the spot by the referee. Neil Alderdice stepped up as calm as always, and cracked it home to bring the away side level.
The winner came minutes after the penalty, as Warrenpoint had men forward in attack and Hanley received the ball on the edge of the box where he played it through for Arthurs who broke free of his marker and slotted it past the near-side of the rushing keeper, who will have been disappointed to have been beaten there, that resulted in the home side holding on and picking up the victory as Loughgall failed to get back into the game and found themselves knocked out of the competition at this late stage.
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Loughgall have paid out £250 to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after reaching the Northern Irish Cup Quarter-Finals.
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Stein Montgomery has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
The ban will apply for all Northern Irish domestic competitions.
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Tuesday 31st January 2017:
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Match #27:
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Venue: Coleraine Showgrounds, Coleraine
Attendance: 341 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Courtney, M. | Weather: Gale, Drizzle, 6c
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======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hogg, A. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Wilson, D. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM) | Carlin, T. (LM)
Burns, A. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Hazard, C. | Feeney, S. | Ferguson, S. | Willis, A. | Boyle, W.
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Loughgall Show Class To Upstage Coleraine:
======================================================================================
Loughgall rose to the occasion as they comfortably saw off Coleraine in a relegation scrap, with both teams trying hard to stay clear of the bottom of the table with the away side looking the better of the sides in today's match.
Anto Burns opened the scoring for Loughgall in the 39th minute, as Forsyth played him the ball just outside the box and he took several steps inside before despatching it calmly into the corner of the near-side to put his side ahead. They doubled their tally as Burns returned the favor in the 82nd minute with a wonderful through ball that split the defence and allowed Forsyth to run onto the ball and place it past the keeper to score another goal of this wonderful season he's been having.
Coleraine pulled a late consolation goal back in injury-time, when Boyds played McGongile through into the box and he slotted it past Hogg in goal to give the home side something to cheer - but it was all too little, too late for the side as they saw another defeat at the hands of Loughgall.
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=======================================================================================
Ryan Moffatt has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
The ban will apply for all Northern Irish domestic competitions.
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Loughgall Monthly Report:
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=======================================================================================
We had a better month than last, picking up 3 wins - 2 coming in the league against Portadown and Coleraine, while finding ourselves locking horns with Ballyclare on 2 occasions - the second of which lead to an incredible 17-16 penalty shoot-out on the night to see us through to the Quarters of the Irish Cup. Warrenpoint sadly knocked us out of the Mid-Ulster Cup at the Quarter-Final stage - but we gave our best and just fell short against a top side.
The good results in the league helped us move up the table slightly, rising to 8th at the end of the month - albeit, we are still only 2 points clear of Coleraine who lay in 11th spot thanks to that postive last game where we beat them 2-1 tokeep them below us.
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Played: 6 | Won: 3 | Lost 1 | Drawn: 2
For: 8 | Against: 7
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Top Scorers (Month):
Forsyth (4) | Carlin (1) | Mullen (1) | Alderdice (1) | Burns (1)
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Top Scorers (To Date):
Forsyth (18) | McComb (10) | Mullen (8)
Alderdice (6) | Wilson (3) | McMahon (2) | Dallas (2)
Carlin (2) | Burns (2)
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Player of the Match Awards (To Date):
Forsyth, D. (6) | McMahon (3) | Alderdice, N. (3) | McComb, C. (1)
Hazard, C. (2) | Dallas, M. (1) | Wilson, L. (1) | Montgomery, S. (1)
Carlin, T. (2)
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Other News:
======================================================================================
Managers Out:
01/01 - Stirling Albion sack Stuart McLaren
02/01 - Corby Town sack Tommy Wright
14/01 - Hednesford Town sack Bernard McNally
15/01 - Bala Town release Colin Caton to sign for Maccelesfield Town
16/01 - East Stirlingshire release Ian Flaherty to sign for Stirling Albion
20/01 - Bradford City release Lee Elam to sign for Corby Town
21/01 - Bromley sack Mark Goldberg
21/01 - Woking Town sack Garry Hill
22/01 - Carmarthen sack Mark Aizlewood
28/01 - Weymouth sack Jason Matthews
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Managers In:
02/01 - Peterborough United hire David Dunn
04/01 - Glentoran hire Paul Millar
06/01 - Chelmsford hire Jody Brown
06/01 - Dungannon hire Johnny Steele
09/01 - Los Angeles Galaxy promote Jeff Cassar to Manager
12/01 - Forest Green hire Jason Kabia
12/01 - Coleraine hire Andy Todd
15/01 - Macclesfield Town hire Colin Caton (Bala Town)
16/01 - Stirling Albion sign Ian Flaherty (East Stirlingshire)
20/01 - Partick Thistle hire Stephen Craigan
20/01 - Corby Town hire Lee Elam (Bradford City)
31/01 - East Stirlingshire hire Lee Makel
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Next Month:
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04/02 - Irish Cup 6th Rd: Institute (Away)
04/02 - Irish Cup Qtr-Final Draw
11/02 - Linfield (Away)
18/02 - DBP: Colleville (Home)
25/02 - DBP: Dungannon (Home)
guk99
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Wednesday 1st February 2017:
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January's Manager of the Month Award:
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Striker Anto Burns has suffered a bruised head after jumping for the ball during a friendly match.
He will be out of action for 8-11 days approximately.
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Saturday 4th February 2017:
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6th Round Match:
Venue: Riverside Stadium, Drumahoe
Attendance: 279 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Boyce, E. | Weather: Drizzle, 6c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | Feeney, S. (CD) | Black, R. (LB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Wilson, D. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | McCashin, S. | Ferguson, S. | Willis, A. | Dallas, M.
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Loughgall Rescue Replay:
======================================================================================
Loughgall had to dig deep to rescue a draw in today's Irish Cup 6th Round match at the Riverside Stadium in Drumahoe, after seeing Institute put up a battle that saw them almost steal a win and knock Loughgall out of the competition.
Institute took the shock early lead in the 15th minute, as a Brown corner whipped into the box found Varma running and leaping onto the end of it to smash a header home and give the home side something to hold onto. Unfortunately for them, it didn't last long as Loughgall broke themselves level minutes later when in the 19th minute, McMahon played a short pass forward to Boyle on the outside of the box, who beautifully turned his marker with style and found enough space to hit a screamer across the grass and sail into the near post to pull his team back into the game.
Institute took a shock lead once again minutes later, this time through an own goal of which Carlin will wish he could forget. A free-kick just inside the Loughgall half found the ball played high into the box by Gorman. Carlin rushed in to defend it, but felt he had a slight push which put him off balance and he watched as he headed the ball past his own keeper before falling to his knees with head in his hands.
It took till mid-way through the second-half for Loughgall to level once again, as in the 72nd minute, McMahon played a deligthful pass over the defence as Forsyth ran onto it but was quickly surrounded. He tried to play it sideways for Wilson to score but a good block by the defender allowed Dallas to run onto the ball which ran free and smash it into the back of the net to earn the away side a replay.
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Quarter-Final Draw:
To Be Played On Saturday 4th March 2017
Institute (NIFLC1) or Loughgall (DBP) vs Dundela (AMP)
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Tuesday 7th February 2017:
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Neil Alderdice (CD), Darren Forsyth (ST) and Anto Burns (ST) were all picked in the Team of the Week for the Danske Bank Premiership.
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Wednesday 8th February 2017:
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6th Round Replay:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 380 | Kick Off: 7.30pm
Referee: Weatherall, S. | Weather: 4c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | Feeney, S. (CD) | Black, R. (LB)
Wilson, L. (RM)
Boyle, W. (ST) | Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | McCashin, S. | Ferguson, S. | Willis, A.
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Loughgall Edge Out Opponents To Reach Quarter-Finals:
======================================================================================
Loughgall battled to see themselves through to the Quarter-Finals of the Irish Cup with a good 2-1 win in the replay of the weekends match, one of which Institute must be looking back on now and tried harder to hold on and win.
Loughgall opened the game with another goal by Darren Forsyth, as in the 15th minute Forsyth and Boyle played a wonderful one-two combination that sent Forsyth through and he despatched it home to secure the lead with a sublime move. Institute broke level due to some poor defending by Loughgall, as Forker layed the ball across the box as everyone missed it before Cherry latched onto the end and slotted it home to bring his team back into the game.
Forsyth doubled his tally for the day, and secured a good win for Loughgall just after half-time as Boyle played a delightful pass behind the defence and for Forsyth to run free of his marker and slide it past the rushing keeper to score once more, before his side held on comfortably to the final whistle and see themselves through to the next round.
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Friday 10th February 2017:
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Warner Mullen resumes full training following a damaged shoulder.
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Saturday 11th February 2017:
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Match #28:
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Venue: Windsor Park, Belfast
Attendance: 1,426 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: McKnight, J. | Weather: Hail, 3c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hogg, A. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | Black, R. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (LB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM)
Boyle, W. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Hazard, C. | McCashin, S. | Ferguson, S.
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Loughgall Crushed By Linfield:
======================================================================================
Despite just edging possession, Loughgall came unstuck against one of the best sides in the league - Linfield, resulting in them suffering a 2-0 defeat to the better side.
It took till the second-half for Linfield to break the deadlock as Ward got his side off the mark in the 66th minute, when a Burns long-throw was knocked back out to him as he whipped it in hard into the box this time and Ward rose to knock it home to get his team ahead. In the 80th minute, Linfield doubled their lead with a free-kick out on the right-wing taken by Foster, which found Clarke getting ahead of his marker and he was able to get his foot to the ball and send it into the back of the net to secure a win for the home side who look like they are going to go on and win the league title with performances like this.
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Friday 17th February 2017:
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Carl McComb resumes full training following 2 months out with a torn groin muscle.
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Saturday 18th February 2017:
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Match #29:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 116 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Shanks, E. | Weather: Breezy, Drizzle, 11c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Drummond, W. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB)
Wilson, L. (RM)
Mullen, W. (ST) | Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Hogg, A. | McCashin, S.
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Loughgall Fall In Classic Encounter:
======================================================================================
Loughgall found themselves suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of Cliftonville, resulting in the fans watching a stunning 8 goals throughout the match, including an own-goal and a hat-trick by Darren Forsyth as he takes home the match-ball - but will probably have prefered a win than his prize on the day.
Cliftonville had more chances than the home side, and made them count as they began the match with a goal in the 6th minute, as Knowles free-kick on the edge of the box was played over the wall for Catney to head it past the keeper from inside. They doubled the lead in the 26th minute, from similar circumstances as a Knowles free-kick found McGovern inside the box and he slotted home from close range to score.
Loughgall found themselves pulling a goal back on the counter in the 41st minute, as they broke down the right-wing with Mullen receiving the ball and played it across field and into the box to find Forsyth unmarked and he placed it into the empty net to bring his team back into the game. Donnelly's corner just after half-time lead to a scramble in the box, with Telford finding himself scoring at the wrong end of the field and giving Cliftonville the two-goal advantage once more.
Cliftonville scored their 4th of the day, as they had men upfield and played the ball around - waiting for the chance, which finally fell to Curran who broke in from the right edge of the box and slotted it past the keeper and into the far post to score. Loughgall pulled another goal back in the 63rd minute with a wonderful passing move that saw Forsyth score his second of the day after great work by the trio of McMahon, Mullen and Wilson to play him in.
Cliftonville got their 5th goal of the day as Curran whipped the ball into the box from the right-wing, finding Lowry who climbed high and headed it back across goal and into the net. It wasn't all over though for the fans, as Forsyth got his hat-trick on the night when Burns played a speculative ball into the box late in the 87th minute as Forsyth chased after it while everyone else had left it to run out and got on the end before despatching it into the net and secure the match-ball for himself at the final whistle, where upon both sets of supporters applauded the teams for an amazing game of football.
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Tuesday 21st February 2017:
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Darren Forsyth (ST) was picked in the Team of the Week for the Danske Bank Premiership.
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Saturday 25th February 2017:
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Match #30:
======================================================================================
Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 145 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Ball, A. | Weather: Drizzle, 10c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hogg, A. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | McCashin, S. | Ferguson, S. | Burns, A. | Boyle, W.
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Five--Star Loughgall Triumph:
======================================================================================
Loughgall, who suffered letting in five goals last weekend, not only put in a five-star performance to bounce back, but struck five goals against a lackluster and bottom of the table Dungannon leaving the away side blown away without even having a shot on target. Once again, it was striker Darren Forsyth who was the star player as he hit a second hat-trick in as many games for Loughgall and sent his side on an unbelievable rout against their opponents.
The rout began in the 9th minute, as Carlin tackled for the ball on the left-wing from a throw-in, before he found Dallas across midfield. Dallas in turn, played one of the best passes of the season as he placed the ball into the box that split the defence as Forsyth ran across the goal and latched on the end to score comfortably from close range. In the 18th minute, Mullen played a great pass through and behind the defence allowing Forsyth to break free of his marker and run into the box before rounding the keeper and scoring his second of the day.
Mullen had his hand in the 3rd goal of the game, when a throw-in deep in Dungannon's half was played to him and he dribbled to the edge of the box. He played a delightful pass across goal to find Wilson running in at the far post to score an easy goal and make the game as comfortable as it was ever going to be in the 37th minute. In the 64th minute, Loughgalls attacking allowed Wilson to find space on the right-wing and his cross found Forsyth to cap off the day with his hat-trick as he headed home his third goal and take home the match ball for the second game running.
The fifth and final goal came in the 77th minute, from a Wilson corner which was lobbed to the far post and found Captain, Neil Alderdice, who rose above everyone and headed in from close range to finish the game off and sink Dungannon to the lowest depths of the league with little hope of escaping relegation on this performance - while Loughgall received a standing ovation for their efforts by the fans and Forsyth was handed the match-ball for his scintilating performance in front of goal once more.
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Tuesday 28th February 2017:
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Seven Loughgall players were all picked in the Team of the Week for the Danske Bank Premiership.
R. Black (CD), N. Alderdice (CD), M. Telford (RB)
M. Dallas (CM), L. Wilson (RM)
W. Mullen (ST), D. Forsyth (ST)
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Loughgall Monthly Report:
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We suffered 2 bad defeats this month, one was a little more humiliating in conceding 5 goals - despite Forsyth's best efforts of scoring a hat-trick in the same match, before hitting a second hat-trick days later putting him in tremendous form right now for us. We just about saw off a resiliant Institute to see us through to another Quarter-Final of a cup, and hopefully can make the Semi-Finals as we play Dundela - an Amateur division team now, but I won't take it lightly and we'll have to be well prepared. The season ended on a high, with a fantastic 5-0 drubbing of the bottom of the league side Dungannon.
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Played: 5 | Won: 2 | Lost 2 | Drawn: 1
For: 12 | Against: 10
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Top Scorers (Month):
Forsyth (8)
Boyle (1) | Dallas (1) | Wilson (1) | Alderdice (1)
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Top Scorers (To Date):
Forsyth (26) | McComb (10) | Mullen (8)
Alderdice (7) | Wilson (4) | McMahon (2) | Dallas (3)
Carlin (2) | Burns (2) | Boyle (1)
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Player of the Match Awards (To Date):
Forsyth, D. (9) | McMahon (4) | Alderdice, N. (3) | McComb, C. (1)
Hazard, C. (2) | Dallas, M. (1) | Wilson, L. (1) | Montgomery, S. (1)
Carlin, T. (2)
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Other News:
======================================================================================
Managers Out:
04/02 - Cardiff City sack Russell Slade
07/02 - Oldham Athletic sack Steve Davis
07/02 - Nuneaton Town sack Kevin Wilson
11/02 - Derby County sack Paul Clement
11/02 - Bury sack Brian Deane
14/02 - Sunderland sack Darko Milanic
18/02 - Coagh Utd sack Ian Todd
18/02 - Glenavon sack Tommy Cassidy
18/02 - Annan sack Gavin McAllister
18/02 - Ards sack Niall Currie
18/02 - Arbroath sack Ian Little
18/02 - Crawley sack Mark Yates
18/02 - Albion Rovers sack Alan Mahood
18/02 - Manchester City sack Pep Guardiola
22/02 - Liverpool release Barry Hunter to sign for Nuneaton
25/02 - Stevenage sack Paul Ince
25/02 - Kingstonian sack Tommy Williams
25.02 - Hemel Hempstead sack Dean Brennan
25/02 - Kettering Town sack Marcus Law
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Managers In:
02/02 - Bala Town hire Alex Lawless
02/02 - Hednesford hire Andy Preece
04/02 - Carmarthen hire Lee Fowler
04/02 - Bromley place Mark Goldberg in temorary charge
10/02 - Woking Town hire Wayne Wallace
14/02 - Weymouth hire Steve Castle
17/02 - Cardiff hire Alan Pardew
22/02 - Nuneaton hire Barry Hunter (Liverpool)
26/02 - Oldham Athletic hire Stuart Pearce
26/02 - Derby County hire Paul Lambert
28/02 - Bury hire Stuart Gray
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Next Month:
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04/03 - Irish Cup Qtr-Final: Dundela (Home)
04/03 - Irish Cup Semi-Final Draw
11/03 - DBP: Warrenpoint (Away)
18/03 - DBP: Glentoran (Home)
guk99
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Saturday 4th March 2017:
=======================================================================================
=======================================================================================
Quarter-Final:
======================================================================================
Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 157 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Stewart, B. | Weather: Drizzle, 14c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | McCashin, S. | Ferguson, S. | Burns, A. | Boyle, W.
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Loughgall March On Into Semi Finals:
======================================================================================
Loughgall saw themselves go through to the Semi-Finals of the Irish Cup after taking a comfortable 3-2 victory over their opposotion who put up a good effort but just failed to find enough to get anything else out of the game - despite their best efforts.
Loughgall took a good lead after only a quarter of an hour of the match, giving them something to hold onto as they started with a Penalty in the 4th minute of the match, with Neil Alderdice stepping up and slotting it home to give them the lead. This was all a result of a Alderdice himself getting pushed in the box by McClelland.
Dundela came back immediately to stun Loughgall, as they got a goal back just minutes later when Halliday received the ball outside the box on a counter-attack, and he let-fly with a stunning strike that flew into the top right corner and bring his team back level. Loughgall shifted gears though, and five minutes later they took the lead again when a corner was cleared out wide - as Dallas picked it up and everyone came rushing out of the box, apart from Carlin who remained onside and at the far post where Dallas found him with a fantastic long pass across goal, as he had the easy target of placing it past the keeper.
Loughgall then scored the all-important third of their game when minutes after the second, Mullen and Carlin combined outside the box which allowed Carlin to slide the ball into the box and close to goal where Wilson latched onto the end in front of his man and scored from just yards out. Halliday played McLelland in on the 65th minute for him to slot it past the oncoming keeper for Dundela to give Loughgall something to think about, but they couldn't quite grab an equalizer leaving Loughgall sailing on to the Semis.
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Semi-Final Draw:
To Be Played On Saturday 8th April 2017
Portadown (DBP) vs Loughgall (DBP)
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Monday 6th March 2017:
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Saturday 11th March 2017:
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Match #31:
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Venue: Milltown, Warrenpoint
Attendance: 101 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Stewart, J. | Weather: 18c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Hogg, A. | McCashin, S.
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Loughgall Stun Warrenpoint:
======================================================================================
Loughgall stunned 4th place Warrenpoint to leapfrog Coleraine into 9th place in the league with a fantastic 3-2 victory over their opposition on a fine day at Milltown. The result leaves Loughgall 5 points clear of the bottom two, with two games left to play - a draw or win in their next match against Glentoran who are just one place above them should help them remain clear of any danger of relegation talk in the camp.
Loughgall just edged their opponents in a thrilling match, with Warrenpoint taking the lead in the 26th minute - when Hughes dribbled past his man outside the box and drove inside, his first shot was straight at the keeper who did well to keep it out, but the rebound fell kindly and Hughes took the second chance to slot it home and give his side the lead. Alderdice scored from the penalty spot to equalize for Loughgall in the 36th minute, after McVeigh tripped Forsyth in the box - resulting in the referee not only pointing to the spot for a penalty, but showing McVeigh the red card for his deliberate foul.
Loughgall then turned on the style just before half-time as they played the ball down the left-wing, where Carlin crossed into the box and found Forsyth who broke free to snatch at the ball and send it into the back of the net to give Loughgall the lead going in at the break. Just after the break, Warrenpoint drew level when Hall found himself with time and plenty of space on the right-wing, where upon he delieved a wonderful ball across the goal to the far post which found O'Connor sliding in and placing it into the net to bring his side back into the match.
Loughgall grabbed the winner just six minutes from time, as they moved the ball around - yet finding the defence difficult to break down, but were patient and found space eventually as Telford moved forward on the right-wing and received the ball. His cross into the box found Forsyth running in and he smashed it home, as the keeper did his best to keep it out but the venomous strike couldn't be held allowing Loughgall to take all three valuable points on the day.
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Marcus Dallas has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 32 points.
The ban will apply for all Northern Irish domestic competitions.
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Tuesday 14th March 2017:
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Darren Forsyth (ST) was picked in the Team of the Week for the Danske Bank Premiership.
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Thursday 16th March 2017:
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Friday 17th March 2017:
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Conor Hazard (GK) and Mark Telford (RB) have been called up by N. Ireland Under 19s Manager, Brian McLoughlin for his squad to face France Under 19s.
The match takes place on 23rd March.
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Saturday 18th March 2017:
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Match #32:
======================================================================================
Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 181 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Loughtrey, D. | Weather: Gusty, Drizzle, 9c
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======================================================================================
LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hazard, C. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Wilson, D. (RCM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
Forsyth, D. (ST)
======================================================================================
Substitutions:
Hazard, C. | McCashin, S. | Henderson, G. | Boyle, W. | McComb, C.
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Glentoran Stop Loughgall's Run:
======================================================================================
Loughgall found themselves coming unstuck against a tough Glentoran side who fought hard to walk away from today's game at Lakeview Park with all three points on the wet and windy day.
Glentoran opened the scoring on the 42nd minute, as Kane's cross was knocked clear by Moffatt, falling at the feet of Caldwell who struck it back at goal - but his shot took a wicked deflection that fell comfortably at the feet of McManaman who had the comfortable task of placing it past the keeper to score. Neil Alderdice scored a penalty in the 50th minute as he calmly placed it into the net from the spot after Kane tripped Luke Wilson as he drove into the box.
McManaman found himself played in down the right-wing on the 73rd minute, as he got to the ball before it was able to go out and held it up for a moment before lofting it into the box where McKee rose up and the ball clipped off his head and sailed into the far post to secure a win for his team. Depiste the defeat, Loughgall still found themselves five points clear of the bottom two thanks to other results going their way.
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Thursday 30th March 2017:
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Loughgall have paid out £250 to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after reaching the Quarter-Finals in the Mid-Ulster Cup.
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Loughgall Monthly Report:
======================================================================================
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=======================================================================================
We had a good, yet quiet March - resulting in 2 good results at the start before a disappointing loss to Glentoran to finish it off. Alderdice hit 3 penalties in 3 games this month, while Forsyth coninued his good form with another 2 goals. The move leaves us clear of the relegation bottom 2 for now, with 1 game left to play before the relegation battle play-off matches take effect next month.
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Played: 3 | Won: 2 | Lost 1 | Drawn: 0
For: 7 | Against: 6
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Top Scorers (Month):
Alderdice (3) | Forsyth (2)
Carlin (1) | Wilson (1)
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Top Scorers (To Date):
Forsyth (28) | McComb (10) | Alderdice (10) | Mullen (8)
Wilson (5) | McMahon (2) | Dallas (3)
Carlin (3) | Burns (2) | Boyle (1)
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Player of the Match Awards (To Date):
Forsyth, D. (10) | McMahon (5) | Alderdice, N. (3) | Wilson, L. (2)
Hazard, C. (2) | Dallas, M. (1) | McComb, C. (1) | Montgomery, S. (1)
Carlin, T. (2)
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Other News:
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Managers Out:
04/03 - West Bromwich Albion sak Tony Pulis
11/03 - Stranraer sack Brian Reid
12/03 - Liverpool release Jurgen Klopp to sign for Manchester City
14/03 - Derby County release Justin Walker to sign for Stevenage
14/03 - Cambridge United sack John Coleman
14/03 - Crewe Alexandra sack Jim Bentley
18/03 - Boston Utd sack Dennis Greene
18/03 - Morecambe sack Harry Kewell
18/03 - Hull City sack Tim Sherwood
18/03 - Colchester United sack David Wright
19/03 - Swansea City sack Garry Monk
24/03 - Inter release Roberto Mancini to sign for Liverpool
26/03 - Leyton Orient release Kit Symons to sign for Norwich City
29/03 - Cheltenham Town release Adam Murray to sign for Cambridge United
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Managers In:
06/03 - Ards hire Alan Murphy
06/03 - Sunderland hire Uwe Rosler
07/03 - Glenavon hire Paul Gaston
08/03 - Albion Rovers hire Mark Roberts
08/03 - Crawley Town hire Peter Atherton
09/03 - Coagh Utd hire Paddy McLaughlin
11/03 - Hemel Hempstead hire Adam Hinshelwood
12/03 - Kettering Town hire George Borg
12/03 - Manchester City hire Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)
13/03 - Arbroath hire Barry Ferguson
14/03 - Stevenage hire Justin Walker (Derby)
17/03 - Annan hire Darren Young
23/03 - Kingstonian hire Adam Barrett
24/03 - Liverpool hire Roberto Mancini (Inter)
25/03 - Ton Pentre hire Rhys Griffiths
26/03 - Norwich City hire Kit Symons (Leyton Orient)
27/03 - West Bromwich Albion hire Gareth Southgate
29/03 - Cambridge United hire Adam Murray (Cheltenham)
30/03 - Stranraer hire Gordon Chisholm
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Next Month:
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04/04 - DBP: Carrick (Away)
08/04 - Irish Cup Semi-Final: Portadown (Neutral)
Also:
League Relegation Play-Off Battle Matches (5 Matches)
guk99
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Saturday 1st April 2017:
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Tuesday 4th April 2017:
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Match #33:
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Venue: Taylor's Avenue, Carrickfergus
Attendance: 313 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: McGrath, N. | Weather: Breezy, 14c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hogg, A. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM) | Carlin, T. (LM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Hazard, C. | McCashin, S. | Henderson, G. | Boyle, W. | McComb, C.
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Loughall End On A High:
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Loughgall put in a great performance to edge a narrow win over Carrick Rangers at the Taylor's Avenue, in Carrickfergus as the away fans saw their side finish on a high of the standard league season with a good 1-0 victory.
The only goal came on the 5th minute through top striker, Darren Forsyth as Loughgall attacked and the ball across and into the box from Wilson was headed back out, but rebounded around before Forsyth took possession of the ball and made space for himself inside the box to knock it into the net and past the keeper to give Loughgall a great win on the day.
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The Dungannon vs Loughgall Danske Bank Presmierhip match has been re-arranged for Saturday 15th April 2017.
This is due to the clash with the Dungannon vs Glenavon Danske Bank Presmiership match on Tuesday 11th April 2017.
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The Loughgall vs Coleraine Danske Bank Presmierhip match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 25th April 2017.
This is due to the clash with the Loughgall vs Ballymena Utd Danske Bank Presmiership match on Tuesday 18th April 2017.
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Neil Alderdice has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 32 points.
The ban will apply for all Northern Irish domestic competitions.
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Friday 7th April 2017:
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Saturday 8th April 2017:
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Semi-Final:
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Venue: Windsor Park, Belfast
Attendance: 2,572 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Pollock, C. | Weather: Drizzle, 18c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hogg, A. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | McCashin, S. (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Drummond, W. | Feeney, S. | Henderson, G. | Boyle, W.
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Loughall In Stunning Display To Reach Finals:
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Loughgall put on a fantastic performance that saw them reach the dizzy heights of the final of the Irish Cup for the first time in their history, thanks to a great display by the team who controlled much of the match throughout.
Despite their domination, Portadown took the early lead when in only the 3rd minute of the game, McManaman's free-kick out on the left side of the field was played high and long into the box where Gault got onto the end of it and knocked it past the keeper to help his side start the game so well. It didn't last long though, as only seven minutes later - Loughgall found themselves breaking level as McMahon found Forsyth who was closed down quickly, but he was able to lay-off a pass inside the box that found Dallas running in and he slid it past the keeper's hands to equalize.
It then took till late in the second-half for more action, when in the 74th minute a corner by Wilson was whipped into the box. Black nodded the ball on at the near post which found McCashin at the far post who rose up and headed it home to give the away side the lead. In the 81st minute, Greene latched onto a loose pass and sent the ball through for Croskery to run onto, as he chased it down and drove into the box. The keeper rushed out, only to see Croskery's pace take it past him and he slid it into the empty net to draw his team level.
Loughgall looked stunned at letting the lead slip away, but didn't let their heads drop as they pushed on to find a winner and did so minutes later. In the 84th minute, Mullen played Forsyth in on the right edge of the box but a tackle by Redman at the last minute stopped him - unfortunately for him, the ball fell across the goal and landed at the feet of Wilson running in who had the easy task of sending it into the empty net. The away side held on till the final whistle and celebrated with the fans as they saw themselves go through to the final of the Irish Cup for the first time.
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Midfielder Wesley Boyle has sustained a sprained wrist after being on the receiving end of a tackle in today's match.
He will be out of action for 2 weeks approximately.
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Midfielder Tom Carlin has sustained a bruised rib after being the victim of a heavy challenge in today's match.
He will be out of action for 9-12 days approximately.
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Sunday 9th April 2017:
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Tuesday 11th April 2017:
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Relegation Group Play-Offs #1:
Match #34:
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Venue: The Oval, Belfast
Attendance: 834 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Fitzpatrick, D. | Weather: Wet, 11c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hogg, A. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | Black, R. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (LB)
Wilson, L. (RM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Hazard, C. | McCashin, S. | Henderson, G. | Wilson, D. | McComb, C.
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Quality of Possession Provides Victory:
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Loughgall started their Relegation Play-off games with a solid 2-0 victory over Glentoran at the Oval in Belfast, with Aaron Willis shining in the match and picking up the award for Man of the Match.
The first goal came from the penalty spot as Willis stepped up and struck it home to give Loughgall the lead, after Magee held onto Forsyth's shirt for too long and the referee pointed to the spot just before the break. They doubled their tally with a goal late in the second-half in a game they never looked like losing, when in the 88th minute Forsyth played Willis through on the left-wing who crossed to the far post and found Wilson sliding in to finish it off and secure a good victory away to Glentoran.
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Saturday 15th April 2017:
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Relegation Group Play-Offs #2:
Match #35:
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Venue: Stangmore Park, Dungannon
Attendance: 154 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: Ball, A. | Weather: Shower, 18c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hogg, A. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Hazard, C. | McCashin, S. | Henderson, G. | Wilson, D. | McComb, C.
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Wondergoal Eases Loughgall To Win:
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Loughgall continued their good form with a win thanks to a wondergoal by winger, Aaron Willis in the 49th minute of today's game against Dungannon. Willis collected the ball from a corner by Dungannon just outside his own-half, before he ran all the way upfield and dribbled past several players before letting fly with a venomous strike that flew into the top far corner of the net leaving the keeper just standing to watch in amazement at this fantastic feat by the winger with a goal that sealed the game for Loughgall, and received plaudits from fans and critics alike for the oustanding individual effort on the night and surely a contender for goal of the season.
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Ryan Moffatt has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 32 points.
The ban will apply for all Northern Irish domestic competitions.
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Tuesday 18th April 2017:
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Aaron Hogg (GK) and Aaron Willis (LM) were picked in the Team of the Week for the Danske Bank Premiership.
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Relegation Group Play-Offs #3:
Match #36:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 123 | Kick Off: 3.00pm
Referee: McKnight, J. | Weather: Wet, 10c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hogg, A. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM) | Willis, A. (LM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Hazard, C. | Feeney, S. | Henderson, G. | Wilson, D. | McComb, C.
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Loughgall Held To Draw:
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Loughgall and Ballymena fought to a 0-0 bore draw at the Lakeview Park, where Ballymena had the better chances in the game but failed to put any away as Loughgall continued their good form guide with a point to continue their unbeaten run.
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Thursday 20th April 2017:
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Wesley Boyle has returned to full training after being out for 12 days with a sprained wrist
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Saturday 22nd April 2017:
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Relegation Group Play-Offs #4:
Match #37:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 288 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: McFadden, P. | Weather: 18c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hogg, A. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | Black, R. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (LB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM) | Willis, A. (LM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Hazard, C. | Feeney, S. | Henderson, G.
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Loughgall In Solid Win:
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Loughgall saw off Glenavon with a solid 1-0 victory in today's game at Lakeview Park, thanks to another goal from prolific striker Darren Forsyth with an early goal in the 4th minute. Mullen whipped over a delightful cross past everyone and to the far post as Forsyth chased after the high ball and reached it to head home from close range and give Loughgall another pleasing victory as we draw closer to the end of the season.
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Neil Alderdice (CD) and Warner Mullen (ST) were picked in the Team of the Week for the Danske Bank Premiership.
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Tuesday 25th April 2017:
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Relegation Group Play-Offs #5:
Match #38:
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Venue: Lakeview Park, Loughgall
Attendance: 127 | Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Black, A. | Weather: Drizzle, 14c
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LOUGHGALL TEAM:
Hogg, A. (GK)
Telford, M. (RB) | Alderdice, N. (c) (CD) | Black, R. (CD) | Moffatt, R. (LB)
Wilson, L. (RM) | Dallas, M. (RCM) | McMahon, M. (LCM) | Willis, A. (LM)
Mullen, W. (ST)
Forsyth, D. (ST)
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Substitutions:
Hazard, C. | Feeney, S. | Henderson, G. | Wilson, D. | McComb, C.
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Loughgall Steal Narrow Win:
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Despite a Cup Final on the horizon for Loughgall, manager, John Smith, didn't leave anything to chance as he sent out a strong team to finish the season on a high-note and he did just that as they found themselves in a tough match and just getting over the line against Coleraine with a good 3-2 victory and without any injuries to go with it.
Loughgall took the lead on the 10th minute, when striker Darren Forsyth signed off in style with another goal to his campaign record as he received a ball from Mullen and turned before firing the ball into the back of the net to score. Just two minutes later, and Mullen and Forsyth teamed up to play in Willis who drove inside the box and curled the ball around the keeper to double the Loughgall lead with a wonderfully crafted goal.
Harkin pulled a goal back for Coleraine in the 38th minute of the match from the Penalty spot, after Moffatt took Conaty's legs out from under him inside the box, that give the away side some hope going into the second-half. But, Loughgall upped their game from the start and Forsyth sent a delightful pass in-behind the defence that sent Willis running through on goal, and before he could get caught he cracked a wicked shot that curled the keeper and sailed into the net for a more comfortable two-goal advantage.
It wasn't all over though as Coleraine fought to get back in the game and found themselves with another goal in the 73rd minute, as McGonigle's cross found Morrow unmarked in the box as he turned sharply and smashed it past Hogg in goal to give the away side some hope of snatching something - but Loughgall held on to the final whistle to give their fans a good end to the long season with still a Cup Final to look forward to.
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Loughgall Monthly Report:
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Relegation Group Play-Offs Round:
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We played fantastic this month, winning 6 of our 7 matches, including a stunning victory over Portadown in the Irish Cup Semi-Final to make the finals - albeit, we'll have an extremely tough time in facing League Champions Linfield in the final.
The Play-off matches helped us move up to 7th place in the league after all had been played, a reasonable finish for my first season in charge of us in the Danske Bank Premiership, after winning promotion last season and looking to just stay steady for our first campaign in the top flight - hopefully we can build on this for the new season now.
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Played: 7 | Won: 6 | Lost 0 | Drawn: 1
For: 11 | Against: 4
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Top Scorers (Month):
Willis (4) | Forsyth (3) | Wilson (2)
Dallas (1) | McCashin (1)
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Top Scorers (To Date):
Forsyth (31) | McComb (10) | Alderdice (10) | Mullen (8)
Wilson (7) | Willis (4) | McMahon (2) | Dallas (4)
Carlin (3) | Burns (2) | Boyle (1) | McCashin (1)
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Player of the Match Awards (To Date):
Forsyth, D. (11) | McMahon (5) | Alderdice, N. (3) | Wilson, L. (2)
Hazard, C. (2) | Dallas, M. (2) | Carlin, T. (2) | Willis, A. (2)
McComb, C. (1) | Montgomery, S. (1) | Mullen (1)
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Other News:
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Managers Out:
01/04 - Carmarthen sack Lee Fowler
01/04 - Southend United sack Phil Brown
02/04 - Wigan release Lee Clark to sign for Hull City
05/04 - Rochdale release Chris Beech to sign for Morecambe
08/04 - Sheffield Wednesday release Carlos Carvalhal to sign for Swansea
15/04 - Sheffield United sack John Jensen
22/04 - Bishop's Stortford sack Duncan Wilde
29/04 - Preston North End sack Simon Grayson
29/04 - Kidderminster Harriers sack Rod Brown
30/04 - Millwall sack Neil Harris
30/04 - Stockport County sack Kevin Blackwell
30/04 - Motherwell sack Teddy Sheringham
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Managers In:
02/04 - Hull City hire Lee Clark (Wigan)
05/04 - Morecambe hire Chris Beech (Rochdale)
07/04 - Crewe Alexandra hire Simon Davies
08/04 - Swansea City hire Carlos Carvalhal (Sheiffield Wednesday)
08/04 - Boston Utd hire Wayne Swaine
09/04 - Colchester hire Justin Edinburgh
12/04 - Leyton Orient hire Brian Carey
16/04 - Wigan Athletic place Gregor Rioch in temporary charge
19/04 - Southend United hire Paul Dickov
21/04 - Cheltenham Town hire Harry Kewell
28/04 - Sheffield Wednesday hire Tim Sherwood
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Next Month:
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06/05 - Irish Cup Final: Linfield (Neutral)