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guk99
Name: John Smith
Born: Middlesbrough, England
Age: 21
Football Licence: National C Licence
Football Career: Sunday League Footballer
Leagues Playable:
England: Vanarama North/South
Scotland: Ladbrokes League 2
Northern Ireland: NIFL Championship Division 2
Republic of Ireland: Irish First Division
Wales: Dafabet Welsh Premier Division
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After damaging my leg during a sunday league game a year prior, I come to the realization that my career as a footballer was over at the age of only 21. I decided to take myself down a new road, trying my hand at management. I'd gained my National C Licence and began the first day of the rest of my life searching for a job as a Football Manager.
Checking the current vacancies on offer, a number of clubs were looking for new managers. I knew I had no shot immediately at some of the bigger jobs in the game, clubs like Fulham (Premiership), Blackburn (Championship), and Cambridge (League 2) would be looking for experienced Managers.
Three other clubs were possibilities, although unlikely for a couple. Berwick Rangers (League 2 - Scotland) I didn't think I would have a shot at, while Derry City & Drogheda Utd (Premier - Ireland) and Glentoran (Danske Premier Premier - N.Ireland) were also unlikely from first impressions.
I took a punt at applying for a job over in Northern Ireland. It was away from home of being in the North East of England, but I had to start somewhere and where else than the lower leagues to gain experience and knowledge of the game. I applied for the job with Loughgall (NFL C1 - Northern Ireland). I sent in my application and awaited the outcome, with some hope.
Fulham have promoted Peter Grant to Manager.
Blackburn Rovers have appointed former player Tim Sherwood as new Manager.
Glentorran hire Jimmy Quinn as Manager.
Cambridge Utd hire Nick Barmby as Manager.
Drogheda Utd hire Pat Devlin as Manager.
Derry City hire Tommy Dunne as Manager.
I received note from Loughgall United that they would like to interview me for the current vacancy of Manager of their club. I attended the interview and sat down with the Chairman, John McCann to discuss the proposed vision we both would like for the club moving forward if I was given the opportunity to manage the club.
During the interview I was informed of limited finances due to the size of the club, something of which I was happy to keep control of if given the opportunity. While the Chairman was in favour of playing direct, defensive football and signing young players for the first team - I indicated that I would like the opportunity to play attacking football, but had no problem in finding young players to fit into the team.
The Chairman indicated they saw the club achieving a top half finish which I agreed with, and a wage budget of £500 which was fine with me. The meeting concluded after that and I thanked the Chairman for inviting me to the interview and left with a sense of hope.
I was a little shocked the following day when I received notice from Brian Porteous, Chairman of Berwick Rangers of Ladbrokes League 2 (Scotland) who had asked me to attent an interview for the current Managers vacancy. I jumped at the chance to have another interview.
My answers were similar to that given to Loughgall United, although Berwick were looking for a Playoff spot for the club, while a transfer budge of £16k and wages of £2.5k would be available. After a good interview we parted ways.
News had aparently already broke that I was seen at the club's grounds to meet with the chairman, with some reporters claiming I was a 100-1 long shot of even getting the job.
I hadn't heard much in the last few days when I received a call from Loughgall United Chairman, John McCann. He had phoned to inform me was offering me the job of Manager of his football club if I was still interested. He sent me the offer on the table of which I looked over before making my decision.
I was a little torn, as Berwick Rangers had invited me to attend their interview but I always felt I had little chance of actually being made manager of the club as it was a big leap forward for someone just starting out in this business.
I contacted the chairman and agreed to become the new manager of Loughgall United on the terms that was sent to me. I signed on the dotted line and the announcement was made, with fans hopeful that I could lead the club forward.
I met with the Chairman who had compiled a folder on the history of the club for me to look at, as well as setting up a meeting with the Journalists to announce my new position as Manager. I informed him to take care of many of the contracts, staff hiring/firing so I can concentrate on the football side of things which he was happy to do.
Next I met up with my Assistant Manager, Stephen Uprichard who had compiled a document on the current status and players of the club. I asked Stephen to take control of the Training, allowing me time to settle in and overlook other aspects of the club.
I went to meet the players and informed everyone they would have an opportunity to impress me and fight for a chance to play in the first team which delighted many of the fringe players.
Unfortunately I didn't have a lot of time to settle in when learning I was being thrown in at the deep end with a friendly match that had been arranged for a while was taking place that very afternoon against Woodvale (N. Ireland Amateur Division 2A).
So here I am, my first foray into Management with Northern Ireland club Loughgall. Was I going to make it, or make a failure - only time would tell as I prepared for my first game in charge.
Next Up: Pre-Season Friendlies
Note: I'll probably do a month's updates for each post. The next post will be all the friendlies grouped together and any news over that period before the season kicks off.
Dan
guk99
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My first game in charge was a friendly, and I came away with a victory thanks to 2 goals by my strikers. Burns scored the first in the 12th minute when our keeper kicked a ball up front as we tried to hit them on the break from a free kick they had failed to capatlize on, where Steenson got on the ball and made his way into the box on the left side before he got crowded out and knocked it to the far post where Boyle got a hold and cracked a great shot which the keeper parried only for Burns to nip in and knock home the opening from a few yards out.
Unfortunately, Anto Burns couldn't last the half, as he went up for a header in the first half and received a gashed head and was in need of being subsituted. Afterwards I discovered from the Physio that he would be out for upto 2 weeks.
In the 69th minute, Boyle got hold of the ball on the right wing, where he sent a beautiful through ball behind the defence. Mullen brushed aside the defender who was on his side and able to slot the ball around the keeper into the corner of the net to make the game more comfortable.
Woodvale had a couple of half-chances, but failed to make much of their possession and while I'd hoped we could have bagged a few against the amateur side I was happy with the win in the end as I fielded some of the more fringe players to kick off the friendly campaign.
The next day I sat down with the local journalist for the Loughgall Football Gazette, the only one who turned up and interested in my new job. We sat and talked about the Chairman, my life as a young manager where some have said I won't succeed due to my age which I disagreed with. I informed him I was hoping for a long, established career in the game as we parted ways on good terms.
The Chairman informed me he had hired a couple of new staff over the next few days.
37 year-old Paul Carlyle had been hired as the Chief Scout
32 year-old Jim White was hired as the Under-18 Manager
31 year-old Jason Lindsay was appointed as Under-17 Assistant Manager
25 year-old Conor McKee was hired as Under-18s Fitness Coach
Paul Carlyle, our new Chief Scout was immediately sent to the Northern Ireland Trial Day to scout for any possible new players.
My next friendly was a tricky fixture, against Scottish Ladbrokes League 1 outfit Stranraer. I knew it was unlikely to get anything out of this game and just told the players to enjoy the experience. The first half was awful as Stranraer controlled much of the game and left us in an uphill battle, I dreaded a mauling which wouldn't have been good for morale of the team.
They scored two quick goals from Nequecaur, the first coming from a sweet strike from outside the box of 20 yards out that sailed past the fingers of our keeper. The 2nd goal came from a throw-in deep in our half, the first cross was blocked but the second sailed over as our defenders mis-judged the ball and it crept to the far post where Nequecaur nipped in to snatch his 2nd of the game from inside the 5-yard box.
Some half-time words turned it around, and while Stranraer had a couple of chances, we raised our game and gave a good 2nd-half account of ourselves. We got hold of the ball in the middle of the park, and Boyle crept forward before playing a beautiful pass through to Carlin who had come in from the left wing to the edge of the box and smashed it low into the near post past the outstretched fingers of the keeper.
In the end we had a poor first-half performance but stepped it up in the second-half and came away with some heads high against a really good Scottish side who played a good passing game against us. My first defeat, but I didn't take it to heart as this was only a friendly and against a good opposition.
New Signing
After the match, the Chairman informed me we had captured Adam Clarke - a 25-year old winger who was available through the trial game I had scouted and without a club for a while. He looks like a good player from what I saw of his stats, and hopefully can perform well for us.
The latest odds have come in and Ards as well as Institute have been made 6-1 joint favourites to gain promotion this season. Loughgall have been placed at 33-1 to go up, depending on our performances the bookies reckon we have an outside chance if we perform well.
Player Sold:
I was disappointed to learn defender, 29 year-old Ricky Copeland had joined Institute on a free transfer. I had high hopes for the guy, and while the fans are disappointed along with me I now need to look elsewhere to bolster my defence.
A fantastic start to the game, as a throw-in deep in our own half to Ardglass lead to a counter-attack as Steenson held the ball up well, before playing it down the wing and taking out several players in the process towards new signing Adam Clarke who got to the edge of the box and whipped over a beautiful cross to the far post where Burns came forward and slotted it home to give us the lead.
It didn't last long, as a minute later a corner taken by Deegan was crossed to the near-post and Devine nodded the ball home from close-range to bring Ardglass back into the game. A very poor goal to give away so soon.
The 2nd-half started edgy, with both sides looking to grab the next goal as Ardglass struck the crossbar early on. But a counter as Clarke once more was instrumental in the attack where he played the ball in behind the defence for Steenson to latch onto this time and he held it up before playing it to the far post where once again Burns came running in and put it away with a nice header to give us the lead again.
Burns could have got his hat-trick if not for a clearance off the line from a corner, and a strike moments later from outside the box which the keeper saved well. Unfortunately, new signing Adam Clarke picked up an injury late in the 2nd-half and had to be substituted.
But, in the final moments of injury time Steenson latched onto a long goalkick from Buchannan that took out everyone and struck the ball from a good 20-yards out that smashed in off the underside of the crossbar and left the keeper helpless on the ground. A beautiful goal to seal the victory.
Injury News:
After the game, I received word from the Physio that Adam Clarke had suffered a back strain after attempting a sprint during the game. It was going to keep him out the start of the season for about 4-5 weeks. He'd only just joined us and had an impressive debut in the friendly for us, but hopefully he'll come back with a bang.
Defender Neil Alderedice has been made Captain of Loughgall United, while midfielder Steven Ferguson has been made Vice-Captain.
After discussion with the players representative, I have made them aware of the bonuses for the upcoming season:
2.5k to be shared for winning the NIFL Championship 1.
1.5k to be shared for winning a Domestic Cup.
Within the opening 10 minutes of the match, both sides had chances. A looping ball from a free-kick to the far post had Boyle strike a shot which just sailed wide of the post. Meanwhile, a corner for Nortel ended up with a shot that was blocked and eventually cleared. In the 15th minute, a break-away allowed Carlin to come in from the left wing as he crossed to the right where Boyle cracked a shot home into the corner to give us the lead.
In the 25th minute, a throw-in for Nortel lead to a quick counter as Ferguson got hold of the ball and hit a long winding ball across field to the left where Carlin broke in behind everyone and smashed it home into the near post to give us a solid lead. Unfortunately several minutes later and McKay pulled a goal back as a cross got headed on by Clarke inside the box that allowed McKay to slot it past Buchanan in goal to give the home side a chance.
In the 33rd minute, Doyle played the ball down the right wing where Steenson latched onto it and got to the byline where he crossed to the far post and Carlin nipped in with a cool finish to give us a comfortable two-goal advantage once more.
Early in the 2nd half, Nortel swung a corner in as Clarke ran into the box and headed the ball home to bring them back into the match once more. Carlin played through Steenson in the 70th minute only for him to see his strike come back off the post and cleared away.
After I made a number of substitutions late in the 2nd half, I felt it killed the game a little but in the dying moments, Lorrimer broke in behind our defence on the left side and smashed it past Buchanan at his near post to give the home team a great comeback against us.
The final whistle went, and I felt for the team as we played well when going forward but our defence is leaking goals badly. It's something I may need to look at.
New Manager Appointments/Firings:
Berwick appoints Jim Chapman as their new Manager, after leaving his post as Annan manager.
Sligo Rivers appoint Bobby Brown as their new Manager.
Shamrock Rovers sack Manager Pat Fenlon due to the poor league position.
Galway United appoint Gary Howlet as their new Manager, after leaving his post as Drumcondra manager.
Annan announce 46 year-old Richard Sneekes has been appointed as their new Manager.
Shamrock Rovers announce that Tom Mohan has been appointed as their new Manager.
World Cup Qualifiers Announced
The draw for the World Cup Qualifiers were made and some interesting ties.
N. Ireland have been placed in the group alongside favourites Germany, Azerbaijan, Czech Republic, Norway and San Marino. I feel for N. Ireland, I'm not sure if they can pull this off but maybe if they get some good results against the smaller sides and the big teams take points off one-another then their is hope.
Meanwhile England find themselves up against arch-enemies and neighbours Scotland in their group, while also having to face Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia. If England don't come out on top of this group then Roy Hodgson could be looking for a new job I believe.
Next Up: The Season Kicks-Off!
guk99
Loughgall In Great Escape Drama
A big game to kick off the campaign against title favourites and Loughgall almost suffered defeat in John Smith's first game as Manager. It was only thanks to the goalkeeper Buchanan who pulled off a total of 5 magnificent saves that kept the home side in the game, and walk away with a valuable point. Only defender and Captain Neil Alarderdice performed well as he lead the team onto the field and can be happy with his performance having made 14 crucial interceptions during the match.
Ards piled on the pressure with 14 shots and 5 on target but couldn't get the ball past the keeper.
Both managers will be looking at this game differently. Ards Manager will see this as 2 points dropped from a game they should easily have won, and Loughgall's newly appointed manager will be wiping his brow at how they walked off the pitch with a point after being torn apart by the opposition.
Sadly for striker Adam Steenson, he was taken off in the 39th minute due to damaged heel after jumping for the ball and is likely to be out for 2 weeks, while both Steenson and Carlin saw yellow cards during the match for the home side and Shannon booked for the opposition.
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Loughgall announce final sales figures of 30 season tickets sold for the new season.
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Injury News:
Physio Billy Nellins has informed me that Tom Carlin was in some discomfort after training today and is suffering from a sports hernia. He is going to be treated at the club but will be out for 6-7 weeks. A bitter blow for us, as Carlin was another winger who I had high hopes for and now that's 2 wingers lost in a matter of weeks.
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League Cup 2nd Round Draw:
Ards vs Loughgall
Due to the Cup Match, the Donegal Celtic vs Loughgall NIFL Championship 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 1st September.
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Loughgall Pay The Penalty!
Larne (2nd) faced Loughgall (10th) in the 2nd week of the season, and the opposition paid the price as Larne came away with all 3 points thanks to a spot kick. Moffatt, who had an awful game as left-back for Loughgall all game brought down Irvine in the 81st minute on the edge of the box out wide when he didn't need to and it allowed Stuart King to step up and give Larne their 2nd victory of the season and seal Loughgall's fate.
Several players saw yellow cards with McMahon picking up his 2nd in 2 games now while Moffatt picked up a yellow for the tackle which gave away the penalty.
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Injury News:
Information has come to me that 23 year-old full-back Stein Montgomery has suffered a fractured cheekbone after jumping to challenge for the ball during a B side match against Newington Reserves. After consultation, I could play him through injury but feel we have enough cover so have sent him to a Specialist at a cost of £500.
Posotive news is that Steenson is due back any day, although he may not be right to go straight in for the cup-tie against Ards. Also Adam Clarke who recently joined the club is expected to return also, but also unlikely to play a part.
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Demolition Squad
Disaster struck as Ards comfortably knocked out Loughgall with two 2nd half goals. The first came just 10 minutes into the 2nd half as a free-kick from Cockcroft on the right wing was crossed into the box as Cahoon got in front of his marker and headed into the corner of the net. The nail in the coffin for the away side came when Cahoon broke down the left wing and latched onto a long ball forward, before he played it back for Cockcroft who swung it to the far post where Arthurs headed it home to give the home side a comfortable victory.
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Four-Goal Thriller At Lakeview Park
A change of tactics allowed Loughgall, who lay in 11th to go more attacking, but they'll be disappointed with this result against a team below them in Distillery, lying 14th. Mullen scored the opening in the first 6 minutes when Bingham whipped a ball into the box to which Mullen skipped past the defenders to head home easily unmarked.
McMahon played Dallas through as his shot was well saved by the keeper, but Boyle came running into the box and got the rebound to fire home into an empty net. A throw-in on the wing allowed Morton to get the ball back and whip in a cross into the box where Southam nipped inside and headed home as Loughgall's defenders looked at one another and asking questions on who was marking him.
A ball to the right wing came to Clarke who played it back to Doyle before making a great run behind the defence where he received the ball back and was able to cooly slide it past the oncoming keeper to give Loughgall a draw. Unfortunately winger and striker Wesley Boyle had to go off injured after being on the receiving end of a tackle and is likely to be out for about 2 weeks.
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Fola
Dan
guk99
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Donegal Make Lucky Escape?
Donegal Celtic (1st) could only draw against relegation zone Loughgall (14th), and must have felt relieved to come away with anything after this match. Loughgall performed far better than their last few outings and winger Adam Clarke continued his scoring streak with another goal for his new club.
A free-kick wide on the left wing near the corner flag was played by Black to Dallas who got the ball back and whipped in a beautiful cross to the far post where Clarke got a foot in and placed it into the back of the net from just a yard out. It was a goal that Loughgall deserved after some half-time words from their new manager, John Smith. Unfortunately for Clarke, he was taken off just minutes after celebrating his goal with another injury.
In the 73rd minute - Donegal got a fortunate equalizer, the ball was played out right - wide to Taggart who collected the ball and crossed it into the box. Dunlop came running in from the edge of the box as the ball just skimmed off the top of his head and edged past the keepers fingers into the corner of the net. At the final whistle the two manager's shook hands on a good match with Donegal's looking fortunate to come away with anything.
Injury News:
Adam Clarke, who has just returned from injury has picked up a groin strain after chasing the ball during the match. He is likely to be out for 3-4 weeks.
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Loughgall Rise To The Occasion!
In the 10th minute Dergview almost took the lead when a free-kick was picked up too easy inside the box and struck which the ball bounced back off the post and safely into the keepers hands. Ten minutes later, Loughgall struck the crossbar when a ball whipped in by Black was met by Steenson who cracked it against the bar from close range and cleared away.
The opening goal came in the 71st minute when Mullen got on the ball from a throw-in, played it across to the centre of the field to Burns who was outside the box and he struck a beautiful strike which smashed into the corner of the net to give Loughgall a deserved lead after dominating the match from the off.
In the 77th minute Dergview almost got back into the match when a ball down the left wing was latched onto and crossed into the box where the ball cracked against the crossbar, the same place where Steenson had seen his come back from in the first half.
The final whistle went as Burns single goal gave Loughgall their first victory of the season and picked him up Man of the Match for his outstanding performance, but in truth all the players deserved credit for outperforming the league leaders on all accounts of the field.
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The Knockbreda vs Loughgall NIFL Championship 1 match has been re-arranged to Tuesday 22nd September due to the clash with the P.S.N.I. vs Knockbreda Steel & Sons Cup match on Saturday 26th September.
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Injury News:
It has been reported Warner Mullen, striker - has substained a stubbed toe while being tackled in the reserved match and will be out for 8-11 days.
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Annagh Snatch Last Gasp Winner!
Loughgall saw their game unfold in the last minute as a draw slipped from their grasp in cruel fashion. The first half saw little action as things kicked off in the 2nd-half as Annagh upped their game and some wonderful passing saw the ball come to Campbell just inside the box where he turned and smashed it low into the corner.
Annagh closed down Loughgall's players at every chance, but a great ball by Steenson was played down the right wing and in behind the defence for Burns to latch onto, before getting to the byline and crossing to the far post where Willis came running in from the edge of the box and slotted home to give Loughgall an equalizer. Minutes later, a corner for Loughgall saw Steenson's shot blocked off the line, while in the 84th minute Black's free-kick from the edge of the box rebounded off the post and cleared.
It looked like it would end in a draw, but Loughgall's defenders were caught napping in their own half and allowed Campbell to run onto a block clearance before he crossed it into the box and Adam Dick came inside to hit the shot which took a slight deflection and allowed Annagh to grab a later winner and leave the away fans devastated.
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Injury News:
Stein Montgomery has begun full training following a fractured cheekbone.
Tom Carlin has begun full training following a sports hernia.
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Point Apiece For Local Rivals!
Two arch-enemies faced off at Holm Park which resulted in a good game as both sides walked away with a point a-piece. Armagh took the lead in the 12th minute when Murray was pushed in the box by Anderson as the referee, after checking with the linesman pointed to the spot. Carville stepped up and tucked it away as he sent the keeper the wrong way to give the home side the lead.
A slight change of tactics at half-time saw Loughgall pull level immediately after kick off, Black got the ball on the left wing near the byline and crossed for Burns to head home the equalizer and send the away fans into rapture at pulling level. Both teams fought on for a winner but it wasn't to be as the fans applauded both sets of players off the field.
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Five-Goal Thriller!
A thriller of a match as Loughgall snatched victory from defeat. It started in the 15th minute as McComb broke down the right wing and crossed as it skipped past everyone in the box and came to Young at the far post who smashed it home past Buchanan to give the home side the lead.
In the 2nd-half, Black and Willis combined at the edge of the box before playing in Dallas inside who turned and struck the ball sweetly that sailed past the fingers of the keeper and bring Loughgall back into the game. In the 76th minute, Mullen played in Boyle who broke free and saw his shot rebound off the crossbar, but Mullen ran in to place it into the empty net and give Loughgall a surprising lead. The defenders were looking for the flag for Boyle's original run but it stayed down.
The home side got back into the match in the 84th minute when Cory latched onto a throughball by Black at the edge of the box and slotted it past the outstretched fingers of Buchanan to bring them level. Loughgall's manager, John Smith was seen arguing with the linesman calling for a flag but it never arrived as he looked on with disappointment
With a minute left, Loughgall broke down the wing with a long ball that Mullen picked up on and crossed to the far post where Boyle came running in and headed home the unlikely winner to gave the away side their 2nd victory of the season and a thrilling end to the match.
After the match, John Smith sent his players to thank the away fans who applauded their fantastic comeback and late winner as they left the pitch.
Injury News:
Brian Martin has suffered a bruised jaw after jumping for the ball, and will be out for 9-12 days.
Goalkeeper Tuda Murphy has suffered a twisted ankle during training and likely to be out for 5-6 weeks.
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04/09 - Euro Champ Qualifier Group F: Northern Ireland 2-0 Finland
Northern Ireland walked away from Windsor Park with an impressive victory in the rain, with McNair and Brunt getting two first-half goals to give the team a boost. This puts the team level on points with Greece and gives them a chance of still qualifying for the Euros.
06/09 - Euro Champ Qualifier Group F: Northern Ireland 3-0 Faroe Islands
Brunt, Davis and Evans secured victory and 3 points for Northern Island on home soil as they overcame the Faroe's with a comfortable victory and controlled the match. Unfortunately, Greece came away with a shocking 3-1 victory over leaders Romania to leave the two teams still battling it out for that 2nd spot in Group F, with both teams now just 2 points off Romania.
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05/09 - Euro Champ Qualifier Group F: Switzerland 2-2 England
Englands midfielders stepped forward to help England over the line in a close-encounter with Switzerland on a warm summer's afternoon. Lallana opened the scoring with a free kick before he saw his goal edged back by Seferovic minutes later. Sterling then headed England back in front early in the 2nd-half only to have Fernandes snatch a point in the 90th minute. This puts England 5 points clear of Switzerland and virtually confirm them as qualifying by now.
08/09 - Euro Champ Qualifier Group F: San Marino 0-4 England
England finally confirmed qualification to the Euros with a convincing 4-0 victory away to San Marino. Ward-Prowse opened the scoring in just 3 minutes, before Ashley Young scored a minute later before a Walcott penalty in the 8th, and Rooney's curling strike off the post secured the win after only 10 minutes of the match played. England dominated possession and had an amazing 38 shots at goal during the game against San Marino's single strike.
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New Appointments/Firings:
04/09 - St. Pat's Athletic have announced former player and manager Aaron Callaghan as their new team manager.
05/09 - Cork City have announced former player, manager and Director of Football to Cork City - Liam Murphy as their new manager.
15/09 - Lowestoft Town have dismissed Ady Gallagher as manager after the players lost confidence in their manager and making his position untenable.
19/09 - Basingstoke Town have parted company with Jason Bristow after the players lost confidence in him.
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clloyd
guk99
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Loughgall On The Rise?
Loughgall put on a performance in front of their home fans today and walked away with four goals and destroying their opponents who have one of the worst defences so far. It all began in the 2nd minute when a backpass by Watson to Storey just outside the box was not controlled properly as it bounced away and allowed Mullen to run onto it and put his foot through the ball as it sailed into the top right corner of the net.
It was almost two just before the 10th minute when Mullen played in Burns on the edge of the box, but his shot just sailed inches past the post. In the 35th minute, Dallas and Black teamed up well on the left wing as Black picked up the ball near the byline and crossed for Burns who was tackled by McAllister inside the box but the ball rebounded to Willis who ran in and slid it past the keeper to make it more comfortable.
Mullen played the ball out wide to Doyle on the right wing in the 57th minute as he crossed to the far post and Willis ran in to poach his second goal of the game and make it 3-0 to Loughgall. Minutes later, a throw-in deep in Bangor's half lead to Mullen getting the ball as he crossed low into the box where Burns latched onto the pass and slotted it perfectly into the corner of the net to finish the rout. Bangor could have snatched a concelation if it wasn't for in-form keeper Buchanan who stopped a McAllister strike from just a yard out and parried away to safety to keep a clean sheet.
The final whistle went finally for Bangor who walked way distraught, while the home fans cheered the players names as they left the field while manager John Smith punched the air with glee for a fantastic performance by his team.
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Coca-Cola Intermediate Cup 1st Round Draw:
Loughgall vs Dunloy
To be played Saturday 31st October 2015.
Due to this and Institute's cup tie, the match between Institute and Loughgall has been re-arranged for Tuesday 27th October 2015.
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Injury News:
Gary Henderson has pulled up with a pulled hamstring after chasing the ball during training today. He is likely to be out for 4-5 weeks.
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Three In A Row For Loughgall!
Another win for Loughgall as they head in the right direction up the table and another impressive performance. It all started in the 12th minute when Ferguson went in with a high boot on Willis from a throw-in as the referee's whistle blew and he pointed to the spot. Some might have seen it as a harsh decision, but Willis got the ball and smashed it into the roof of the net to give Loughgall the start they wanted.
In the 33rd minute, Burns played the ball out wide to Doyle on the right wing. His cross was punched by the Welders keeper, only to see it parry around inside the box, allowing Mullen to poke it home and give Loughgall a 2-0 advantage. It only lasted a few minutes though before Deans took a free-kick from just outside the edge of the box and curled it into the back of the net to give Welders a life-line.
Buchanan kept Loughgall in the lead with a good save from inside the box in the 67th minute, before in the 82nd minute Doyle played Burns in down the right wing as he crossed into the box near the penalty spot and Dallas looped a header over the keeper and into the net to give a more comfortable lead with not long left as the final whistle blew.
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Injury News:
Warner Mullen substained a gashed leg whilst being tackled during the game and is likely to be out for upto 3 weeks.
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New Signing:
Loughgall have announced they have signed free agent Sean Cleary, a 33 year-old experienced midfielder to help bolster the squad.
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Loughgall Collapse To Easy Defeat!
Lurgan Celtic looked comfortable as they dismantled Loughgall's good run of games from kick-off. They dominated possession and passed the ball around as the Loughgall players chased every ball but failed to make anything of it. The opening goal came in the 36th minute when the ball was passed around before Hutchinson played a ball over the defence towards Graham who had ran in behind and slotted it past Buchanan who came running out.
A woeful pass in the middle of the park in the 52nd minute allowed the ball to be played out wide to Barton, who swung in a cross into the box. Alderdice who is usually composed made a mistake and swung a leg at the ball only to see it slice into the back of the net and give Lurgan the victory.
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Player Released:
Ryan Moffatt has been released on a free transfer from Loughgall after finding himself unable to break into the first team.
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Injury News:
Ciaran Boyd, left back has substained a dislocated shoulder after being on the receiving end of a tackle during the B side match against Moyola Park Reserves. He is expected to be out for 2-3 months.
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Mistakes Leads To Defeat!
Loughgall suffered their second straight defeat at the hands of Ballyclare and never really looked like to be in the game. The only goal came in the 44th minute when a free-kick outside the box by Trussell saw the ball parried away by Buchanan only for Black to bring down McCullough in the box as he went for the rebound. Gardiner slotted the ball away to give the away side the victory in a match that had very few real chances overall.
The home fans booed the team off at full-time and the manager, John Smith looked unhappy with the team's overall performance and will surely be looking to kick-start them again in their next fixture. Meanwhile McMahon picked up another yellow card which has resulted in hims picking up an automatic one-match ban after collecting 20 points.
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Injury News:
Goalkeeper Tuda Murphy has returned to full training following his twisted ankle injury.
Striker Warner Mullen returns to full training following his injury of a gashed leg.
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Falling Down!
Loughgall suffered another defeat as they were outplayed by a better team. A ball in from Roddy to the inside of the box from out wide was picked up by McFadden who struck it sweetly and it sailed past Buchanan, as the keeper laid on the ground looking on and angry at being beaten on his near side.
Loughgall are in a poor run right now and will need to look at make some changes if they wish to do better in their next games coming up.
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Injury News:
Aaron Willis has substained a bruised thigh after being the victim of a heavy challenge during a B match. He'll be out for 11-13 days.
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Loughgall Bounce Back With Cup Win!
Loughgall's players walked off the pitch after today's game to a standing ovation by the fans after a great victory and near dominance over their opponents, and qualify to the 2nd round. Clarke was Man of the Match as he bagged two goals during the game while McMahon who returned from a ban picked up his first goal for the club.
McMahon received the ball outside the box as he got swarmed around, allowing him to lay an easy through-ball to Clarke on the left wing who had made a run inside the box as he got on the end and despatched it home to give Loughgall the perfect start. Some wonderful quick passing allowed Rice and Dunlop to play a ball into Butcher who shot past Buchanan on goal to bring the away side level.
Loughgall took the lead again in the 33rd minute when Black played a cross to Carlin at the far post, whose shot was blocked but rebounded kindly to Clarke who placed it into the net for 2-1. A quick counter attack allowed Mullen to play Clarke in down the left wing, as he strove into the box but was blocked. Mullen nipped in as the keeper came out, the ball bounced around before McMahon ran forward and slotted it into an empty goal for the final goal of the game.
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Injury News:
Gary Henderson has returned to full training following his lay-off with a pulled hamstring.
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Intermediate Cup 2nd Round Draw:
Malachians vs Loughgall
To be played on Saturday 21st November 2015.
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Euro Championship Qualifiers Group F:
Romania 0 - 1 Northern Ireland
Jamie Ward gave Northern Ireland a grasp on qualifying after defeating Romania in their own back yard in an evenly-matched contest between these two sides. Greece could only draw against Finland which allowed Northern Ireland to leapfrog both teams and shoot to the top of the league, leading it by 1 point with only 1 game left against Hungary.
Euro Championship Qualifiers Group F:
Hungary 1 - 0 Northern Ireland
Hungary came away with a hard-fought victory over Northern Ireland, but it didn't spoil the celebrations as Northern Ireland pipped Romania to the 2nd spot and qualified for the first time ever.
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Euro Championship Qualifiers Group E:
England 1 - 1 Slovenia
England shared the spoils in todays game against Slovenia and must feel disappointed after the success last month of securing qualification and not being able to follow it up with another win. Henderson gave England the lead before Kampl equalized late in the 2nd half.
Euro Championship Qualifiers Group E:
Lithuania 0 - 1 England
England came off the park with a victory as they outclassed the home side, but must be looking at how they couldn't have won by a bigger margin. Harry Kane was the only scorer on the day.
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New Appointments/Firings:
03/10 - Fulham have dismissed Peter Grant as manager due to the poor league position.
03/10 - Cliftonville have sacked Gerard Lyttle as manager due to the poort league position.
6/10 - Basingstoke announce Steve Fallon as their new manager, after leaving his position as Soham manager.
13/10 - Ards have announced that Niall Currie has been sacked after a poor league position as of late.
17/10 - Nottingham Forest have announced the departure of Dougie Freedman in the wake of a recent run of bad results.
24/10 - Fulham have appointed former Assistant-Manager Alan Curbishley in temporary charge of the club.
31/10 - Cliftonville unveil Tommy Cassidy as their new manager.
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guk99
Northern Irish Mid-Ulster Cup 1st Round Draw:
Annagh Utd vs Loughgall
The Loughgall vs Larne league match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 24th November 2015 due to the cup match taking place on the 28th November.
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Northern Irish Cup 4th Round Draw:
Loughgall vs East Belfast
To be played Saturday 5th December 2015.
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Players Sold/Left:
Loughgall have announced that central defender Mark Stewart has joined Newry City AFC on a free transfer..
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Hat-Trick Hero Only Gets Ball, Not Points!
Hat-trick hero Josh Cahoon may have put the ball in the back of the net 3 times today, but as he walked off the pitch all he received was the match ball as Loughgall snatched a last second winner to grab all 3 points away from the home side.
The opening goal came from a Loughgall corner as Martin whipped the ball in to the near post where Burns made his run and slotted it home to send the home fans into rapture with a great start in the 4th minute. Some sloppy play though allowed Cahoon to get on a long ball over the top which Martin missed, as he curled it past the keeper to bring the side back level.
Just before the break, Arthurs got hold of a loose ball and played it to Cahoon who was just outside the box. He turned sharply and smashed the ball towards goal as it struck the post and went into the back of the net to take them into the lead. Unfortunately they couldn't hold on as Loughgall pushed on, the ball played out to Black on the left wing as he crossed towards Carlin who nipped in at the far post and slotted it past the keeper with ease to give the away side hope going into the second half.
In the 51st minute, the ball was deep in the home side's half as Montgomery whipped in a cross which appeared over-struck only to see it fly over everyone, including the keeper as it sailed into the far post corner of the goal in what can only be described as a fluke goal to give the away side the lead. The home side got back in though minutes later, when the ball went all the way back to the keeper, who lobbed it forward and some nice play saw it played across to the left side of the box as Brolly lobbed across a header to the far post where hat-trick hero Cahoon was to slot it home and equalize for his side.
Deep in injury time and Loughgall kept hold of the ball before being played out to the right wing where Montgomery latched onto it and kept it in at the byline. His cross was headed by Burns and parried by the keeper only to see Carlin stride into the box and slide it into the empty net to give Loughgall the win and all 3 points on the day.
The homes fans walked away in dismay, while Loughgall's fans supported their team in an incredible match that was stolen at the last moment by their team.
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Injury News:
Sean Cleary has susbtained a gashed leg whilst being tackled during the match against Ards. He's likely to be out for 2-3 weeks.
Gary Henderson has suffered a strained neck after jumping for a header during the B match. He'll be out for 2 weeks.
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Loughgall Raise Their Game!
Loughgall made hard work of this cup encounter against the smaller side, but their second-half performance raised the roof a little as they comfortably went through in the end with Marcus Dallas picking up Man of the Match.
The first came in the 30th minute when Mullen played a ball out wide to Carlin who got onto it and seeing the keeper of his line, sent the ball high and towards goal as it sailed over his head and into the back of the net. Some will claim he didn't mean it, but manager John Smith afterwards said it was meant for sure and he's done things like that on the training ground.
In the 78th minute, Alderdice who had come on as substitute hit a ball over the top to which Burns, also a substitute ran onto it and curled it past the keeper and in off the post to give the away side a comfortable 2-0 lead. The final goal came just a few minutes later when Steenson crossed from the left wing, to see Boyle's header blocked and it came out to Dallas just inside the box. He looked composed on the ball as he swivelled his hips and struck it low into the far corner past the keeper for 3-0.
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Coca-Cola Intermediate Cup 3rd Round Draw:
Newcastle (NIR) or Coleraine Reserves vs Loughgall
Date/Opponents to be decided.
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Loughgall Struggle In Fightback!
Loughgall walked away from this match with a point, that could easily have been none as Larne showed they aren't a pushover in the league depsite their position.
The first goal came for Larne as a free-kick from out wide was played into the box where McLean latched onto the ball with a header that sailed into the net. The equalizer came in the 34th minute when a long ball up front by Black was got to by Carlin inside the box whose shot was blocked to McMahon who laid it inside to Mullen who was able to despatch it into the corner.
Larne took the lead once more early in the 2nd half when McCabe was out on the right wing and sent it into the box, only for it to bounce around and fall to Robinson at the far post who smashed it back across into the far side of the net. Loughgall pulled level through Mullen who nipped in behind the defenders who pushed out from a corner that appeared to be cleared, only for Black to get the ball back on the wing and send it low across the goal for Mullen to knock it home with ease.
Larne will look at this as what could have been, while Loughgall will be wondering how they got away with a point.
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Loughgall Scrape Into Next Round!
Loughgall put up a strong defence to stop Annagh from getting anything out of this match as Loughgall sail through to the next round with a 1-0 victory. The only goal of the game came from Dallas in the 10th minute, when Black crossed to the far post and Dallas headed home from close range.
Loughgall's defence played out of their skin to keep them in the lead as well as Buchanan in goal as they held on to the final whistle and will surely be looking forward to the next round now.
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Injury News:
Adam Clarke suffered a thigh strain after chasing the ball during todays match and will be out for 3-4 weeks.
Sean Cleary has returned to full training following his injury of a gashed leg.
Gary Henderson resumes full training following his strained neck injury.
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Northern Irish Mid-Ulster Cup Qtr-Final Draw:
Portadown or Ballymacash vs Loughgall
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International Friendly:
Iceland 1-0 Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland fought a hard battle against Iceland but came away with defeat in this international friendly encounter. Finnbogasson was the only scorer of the game.
International Friendly:
Northern Ireland 0-3 Italy
Northern Ireland couldn't do anything against a strong Italy side who were superior in all areas including up front as Bonucci, Balotelli and Immobile scored for Italy.
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International Friendly:
England 2-3 Greece
England walked away from this match with defeat against Greece in an international friendly. Samaras opened the scoring for Greece, before Torosidis doubled the lead in the opening 10 minutes of the match. Barkley pulled a goal back, before Rooney equalized but Maniatis scored with 7 minutes left to give Greece the win.
International Friendly:
Spain 1-1 England
England walked away from Spain with a good draw that left the home side frustrated. James Milner scored the opener before Silva equalized, but Spain couldn't find the winner.
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New Appointments/Firings:
01/11 - Bray Wanderers announce Mick Cooke has resigned from his position as manager by mutal consent
02/11 - Ards announce Paul Kirk has been named as their new manager after leaving his post at Lusburn Rangers
03/11 - Bury have announced David Flitcroft has been sacked from his role as manager after the players lost confidence in him
06/11 - Nottingham Forest announce former Finland international, Teemu Tainio as their new manager after leaving his role at Tottenham Hotspur
07/11 - Aberdeen announce Derek McInnes has been sacked by the club after the clubs poor league position
10/11 - Q.P.R. have promoted interim manager Neil Warnock to the role of manager
10/11 - Southport have announced Paul Carden has been dismissed as manager after the club's poor league position
14/11 - Guiseley have announced the departure of Mark Bower du to the club's poor league position.
17/11 - Bury have unveiled John Dreyer as their new manager.
19/11 - Altrincham have sacked Lee Sinnott as manager.
21/11 - Bolton have sacked Neil Lennon as manager due to a recent run of bad results.
28/11 - Middlesbrough announce that Aitor Karanka has been sacked due to the current league position.
28/11 - Dagenham & Redbridge announce Wayne Burnett has departed the club as manager.
28/11 - Stoke announce that Mark Hughes's contract has been terminated due to a recent run of bad results.
30/11 - Guiseley have hired Steve Tilson as their new manager.
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guk99
Northern Irish Intermediate Cup 3rd Round Draw:
Newcastle (NIR) vs Loughgall
The Distillery vs Loughgall league match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 22nd December 2015 due to the cup match taking place on the 26th December.
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Loughgall Make Hard Work Of Victory!
Loughgall needed extra-time to get past their opponents on a wet afternoon at Lakeview Park today. East Belfast can be proud of their players as they pushed Loughgall to the final whistle and on another day could have walked away with a win.
The opening goal came in the 2nd minute when the ball was moved around well by Belfast, before a ball over the top was latched onto by Wright as the keeper came running out, allowing him to slide it across to Murphy who had an empty net to put it into and send shock to the home fans.
Loughgall equalized in the 14th minute from a corner by Dallas, who also picked up Man of the Match for his outstanding performance during the game. Cleary who had come into the side ran in and headed the ball home as it was swung into the box. Both teams pushed on for a winner, and while Loughgall dominated and seemed to have the best chances - Belfast held firm and kept them out.
It took extra-time for Loughgall to grab a winner, as Carlin picked up the ball on the left edge of the box. He turned his player inside out and then curled a beautiful strike that looped around the keeper's fingertips and into the far corner of the goal to give the home side the victory with an exquisite goal to cap off the win.
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Injury News:
Kevin Anderson has substained a strained stomach muscle during weights session in training. He will be out for 5-6 weeks.
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Northern Irish Mid-Ulster Cup Quarter-Final Draw:
Portadown vs Loughgall
The Dergview vs Loughgall league match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 19th January 2016 due to the cup match taking place on the Saturday 23rd January 2016.
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Loughgall Collapse To Easy Defeat!
Loughgall crashed back to Earth today with a defeat against Donegal Celtic who lay 2nd in the league.
Thjings started off bad for the home side as Donegal took a 2-0 advantage in the opening 15 minutes of the game that left Loughgall in an uphill battle from there on. In the 4th minute, Dunlop got the ball from a throw-in and was allowed to turn on it and cross into the box with ease as McGonnell got his head to the ball and sent it into the corner of the net.
The final goal came in the 15th minute when a corner by Shannon went over everyone to the far post and Carson came from around back to strike it home to give Donegal a comfortable victory. It could have been worse for Loughgall had Buchanan not pulled off a magnificent off the line save in injury time.
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Northern Irish Cup 5th Round Draw:
H & W Welders vs Loughgall
The Loughgall vs Annagh Utd league match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 5th January 2016 due to the cup match taking place on the Saturday 9th January 2016.
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Injury News:
Adam Clarke has returned to full training following his lay-off due to a thigh strain.
Marcus Dallas has suffered a bruised head after jumping for a header during the B game. He will be out for 8-11 days.
Ciaran Boyd has returned to full training following his dislocated shoulder injury.
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Loughgall Secure Good Point!
Loughgall put on a battling display today and should have walked away with all 3 points if it hadn't have been for an injury time equalizer and a great performance from Distillery's goalkeeper.
The opening goal came in the 77th minute when Loughgall played the ball well around the middle of the park, before it found it's way outside the box to Doyle who played it on to Burns who was able to fend off 2 defenders before knocking it low into the box where defender Derry stuck his foot out and saw the ball bounce off him into the back of his own net to his own dismay.
The equalizer came in injury time when Gallacher got the ball on the left wing and dribbled just inside the box before crossing to the far post where McIllhagga nodded it home to give the home side a share of the spoils. Both keepers pulled off some good saves and the defenders battled against the attackers upon each end of the pitch as the final whistle went.
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Team Meeting:
The next day, I was informed by the Assistant Manager that the team were unhappy with the way I was managing the team and wished to discuss it. I sat down and informed them that we need to work harder and things can easily turn around, but several of the players revolted and I informed them that maybe a change of tactics was needed as they appeared to be happy by the new outcome of playing a different game as we parted ways.
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Player Leaves:
Loughgall have announced that left-back Jeff Brady has left the club on a free transfer.
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Loughgall Secure Next Round Place!
Loughgall changed their system after rumbles of players feeling unhappy with the management of the team lately, and walked away with a good display on a breezy afternoon.
Loughgall looked the more comfortable of the two sides today, as they took the lead in the 37th minute as Black played a ball in behind the defenders and Mullen got on the end of it, before he was able to dribble past the defender in the box and slot it into the far corner around the keepers out-stretched hand.
In the 62nd minute, Doyle played a ball to Mullen who was crowded just inside the box as he laid it across to Boyle who turned and struck his foot through the ball as it smashed into the far corner to give Loughgall a 2-0 lead. In the 72minute Newcastle gave Loughgall a few things to worry about when McGrath's corner found it's way to Lemon at the near post who headed it on and it sailed into the far corner to give the home side a glimmer of hope, but they couldn't get anything else as Buchanan pulled off an amazing double point blank save with 8 minutes left to secure victory for the side.
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Intermediate Cup 4th Round Draw:
Linfield Swifts vs Loughgall
Scheduled for Tuesday 26th January 2016.
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Staff Appointment:
Jim White has signed a new contract with Loughgall, which has seen him being promoted from Under 18s Manager to B Team Manager.
Meanwhile, Jason Lindsay has signed a new contract which has seen him go from Under 18s Assistant Manager to Under 18s Manager.
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Player Leaves:
Loughgall have announced that impressive midfielder Marcus Dallas had left the club and joined Newry City AFC on a free transfer. This will come as a blow for manager, John Smith.
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New Appointments/Firings:
04/12 - Altrincham announce Nicky Law as their new manager after leaving his position as Alfreton manager.
5/12 - Chester have sacked Steve Burr as manager after players lost confidence in him.
5/12 - Aldershot Town have sacked Barry Smith due to the club's poor league position
5/12 - Bray Wanderers have confirmed Jim Gannon as their new manager, after leaving his position as Northwich manager.
9/12 - Blackpool have terminated the contract of manager Karl Oyston after players lost confidence in him.
12/12 - Peterborough have announced that Graham Westley, their manager has been sacked.
12/12 - Hartlepool announce Ronnie Moore has had his contract terminated by the club due to a recent run of bad results.
12/12 - Abroath have terminated the contract of Todd Lumsden with immediate effect.
12/12 - Clyde have sacked Barry Ferguson due to the club's poor league position
13/12 - Aberdeen have announced George Burley as their new manager.
13/12 - Dagenham & Redbridge have unveiled Paul Cox as their new manager.
14/12 - Hearts have terminated the contract of their manager Robbie Nelson due to the clubs poor league position
16/12 - Stoke have confirmed that Paco Jemez has been appointed as their new manager, after leaving his position as Rayo manager.
17/12 - Southport and unveiled Lee Sinnot as their new manager
18/12 - Aldershot announce the appointment of Jamie Day as manager after leaving his position with Forest Green
18/12 - Eastbourne Borough announce the departure of Tommy Widdrington after the club's poor league position
18/12 - Rochdale have saked Keith Hill after players lost confidence in their manager.
20/12 - Alfreton confirm Dean Holdsworth as their new manager after leaving Brentwood
21/12 - Middlesbrough have hired Dean Smith as their new manager, after leaving his position with Walsall
22/12 - Chester announce former Bolton man David Thompson as their new manager.
24/12 - Bolton announce Nigel Clough as their new manager
26/12 - Gosport Borough announce the departure of Alex Pike as manager.
27/12 - Clyde announce Stuart McLaren as their new manager leaving his job with Stirling
27/12 - Blackpool announce Steve Lomas as their new manager
28/12 - Gainsborough have today announced the departure of manager Steve Housham
29/12 - Hartlepool unveil Andy Scott as their new manager
29/12 - Hearts unveil Billy Stark as their new manager after leaving Albion Rovers
29/12 - Peterborough have hired Martin Allen as their new manager after leaving Barnet
30/12 - Arbroath hire Ian Little as their new manager
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Dan
guk99
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Fixture Changed
It was announced on the morning of the match that due to a waterlogged pitch, todays game between Loughgall vs Annagh Utd has been postponed and re-scheduled for Friday 15th January 2016.
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Injury News:
Kevin Anderson has begun full training after recovering from a strained stomach muscle.
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Staff Appointment:
Jonathan Watson has agreed terms with Loughgall to become Under 18s Assistant Manager.
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Loughgall Throw Away Lead!
Loughgall took the lead in todays game against Welders, but saw the home team peg them back and force the match into a replay.
It all started so well for Loughgall as some wonderful passing display in the middle of the park was capped with a ball through to Boyle who had broken free of his man on the right wing and ran into the box to collect the ball and place it cooly past the out-running keeper to give the away fans a dream start in the opening 40 seconds of the game.
In the 35th minute, a long ball up front was missed by everyone but Mullen who ran in behind and saw his looping header across goal sail into the far corner of the net past a rushing keeper towards him. Loughgall looked in cruise control, with Welders struggling.
Some half-time words must have done something as Welders came out a changed team, as Brown got the ball on the left wing and passed towards Ferguson inside the box whose shot was parried by Buchanan only to see it get past him still and into the back of the net due to the fierce strike.
The equalizer came in the 90th minute as McLeland played Harris through behind the defence as he ran in on goal. Buchanan came rushing out only to see Harris lob the ball past him and bounce into the empty net to give Welders a great fight-back against Loughgall, and push this game into a replay.
Unfortunately for Loughgall, their top scorer Mullen was taken off with a serious injury while injury-prone Clarke also had to be substituted and both will be missing from the return fixture.
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Injury News:
Warner Mullen has suffered a broken ankle after jumping for the ball during the match today. He'll be out for 3-4 months.
Adam Clarke has suffered a strained neck after jumping for a header during the match today. He'll be out for 2 weeks.
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Player Suspended:
Kevin Anderson has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
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Fixture Changed
Due to the replay, the Loughgall vs Annagh Utd league match has been re-scheduled once more, now to be played on Saturday 16th January 2016.
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Northern Irish Cup 6th Round Draw:
Glentoran vs Loughgall or H & W Welders
The match will be played on Saturday 6th February.
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Player Leaves:
Loughgall have announced that Graeme Taylor has left the club on a free transfer.
Loughgall announce defender Brian Martin has left the club on a free transfer.
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Manager Warning:
It's been reported that the FA has been in contact with Loughgall and warned manager John Smith following his comments for not getting a penalty in the Irish Cup 5th Rd 2-2 draw with H & W Welders.
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Staff Appointment/Moves:
Loughgall's Paul Carlyle has joined H & W Welders as a Chief Scout. Loughgall have received a settlement of £2,200.
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Loughgall Through To 6th Round!
Loughgall put up a big battle against H & W Welders at home as they got through to the next round of the Irish Cup with a good, hard fought display with McMahon scoring two important goals and coming off the field with the Man of the Match.
It all started in the 3rd minute when a throw-in deep in Welders half allowed Steenson on the ball as he played it across field towards McMahon who found himself unmarked and he smashed it home to give Loughgall the early lead. In the 19th minute, McLellan and Deane combined well to get the ball in the box for Rainey to nip in front of the keeper and head home the equalizer.
Loughgall found lots of space in midfield and played the ball around well before Henderson supplied Steenson who saw McMahon's run into the box and slid it through for him to latch onto it and strike it home for his second of the game as the keeper got a touch but couldn't keep out the powerful strike.
Welders pushed for an equalizer but it never came thanks to the defenders working hard, and Buchanan in goal pulling off some great saves to help his team go through. The game ended with a bit of a spat afterwards between the two managers, with Welders manager blaming the bouncy pitch for their defeat, while Loughgall's John Smith claimed it's just sour grapes for Welders losing to a better team on the day.
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Fixture Changed
The Loughgall vs Armagh league match has been re-scheduled due to Armagh vs Portadown's Irish Cup match. The match will now be played on Tuesday 2nd February 2016.
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Keeper Was Oustanding!
Loughgall have their keeper to thank for blocking several chances for Annagh during todays game as he kept the away side out with some great saves. The defence had their backs to the wall for much of the game, but stood firm and was able to walk off the pitch with a vital three points.
The only goal of the game came in the 78th minute when Burns came running in from the right wing to the far post to latch onto Black's swinging cross as he headed home to give the home side a win.
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Injury News:
Adam Steenson has suffered a bruised head after jumping to challenge for the ball during the match today. He'll be out for 8-11 days.
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Loughgall Fail To Take Chances!
Loughgall couldn't take the chances that fell their way today as they struggled in front of goal, despite having the best of most of the game.
Loughgall gave the ball away too easy from the start, allowing Dergen to work the ball around and into their game plan as the ball came to Burns outside the box who played it to Carlin who was free at the edge and he turned and struck a nice shot that was placed in the corner of the goal with the keeper unable to do anything but watch.
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Injury News:
Steven Ferguson has suffered a bruised head after jumping to challenge for the ball during the match today. He'll be out for 8-11 days.
Adam Clarke returns to full training following his injury of a strained neck.
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Player Suspended:
Matthew McMahon has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
Neil Alderdice has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 32 points.
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Northern Irish League Cup Winners:
Crusaders have won the Northern Irish League Cup after a 3-2 extra-time victory over Bangor.
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Loughgall Fall To Better Team!
Loughgall just couldn't stand up against a much better, stronger side who dominated the match and could have had more in the game. The only goal came in the 16th minute when McAllister got on the end of a Stewart cross to the far post and headed home. Portadown controlled the match and passed the ball around the field with little to stop them. Loughgall will be looking at the only chance they had in the game when Carlin got played through only to see his shot skim past the far post from inside the box as he hung his head in his hands.
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Injury News:
Ross Black has suffered a strained knee ligament after being the victim of a heavy challenge during the match today. He'll be out for 2 months.
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Loughgall Outclassed!
Loughgall were out-played, out-performed and simply put - outclassed by their opponents today in an Intermediate Cup 4th Round match. Despite Linfield's domination, the away side got the first goal of the game thanks to a cross by Boyd that was headed off the bar by McMahon before he followed it up with a strike that finally put it in the back of the net.
Linfield equalized late on in the 78th minute when Clarke sent across the ball into the box and Sills headed it home to bring them level. Linfield had plenty of chances in the game but couldn't get a winner, as the match went to penalties. McMahon had his penalty saved, only for Linfield to see Beggs have his shot saved. Unfortunately for Loughgall, Cleary couldn't put it past the keeper as it went into sudden-death as Foster stepped up and struck his away to send the minnows through.
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End of Year World Awards:
World Golden Boot Award
1st: Lionel Messi. (FC. Barcelona)
2nd: Christiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
3rd: Kevin DeBruyne (Manchester City)
World Player of the Year Award
1st: Lionel Messi. (FC. Barcelona)
2nd: Kevin DeBruyne (Manchester City)
3rd: Zlatan Ibrahimovice (Paris Saint Germain)
European Golden Boy Award
Jose Gaya (Valencia C.F.)
World Team of the Year Award:
M. Neuer (Bayern Munich)
R. Rodriguez (Wolfsburg), G. Pique (FC. Barcelona), M. Hummels (Dortmund), J. Boateng (Bayern)
P.Pogba (Juventus), K. DeBruyne (Man City)
C. Ronaldo (R. Madrid), Z.Ibrahimovich (Paris St Germain), J. Rodriguez (R. Madrid)
L. Messi (FC Barcelona)
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New Appointments/Firings:
02/01 - Walsall delay decision to appoint a new manager by putting Assistant Manager Richard O'Kelly in temporary charge of the first team.
02/01 - Rochdale hire John Still as manager after leaving his job with Luton
04/01 - Eastbourne Boro appoint Mark Stimson as new manager after leaving Thurrock
09/01 - Bradford PA have sacked Martin Drury after players lost confidence in him.
10/01 - Stirling have announced Barry Ferguson as their new manager
12/01 - Blackburn have sacked Tim Sherwhood after a recent run of bad results.
12/01 - Gosport has hired Dean Brennan as manager after leaving Hemel Hempstead.
14/01 - Gainsborough have appointed Garry Haylock as their new manager after leaving Hayes & Yeading.
16/01 - Glentoran sack Jimmy Quinn as manager after a run of bad results.
16/01 - Northampton have sacked Chris Wilder as manager after players lost confidence in him.
16/01 - Birmingham have dismissed manager Gary Rowett due to the poor league position.
18/01 - Motherwell have announced the departure of Mark McGhee due to the poor league position
19/01 - Luton have announced that Adrian Boothroyd as their new manager
20/01 - Barnet have named David Connolly as their new manager after leaving Millwall.
24/01 - Bradford PA announce Liam Watson as manager after leaving Stalybridge
28/01 - Hemel Hempstead confirm that Kevin Wilson has been named as their new manager after leaving Nuneaton.
30/01 - Dundee United sack Mixu Paatelainen after the players lost confidence in them
31/01 - Glentoran appoint Darren Kelly as their new manager after leaving FC Halifax
31/01 - Northampton appoint Declan Farmer as manager
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guk99
Loughgall Fightback Earns Point!
Loughgall will look at this as what could have been after fighting back from being 2-0 down to take the lead late on, only to see it snatched from their hands in the last minutes to walk away with a point.
The opening goal came in the 34th minute when a corner was played by Cullen towards Lavery who stood alone outside the box. He looped a header towards the box where Noonan got on the end and sent it into the net to give the away side the lead. They took a 2-0 lead when McParland picked up the ball outside the box and was swarmed around as he saw Donnelly free to his left and played him in as he strove inside the box and slotted it cooly past Buchanan in goal.
Loughgall pulled one back before half-time as Boyle played Carlin in from the left wing as he slotted it past the out-running keeper to give the home side some hope going into the second-half. Ten minutes into the second-half and Cleary and McMahon worked together inside the oppositions half to send the ball in the box for Carlin to run onto it and place it home for his second goal of the game.
Loughgall must have felt they won it in the 75th minute when Cleary played the ball out wide to Thompson who swung in a ball to the far post to find Steenson run in and knock it home to the rapture of the fans. Unfortunately for the home side, some wonderful counter-attacking movement allowed McAnallan to get the ball inside the box as he looped it to the far side where it struck the post and bounced free for Cullen to slot the ball home for a point to the away side.
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Injury News:
Ciaran Boyd has substained a bruised rib after being on the receiving end of a tackle during today's game. He will be out for 9-12 days.
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Loughgall Collapse As Cup Run Ends!
Loughgall were knocked out of the Irish Cup at the 6th Round after coming up against Glentoran who controlled the game from kick-off and left little for the away side to do apart from pick the ball out of the net on three occasions.
Loughgall were sloppy with the ball as McManaman came inside after only 5 minutes, as he played in Anderson who saw his shot well saved by Buchanan only to see it parry to Henderson who ran past his defender and quick off the mark to slide home into an empty net.
Loughgall were warned time and time again but failed to pick up on the opposition as Magee strided down the left wing and sent in a cross which was knocked out, only for Henderson to pick up the ball at the edge of the box and send it back in where McManaman pulled free at the far post and headed home for a 2-0 lead.
The rout was finished before half-time when McManaman picked up the ball from a throw-in deep in Loughgall's half before crossing to the far side where Henderson headed it home for a 3-0 victory and saw them comfortably through to the next round of the cup.
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Staff Appointment:
Loughgall have agreed terms with Tony Harpur to become the new Chief Scout. Bangor will receive £2,500 in compensation for the deal that sees him swap clubs.
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Press Speculation Job Offer:
Newington Interested In Loughgall's Manager?
The Loughgall Football Gazette's Chris McConnell questioned Loughgall's manager, John Smith today regarding rumours that NIFL Championship's League 2 side Newington had him on a shortlist to be named as their new manager. Smith stated that he'd had no contact from any club and doubt their would be as he's got a job to do at Loughgall at this time and plans to do all he can to see the club through this difficult patch.
Newington currently stand in the relegation zone in League 2 and this would be a step down if he moved to the club, with the club possibly losing out on any league matches next season if they can't start picking up points.
Loughgall's board were heard stating they are delighted that manager, John Smith has reaffirmed his commitment to the club by refuting his interest in the managerial vacancy at Newington.
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Injury News:
Reserve Goalkeeper Mark Winter has substained a damaged heel after straining for the ball in training. He will be out for 2 weeks.
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Player Leaves:
Loughgall have announced that winger Tom Carlin has joined Donegal Celtic on a free transfer. Louggall will be extremely disappointed in losing one of the players who has been on form lately, but with the club's recent run it may be the first of several looking to leave the club.
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Loughgall Collapse In Fightback!
Loughgall saw a 2-0 lead disappear as Knockbreda who were just below them in the league fought back to earn themselves a point in this great match at Lakeview Park.
Loughgall were 2-0 up in the opening 16 minutes as the first came in the 7th minute when Boyle played Burns in as his shot bounced off the crossbar and over the line with a fierce drive that the keeper had no chance with. The second goal came after a free-kick outside the box was played by Boyd down to Alderdice whose shot was well saved, but parried to Burns who ran in quickest and sent it into the back of the net for his second of the game.
Some nice passing saw Knockbreda get back in the game in the 22nd minute when McDonagh played a beautiful through-ball to Neill who smashed it past Buchanan in goal to pull one goal back. In the 63rd minute, Loughgall failed to clear the ball as Stewart picked it up just inside their half and sent a high ball forward where Dempster ran onto it and thumped a header past the keeper into the net for a fantastic fightback for the away side.
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New Club Record:
Loughgall have now gone six games without winning and sets a new club record.
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Injury News:
Winger Aaron Willis has suffered a bruised jaw after jumping for a header during a B match. He will be out 9-12 days.
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New Blood:
Loughgall's B team manager, Jim White has assigned a number of players to the youth candidate team.
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New Appointments/Firings:
01/02 - Motherwell have re-appointed Billy Davies as their new manager.
01/02 - Birmingham have hired Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as their new manager.
01/02 - Blackburn Rovers have named Aitor Karanka as the club's new manager
04/02 - Hayes & Yeading named Mark Hawkes as new manager after leaving Chelmsford.
06/02 - Newington YC have terminated the contract of manager Eamonn McCarthy after the poor league position.
09/02 - Torquay United have announced the departure of manager Kevin Nicholson.
10/02 - Slalybridge announce Kevin Wilkin as their new manager after leaving his post with Brackley.
11/02 - Nuneaton have named David Holdsworth as their new manager.
13/02 - Mansfield have sacked manager Adam Murray due to a poor league position.
14/02 - Sunderland have dismissed manager Sam Allardyce after players lost confidence in him.
15/02 - Dundee United have appointed former player Steven Pressley as their new manager after leaving Fleetwood
16/02 - Burton have named Jackie McNamara as their new manager after leaving York.
19/02 - Dollingstown have terminated the contract of manager Gary Duke.
20/02 - Glenavon have sacked manager Gary Hamilton
20/02 - Cardiff have announced the departure of Russell Slade as manager
20/02 - Dungannon have sacked manager Darren Murphy
20/02 - Dartford have terminated the contract of manager Tony Burman
20/02 - Bishop's Stortford have dismissed manager Rod Stringer
20/02 - Preston have sacked manager Simon Grayson after finding the club bottom of the table
21/02 - FC Halifax have announced Gus MacPherson as their new manager after leaving Queen's Park.
21/02 - Chelmsford have appointed Bernard McNally as their new manager after leaving Hednesford
21/02 - Newington have unveiled Aaron Forgrave as their new manager
26/02 - Brackley unveil Rob Scott as their new manager.
26/02 - Torquay United have today unveiled Lee Glover as their new manager after leaving Coventy
27/02 - Aston Villa today terminated the contract of manager Remi Garde due to a poor league position
27/02 - Boreham Wood have sacked manager Luke Gerrard
27/02 - Linfield have terminated the contract of manager David Healy
29/02 - Mansfield have unveiled Alan Knill as their new manager
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guk99
Youth Candidates Intake:
Loughgall's manager, John Smith was seen today attending a mach between his youth side and possible future youth candidates before a number of players were signed to the club to help bolster the young side.
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Loughgall Strike Lucky!
Loughgall fought a hard game today and walked off the pitch with all three points, despite the opposition playing well and Loughgall also seeing a penalty saved while wining due to an own goal.
In the 23rd minute, Henderson played the ball out wide to left winger Clarke who strided forward and sent it into the box where Boyle saw his header saved well by the keeper, but it parried around inside the box and eventually a poke by Boyle saw the ball bounce off Wray to give the away side the lead.
The goal came just several minutes after Boyd saw his penalty saved by the keeper when Boyle was brought down in the box moments prior. The home side looked to get something out of the game, but Buchanan played well once more in the Loughgall goal and kept a clean sheet to help his side out. Sean Cleary picked up the Man of the Match for controlling the midfield with a fine display.
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Injury News:
Ross Black returns to full training following his strained knee ligament injury.
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Loughgall's Run Continues!
Loughgall's luck appears to have turned around with the second win on the road now for the team. They took the lead in the 3rd minute when Montgomery sent Burns down the right wing as he knocked the ball all the way back to Cleary who was outside the box. He composed himself and put his foot through the ball as it sailed into the top left corner with a fantastic strike from 25 yards out worthy of winning any match.
The second goal came with some nice passing movement outside the box allowed Burns to play a ball inside to Boyle who swung his foot to see it slide past the keepers hands and into the corner of the net. The final goal came in the 87th minute after a counter-attack by the away side as Willis got the ball down the left and ran free to the byline before crossing to where Burns ran in and headed to the far post and into the back of the net with a fantastic move.
Welders will look at the number of times their players were caught offside, including a goal they scored but on the day Loughgall dominated the game and could have won by a larger margin. The away fans chanted their team off the pitch at the final whistle in a fine display of football by their side.
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Staff Appointment:
Former Loughgall player, Johnny Topley has agreed terms with Loughgall to become the new Director of Football.
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Injury News:
Anto Burns has sustained a bruised shin after a heavy fall during a training session. He'll be out 8-11 days.
Warner Mullen returns to full training after being out for several months from a broken ankle.
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Bonus Payout
Loughgall have paid out £100 to be shared among the squad on a pro-rata basis after reaching the Quarter-Final in the Mid-Ulster Cup.
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Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Winners
Warrenpoint have won the Mid Ulster Cup on Penalties after a 2-2 draw with Armagh at Newry Snowgrounds.
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New Appointments/Firings:
01/03 - Fleetwood announce the appointment of Lee Clark as manager.
01/03 - Leicester have sacked manager Claidio Ranieri after players lost confidence in him
01/03 - Barnsley have terminated the contract of manager Lee Johnson
04/03 - York City have announced Nick Barmby as thier new manager after leaving Cambridge
05/03 - Glenavon have placed Stephen McBride in temporary charge for the forseeable future
05/03 - Tobermore United have announced the departure of manager Adrian Whiteside
05/03 - Norwich have terminated the contract of manager Alex Neil
05/03 - Corby have dismissed manager Tommy Wright from his role
06/03 - Sunderland announce the appointment of Brendan Rodgers as their new manager
06/03 - Cardiff name Paul Lambert as their new manager
06/03 - Dollingstown have named David Johnstone as their new manager after leaving Moneyslane
07/03 - Dartford have named Rod Stringer as their new manager
07/03 - Preston announce Alexander Zickler as their new manager
09/03 - Bishop's Stortford have unveiled George Borg as their new manager
11/03 - Linfield have promoted Pat McShane to the role of manager
11/03 - Queen's Park have unveiled Rowan Alexander as their new manager
12/03 - Dungannon have hired Oran Kearney as their new manager after leaving Coleraine
12/03 - Brechin City have announced the departure of manager Darren Dods
12/03 - Hednesford confirm Adam Ferguson as their new manager
13/03 - Dundee sack manager Paul Hartley
13/03 - Boreham Wood announce the appointment of Kevin Blackwell as manager
15/03 - Leicester have unveiled Michael Laudrup as their new manager
17/03 - Barnsley have announced the appointment of Gavin Strachan as their new manager after leaving Doncaster
18/03 - Aston Villa have unveiled Claudio Ranieri as their new manager
19/03 - Swindon sack manager Martin Ling
19/03 - Barrow have sacked manager Darren Edmondson
19/03 - Newcastle have announced they have parted company with manager Steve McLaren after the poor league position
20/03 - Tobermore Utd have named Sammy McVicker as their new manager
24/03 - Corby hire Rob Smith as their new manager after leaving AFC Telford
24/03 - Norwich have named Fernando Hierro as their new manager
24/03 - Concord Rangers appoint Hayden Bird as their new manager
25/03 - Fulham have promoted current interim manager Alan Curbishley to the role of manager
25/03 - Cambridge announce the appointment of Guy Branston as manager
26/03 - Ayr United have terminated the contract of manager Ian McCall
26/03 - Stenhousemuir have announced the departure of manager Brown Ferguson
26/03 - Basingstoke have dismissed manager Steven Fallon from his position
27/03 - Coleraine have unveiled Paul Trainor as their new manager
28/03 - Scunthorpe have terminated the contract of manager Mark Robins
29/03 - Newcastle announce the appointment of former manager Nigel Person as their new manager
29/03 - Brechin unveil John Coughlin as their new manager
29/03 - Dundee hire Peter Grant as their new manager
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guk99
Loughgall Battle To Earn Draw!
Loughgall battled to a draw against Lurgan Celtic in this encounter at Lakeview Park. The first half was not much to talk about as Lurgan controlled the game, and it didn't take long in the second half before they took a deserved lead. A corner by Barton saw Roy make a run into the near post where he headed it home for the advantage.
Loughgall's heads could have dropped, but instead they fought on to try and get something out of the game and did when some nice passing was played in the 59th minute before Boyle played the ball out to the left side, just inside the box where Clarke got onto it and swung to the far post where Burns rose above the defender and nodded it back as it sailed over the keepers fingers and into the net for a good equalizer.
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Staff Appointment:
Pat Wall has agreed terms with Loughgall to become a scout for the club
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New Season Signings:
Loughgall have announced that centre-back Gary Spense has signed for the club from H & W Welders with the deal going ahead on Friday 1st July 2016, and full-back Sean Roddy has signed on a free transfer with immediate effect but is unlikely to start until next season to get his fitness up.
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Fixture Changed:
Today's match between Ballyclare and Loughgall has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. The fixture has been re-arranged for Tuesday 19th April.
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Intermediate Cup Winners:
Ards have won the Northern Irish Intermediate Cup after a 3-0 win over Dergview at Seaview.
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Loughgall Should Be Charged With Theft At Dixon Park!
Loughgall could well have been charged with a theft at Dixon Park tonight as they stole a victory against home side Ballyclare in the cruelest of fashion after scoring the only goal in injury time.
Whilst most of the match saw Ballyclare play very well, and have a number of chances with Buchanan keeping the away side in the game with some excellent shot-stopping. It fell to Willis to score the vital goal and secure three valuable points as Loughgall came away with the win.
The ball was being fought for on the right side of midfield when Gardiner tried to play the ball back to his defence, only for them to have pushed up as Reid mis-read the backpass and it went behind him. Willis ran forward behind the defenders and latched onto the ball and ran into the box before he smashed it past the keeper and ran to the away fans to celebrate in stealing the match from Ballyclare who looked distraught at the loss.
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Player Suspended:
Matthew McMahon has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 42 points..
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Hall of Fame:
After securing the title for Portadown in the Dasnke Bank Premier Division of Northern Island, manager Ronnie McFall has been confirmed as matching the best managers every to have managed in Northern Ireland.
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Loughgall Fall At Final Hurdle!
Loughgall felll as they tried to overcome the final hurdle of their final game in the league at home to Institute who moved clear of the relegation area with this win and appeared to want it more.
The first goal came in the 14th minute when O'Donnell send the ball in, only for Buchanan who has been so good all season to parry the ball away to find it fall at the feet of Patton who had an open goal to slide it home. The second goal came in the 19th minute when Patton had the ball outside the box and struck it, only to see it bounce back off Hegarty who blocked the shot and it fell kindly back to him as he cooly slotted the ball home for the second of the game for Patton.
Loughgall's manager must have had some harsh words at half-time after their first-half display, and they came out and pulled one back in the 50th minute when Burns played a long ball from the right out wide to the left winger Willis who sent it in the box from the side to see Burns running back onto the ball and smash it home with a terrific header.
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Injury News:
Gary Henderson has substained a groin strain during todays game. He will be out for 3-4 weeks.
Wesley Boyle has suffered a facial injury during todays game and will be missing for 11-13 days.
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New Appointments/Firings:
02/04 - Barrow unveil Steve Burr as their new manager
05/04 - Swindon have unveiled Gary Megson as their new manager
09/04 - Ayr announce Dick Campbell has been hired as their new manager after leaving Forfar
11/04 - AFC Telford appoint Carl MacAuley as their new manager
12/04 - Stenhousemuir have unveiled Gordon Chisholm as their new manager
18/04 - Scunthorpe unveil Neale Cooper as their new manager
19/04 - St. Patrick's Athletic have sacked their manager Aaron Callaghan
23/04 - Gainsborough have sacked manager Garry Haylock.
24/04 - Wakehurst has sacked their manager Paul Muir
30/04 - Altrincham have sacked Nicky Law as their manager
30/04 - Motherwell have sacked Billy Davies as their manager
30/04 - Bristol City have announced they have parted company with manager Steve Cotterill
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Coming Next: All the end of season news/action, plus a Season Review of how I've done so far in my first season in charge as Manager of Loughgall.
Dan
guk99
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Player of the Year Award:
Southampton's Steven Davis has won the Northern Irish Player of the Year award. The 31 year-old has put in some creative performances this year, setting up 4 goals in 22 games with an average rating of 7.17.
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Northern Irish Cup Final Winners:
Portadown are celebrating a double after beating Cliftonville 2-0 in the Northern Irish Cup Final, after winning the Dasnke Bank Premier League.
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NIFL Championship League 1 Financial Share:
Loughgall have been given £900 for their final position in the NIFL Championship League 1.
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Managerial Interest:
Loughgall's board have reportedly been delighted to hear that despite rumours their manager, John Smith has been linked with a possible move to Insititue as their new manager after Kevin Deery was sacked, the board are happy to hear him reaffirm his commitment to the club by refuting his interest in the vacancy.
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Staff Appointment/Leaves:
Kevin Woods has agreed terms with Loughgall to be a scout after leaving Knockbreda.
Ards have appointed Loughgall's Billy Nellins as head physio after leaving the club.
John McKeag of Bangor has agreed terms with Loughgall to be their new head physio following the departure of Billy Nellins
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Injury News:
Gary Henderson has returned to full training following his groin strain injury.
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Loughgall's Manager Signs New Contract:
Loughgall's manager John Smith has signed a new one-year deal extension to his current contract. Loughgall's chairman, John McCann has declared himself delighted with the news and commitment to the club. Smith stated in the Loughgall Football Gazette he is delighted to have concluded the deal to stay with the club and continue his learning experience as manager with a hope to continue what he had started there.
Loughgall's Wesley Boyle has also come out and stated he is pleased the club have seen sense in retaining the manager who he believes is capable of great things, claiming that John Smith has proved himself to be an accomplished manager and delighted he is staying at Lakeview Park.
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Player Retires:
Loughgall's 33 year-old Steven Ferguson has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of the season, but will continue to play semi-professional football.
Loughgall's 37 year-old winger Wesley Boyle has announced he will retire on Thursday 16th June 2016 after thinking it through and wants to retire before he's forced to play at a lower level.
Loughgall's 40 year-old Goalkeeper Symon Ferguson has announced he will retire on Thursday 16th June 2016 after feeling the time was right to hang up his boots after a long and eventuful career.
Loughgall's 33 year-old Sean Cleary has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of the season, but will continue to play semi-professional football.
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Staff Appointment/Renewals/Leaves:
Jim McVeigh has agreed terms with Loughgall to be their physio
James Storey has agreed terms with Loughgall to be the new Head of Youth Development
Loughgall have announced that several members of staff have left the club with immediate effect after their contracts came to an end. They include: Steven Hawe (Coach), Stephen Uprichard (Assistant Manager), Tuda Murphy (GK), Neil Adair (Coach).
Conor McKee signes a new contract with Loughgall which sees him promoted from Under 18s Fitness Coach to Fitness Coach.
Ross Oliver has signed a contract with Loughgall to become their new Assistant Manager after Stephen Uprichard was released from his contract. He joins from H & W Welders who will be due £8,000 in compensation.
Jonathan Watson has signed a new contract to remain as Under 18s Assistant Manager.
Tony Harpur has signed a new contract with Loughgall to remain as Chief Scout.
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Injury News:
Aaron Willis has sustained a bruised head after falling awkwardly during a training session. He'll be out for 9-12 days.
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Loughgall Losses Announced:
Loughgall have recorded a loss of £55k for the last financial year, a staggering 47 percent of their turnover. The club is hoping to improve commercial activities to offset the losses in the coming season.
The announcement also reveale that Loughgall's turnover for the period was £110k. The full details of the accounts will be presented to the shareholders at the AGM next month.
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Players New Contracts:
Loughgall have confirmed that Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract with the club.
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New Appointments/Firings:
01/05 - Alloa have dismissed Danny Lennon from his job as manager
01/05 - Raith Rothers have sacked Ray McKinnon as manager
01/05 - Lincoln City have accepted the resignation of manager Chris Moyses as he leaves by mutual consent
02/05 - St. Pat's Athletic have hired Bobby Browne as their new manager after leaving Sigo Rovers
04/05 - Forfar have unveiled Brown Ferguson as their new manager
07/05 - Dagenham & Redbridge have sacked manager Paul Cox after failing to avoid relegation
07/05 - Ballinamallard United have sacked manager Whitey Anderson
08/05 - Bolton have terminated the contract of manager Nigel Clough
08/05 - Welling United have sacked manager Loui Fazakerley
08/05 - Insititute have dmissed their manager Kevin Deery from his job
08/05 - Knockbreda have terminated the contract of manager Raymond Bell
08/05 - Lowestoft have announced the departure of manager Gary Lowe
08/05 - FC United of Manchester have parted company with manager Karl Marginson
08/05 - Blackpool have terminated the contract of manager Steve Lomas
11/05 - Glenavon have promoted current interim manager Stephen McBride to role of manager
12/05 - Bradford City have sacked manager Phil Parkinson
12/05 - Bury have terminated the contract of manager John Dreyer
12/05 - Whitehawk have sacked manager Steven King
15/05 - Walsall have promoted interim manager Richard O'Kelly to the role of manager
15/05 - Crystal Palace have sacked Alan Pardew due to the club's poor league position
19/05 - Sigo Rovers promote Eddie Wallace to the role of manager
20/05 - Institute have appointed Noel Mitchell as their new manager
23/05 - Ballinamallard Utd have hired Peter Moran as their new manager after leaving Bonagee Utd
24/05 - Raith have announced Danny Lennon as their new manager
24/05 - Limerick F.C. have sacked manager Martin Russell
25/05 - Knockbreda have hired Kevin Deery as their new manager
26/05 - Alloa hire Kenny Black as their new manager
29/05 - Motherwell hire Allan Johnston as their new manager after leaving Dunfermline
31/05 - East Fife have confirmed that manager Gary Naysmith has left the club as manager after rejecting a new contract
31/05 - Crystal Palace have confirmed Frank de Boer as their new manager
01/06 - Moyola Park have announced Mervyn Pattison has resigned from his position as manager
01/06 - Bangor manager Garth Scates has resigned from his role with the club
01/06 - Tobermore United boss Sammy McVicker has resigned from his role as manager
01/06 - Guiseley have confirmed manager Steve Tilson has resigned from his role
01/06 - Glebe Rangers manager Jason Wilmont has decided to end his reign as manager with the club
04/06 - Whitehawk have appointed Rufus Brevett as their new manager
04/06 - Altrincham have appointed Steve Housham as their new manager
04/06 - Dagenham & Redbridge have named Warren Feeney as their new manager
05/06 - Bradford City have announced the appointment of Stuart Gray as their new manager
05/06 - Bury have appointed Neil McDonald as the clubs new manager
06/06 - Blackpool have promoted Mark Proctor to the role of manager
07/06 - Bolton have appointed Phil Parkinson as their new manager
09/06 - Queen of the South announce James Fowler has left his position as manager after rejecting a new contract
09/06 - Bristol City have appointed Justin Edinburgh as their new manager after leaving Gillingham
09/06 - Welling have unveiled Alex Pike as their new manager
10/06 - Lincoln have named Darren Peacock as their new manager
13/06 - East Fife have unveiled Robbie Horn as their new manager
14/06 - Portadown have announced their manager Ronnie McFall as left his position and retired
15/06 - Bangor announce Gerard McMahon as their new manager
15/06 - Dunfermline have announced Allan Moore as their new manager
15/06 - Guiseley hire Dave Challinor as their new manager after leaving AFC Flyde
20/06 - Arsenal have announced Arsene Wenger has retired from football and manager of the club
23/06 - Q.P.R. announce Neil Warnock has left the club as manager and retired from football
28/06 - Queen of the South have appinted Callum Davidson as the new manager
29/06 - Portadown have hired Andy Todd as their new manager
29/06 - Exeter announce Paul Tisdale as their new manager
30/06 - Limerick FC have appointed Ove Pederson as their new manager after leaving FC Fredericia
30/06 - Limavady United has announced manager Paul Owens has left his position as manager after rejecting a new contract
01/07 - Berwich have hired Jim Chapman as their new manager
01/07 - Shelbourne FC have dismissed manager Kevin Doherty
03/07 - Arsenal have hired Liverpool's manager Jurgen Klopp as their new manager after leaving his post
07/07 - Crewe Utd have installed Colin Telford as their new manager after leaving Ardstraw
08/07 - Q.P.R. have confirmed Steve Clarke as their new manager after leaving Reading
08/07 - Dorchester have hired Steve Castle as their new manager after leaving his post with Royston
11/07 - Skelmersdale have installed Tommy Lawson as their new manager
14/07 - Liverpool have announced the appointment of Paco Jemez as their new manager after leaving Stoke
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Golden Glove Winner (Premiership):
1. Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea)
2. David De Gea (Man. Utd)
3. Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)
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Best Player In Europe Awards
1. Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
2. James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
3. Luis Suarez (FC Barcelona)
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Other League/Cup Reviews:
European Champions Cup
Manchester City defeated Sevilla in the final 2-0 to lift the trophy for the first time.
Euro Cup
Gelsenkirchen have won the Euro Cup on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Man Utd.
Euro Super Cup
FC Barcelona won the Euro Super Cup after beating Sevilla 2-1.
English Premier Division
Chelsea, who also won the Charity Shield against Arsensal to kick off the season - walked away with the Premiership title with 30 wins from 38 games with 94 points. Man Utd came 2nd with 86pts, while Man City (85pts) and Arsenal (75pts) saw them all through to the Champions Cup. Liverpool snatched onto 5th place with 68 points, finishing just above Tottenham by a single point while Southampton came 7th as the 3 teams to qualify for the Euro Cup.
At the bottom of the table, Norwich, Sunderland and Leicester were all relegated to the Championship. Aston Villa looked doomed to go down but a win in their final match of the season saw them jump out of the bottom 3 and just scrape to safety on goal difference as they leveled the points with the two closest to them. Watford and Bournemouth saw themselves safely reaching the suspected 40 points required to stay up.
English Sky Bet Championship
Q.P.R. walked away as champions of the Sky Bet Championship as they won 26 of 46 games and picking up 90 points to clinch the promotion and title. Derby saw themselves clinch the 2nd spot with 24 wins and 82 points for the season. The playoffs saw Burnley win the playoff final to clinch that last lucrative Premiership spot.
Down at the bottom, Bolton could only win 11 of their games and lost 27 to send them rock bottom and relegated, along with Bristol City. For Birmingham, Blackburn and Nottingham Forest, this wil be a season to forget as they struggled towards the bottom of the league and just kept themselves out of a battle to go down.
Sky Bet League 1
Millwall saw themselves promoted to the Championship after winning the league in style with 30 wins from 46 and picking up a whopping 102 points, 17 clear of their 2nd place opponents Sheffield United who also were promoted and back into the big time. Wigan won the playoffs to rise to the Championship.
Blackpool had an awful season and saw themselves relegated to League 2 as the lowest team possible with only 10 wins, while Bury and Fleetwood join them in going down.
Sky Bet League 2
Yeovil were crowned champions of League 2 after winning 28 games from 46 and collecting 91 points, just 2 more than Notts. County who came 2nd and find themselves promoted.
Mansfield were the worse club in the division despite winning their final match as they were relegated due to goal difference, after just being beaten by Bristol Rovers who also won their final match and had a +8 goal difference on them.
Vanarama National League
Maccelsfield saw themselves promoted as they won 29 of their games and picked up 98 points, 7 more than their 2nd place team Eastleigh. Forest Green saw themselves promoted via the playoffs spot.
Barrow were the worst side, while Welling and Altrincham saw themselves relegated too.
Vanarama National League North
Stockport found themselves promoted, while Tamworth joined them. Gainsborough, FC United and Lowestoft were relegated.
Vanarama League South
Ebbsfleet were promoted along with Sutton Utd. Chelmsford, Basingstoke and Bishop's Stotford were relegated.
English FA Cup
Man Utd beat Everton 1-0 in the final.
Capital One Cup
Tottenham beat Man Utd in the final 3-2.
Johnson's Paint Trophy
Millwall beat Doncaster 1-0 to win the cup and do the double.
English FA Trophy
Torquay United beat Eastleigh 2-1 to win the trophy.
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Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership
Celtic won the league with 22 wins from 38 and 75 points, 14pts more than 2nd place Invernett CT, while Kilmarnock came 3rd to see all 3 teams qualify for the Champions Cup. Patrick Thistle saw themselves get in the Euro Cup. Motherwell were relegated from the league.
Ladbrokes Scottish Championship
Hibernian beat Rangers to the title with 24 wins from 36 and a whopping 80 points, 20pts more than Rangers who had to settle for the playoff only to lose in the final against Dundee Utd who kept themselves in the Premiership. Alloa were relegated.
Ladbrokes Scottish League 1
Cowdenbeath won the league by 5 points, while Albion Rovers and Stenhousemuir were relegated.
Ladbrokes Scottish League 2
Annan won the league by 7 points, wile Elgin City also saw themselves promoted.
Scottish Cup
Partick Thistle beat Dundee on penalties after a 1-1 draw to win the Scottish Cup.
Scottish League Cup
Celtic completed the double by winning the League Cup 3-1 against Motherwell.
Scottish League Challenge Cup
St. Mirren won the Challenge Cup after beating Raith 2-0 in the final.
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Dankse Bank Premiership
Portadown comfortably won the Danske Bank Premiership with 24 wins from 38 games with 76 points, 7 pts clear of Linfield who came 2nd while Cliftonville and Crusaders joined them in the Euro Cup. Dungannon came bottom and along with Ballinamallard Utd were relegated.
NIFL Championship League 1
Annagh Utd were crowned champions of League 1 with 13 wins from 26 games and scoring 45 points, just 3 points ahead of Lurgan Celtic who were promoted. Bangor were the worst team, alongside Armagh, Ards and Knockbreda who saw them all relegated.
NIFL Championship League 2
Portstewart were crowned champions of League 2 with 13 wins from 26 games and 45 points, 1 point ahead of Limavady Utd who could have jumped above them if they hadn't lost the last game but are also promoted. Meanwhile, Moyola Park, Glebe, Newington, Tobermore Utd and Wakehurst are relegated.
Northern Irish Cup
Portadown won the Northern Irish Cup after beating Cliftonville 2-0 in the final at Windosr Park.
Northern Irish League Cup
Crusaders beat Bangor in extra time 3-2 to lift the League cup at Solitude.
Northern Irish County Antrim Shield
Ballymena Utd beat Linfield 5-1 in the final.
Northern Irish Steel & Sons Cup
Ballymoney Utd lifted the Steel & Sons Cup after beating Crusaders Res. 1-0 in the final.
Northern Irish Intermediate Cup
Ards won the final after beating Dargview 3-0 at Seaview.
Northern Irish Mud Ulster Cup
Warrenpoint beat Armagh on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the game played at Newry Snowgrounds.
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International Friendlys:
Northern Ireland 0 - 3 Ukraine
France 1- 1 England
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European Championships:
Group D:
Greece 1 - 3 England
England 2 - 0 Serbia
England 0 - 2 Holland
Group F:
Russia 2 - 0 Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland 0 - 2 Italy
Croatia 4 - 0 Northern Ireland
2nd Round:
England 1 - 2 Spain
European Championship:
France have won the European Football Championship after a 1-0 win over Germany in the final at Stade de France, in front of their home fans. The fans praised manager Didier Deschamps who earlier in the season was considered only 1 bad result away from being sacked from his job.
European Championship Best Player Awards
1. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
2. Eden Hazard (Belgium)
3. Zlatan Ibrahimovich (Sweden)
European Championship Goldeb Boot Award
1. Artrem Kravets (Ukraine) - 5 Goals.
2. Denis Allbec (Romania) - 4 Goals
3. Zlatan Ibrahimovich (Sweden) - 4 Goals
European Championship Dream Team:
R. Olsen (Sweden)
T. Vermaelen (Belgium), A. Laporte (France), R. Varane (France), O. Gusev (Ukraine)
E. Hazard (Belgium), Koke (Spain), K. De Bruyne (Belgium), A. Robben (Holland)
Z. Ibrahimovich (Sweden), A. Kravets (Ukraine)
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Next: Loughgall/Manager Season Review
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guk99
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NIFL C1 League Table:
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NIFL C1 Player of the Year Award:
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Loughgall's End of Season Awards:
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Loughgall's 2015/2016 Season Review:
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Loughgall's End of Season Confidence Review:
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Loughgall's Season Injury List:
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Loughgall's Stats:
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Loughgall's Player's Final Review List:
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Loughgall's Manager Signs New Contract:
Loughgall's manager John Smith signed a new 1-year deal back in May 2016 to continue his work with Loughgall.
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Dan
Shedender
But on topic, good first season in charge of Loughgall and it'll be interesting to see how you fare in season two, whether you can make progression in the league and perhaps win a cup as well. KIU.
guk99
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Pre-Season Start:
Loughgall have stated that their pre-season will begin on Monday 20th June, giving a 6 week training before the new season kicks in.
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New Main Kit Sponsorship:
Loughgall have announced a new main kit sponsor. The 4 year deal is estimated to be worth £6.25k per annum, equal to the previous deal.
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Budgets:
Loughgall have set an initial wage budget of £375 for the coming season, and the transfer budge of £0.
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Rules Change:
After last seasons promotions and relegations, NFL Championship League 1 has 2 fewer teams, taking it to 12. The league will run from July to May.
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New Season Fixtures:
Loughgall have received the new seasons fixture list. They begin with a trip to Distillery (06/08), while their first home is against newly-promoted Portstewart (13/08). The last game will be away to Larne (18/03).
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TV Rights:
Loughgall have received £2.5k for NIFL C1 TV rights over the forthcoming season.
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Season Expectations:
Loughgall are expected to fulfill the following for the season:
NIFL Championship League 1: Top half finish
Northern Irish Cup: Fifth Round
Northern Irish Intermediate Cup: Not important
Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup: Quarter-Final
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Loughgall Make Mistake To Lose Friendly!
Loughgall's players slipped up in this friendly against Lurgan Celtic in a tight encounter between the two evenly matched teams. Lurgan proved to be a good opponent and threatened on numerous occasions but failed to really capitalize on each.
The only goal of the game came just after half time when Ross Black's backpass was sloppy allowing Malone to nip in behind the defence and slide it home from close range.
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Staff Appointment:
James Slater has agreed terms with Loughgall to become Under 18s Fitness Coach.
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Injury News:
Aaron Willis has suffered a pulled hamstring during a sprint session in training. He will be out for 4-5 weeks.
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New Signings:
Loughgall have announced that centre-back Cathal McQuillan has agreed terms and joined the club on a free transfer.
Right-Winger Marc McConnell has signed for Loughgall on a free transfer.
Defensive-Midfielder Matty Lowe has signed a deal with Loughgall on a free transfer.
Forward Jason Johnston has joined Loughgall on a free transfer.
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League Cup 1st Round Draw:
Loughgall vs Ardstraw
To be played on Tuesday 9th August 2016
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Season Odds:
Loughgall have been given odds of 40-1 to win promotion in the NIFL Championship League 1. Dungannon has been named as 4-5 favourites, with Ballinamallard Utd (Evens) and Institute (10-1).
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Players Contracts:
Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract with Loughgall.
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Loughgall Fall To Late Defeat In Classic Match!
Loughgall struggled to keep out Bangor in this away pre-season friendly in what turned out to be a fantastic goal-scoring match between the two sides.
The opening goals began with McDowell placing a well struck shot from outside the box into the far left corner after just 15minutes. Johnston then broke free on a counter, only to see his shot blocked at the last minute but the ball fell to McMahon who followed in and slotted it past the keeper to bring Loughgall level on the 18th minute.
Bangor moved the ball around well, before McDowell played Gibson through on goal to get their second of the game and lead the match in the 33rd minute as he rounded the keeper to score. A minute later, and McConnell on the right wing got past his man and played a ball to Johnston who ran into the box and snapped a shot past the oncoming keeper to bring his team back level.
Loughgall took the lead for the first time when Johnston returned the favour as he played in McConnell who ran in from the right wing and slid the ball past the keeper to give his team the lead. Bangors equalizer came in the 68th minute when a long ball forward into the box was reached by Doran who rose above everyone to head it past the keeper.
The winner came in the 78th minute when a corner was played in and the ball bounced around in the air several times before Long got his head to it and knocked it home to give the home side the victory on the night.
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New Appointments/Firings:
18/07 - Shelbourne unveil Larry Mahoney as their new manager
19/07 - Limavafy Utd have announced Allan Blair as their new team manager
19/07 - Berwich have named Paul Hegarty as their new manager
23/07 - Reading have announced the appointment of Alex Neil as their new manager
29/07 - Stoke have unveiled David Moyes as their new manager
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England Manager Leaves Post:
England have today announced that manager, Roy Hodgson has left his post after the disappointing Euros in which England were knocked out in the 1st Round Knockout stage. Rumours circulating around the FA are that Southampton's manager Ronald Koeman is odds on favourite to be offered the job. Meanwhile, other names thrown into the mix include Eddie Howe (Bournemouth), Quique Flores (Watford) and Gary Monk (Swansea).
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New England Manager Named:
England have today announced that Ronald Koeman has accepted the offer to become the new England manager.
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Under 19s Euros:
England have won the Euro Under 19s Tournament after Mick Jones guided the team to the final and defeated Portugal on Penalties after a 1-1 draw in the game. England's last win was back in 1993 when they lifted the trophy in their own backyard of England.
Under 19s Euros Best Player Award:
1. Louis Reed (England)
2. Jordan Rossiter (England)
3. Jorge Mere (Spain)
Under 19s Euros Golden Boot:
1. Adam Armstrong (England) - 5 Goals
2. Philipp Seeger (Germany) - 4 Goals
3. Rui Pedro (Portugal) - 4 Goals
Under 19s Euros Dream Team:
F. Woodman (England)
R. Barbosa (Portugal), G. MacAndrew (Holland), J. Mere (Spain), F. Beyer (Germany)
I. Azzaoul (Belgium), J. Rossiter (England), L. Reed (England), B. Ould-Chikh (Holland)
Z. Faour (Sweden), A. Armstrong (England)
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Next: The New 2016-2017 Season kicks off.
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guk99
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Captains:
Loughgall have named defender Neil Alderdice as Captain and Midfielder Steven Ferguson as Vice-Captain.
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Squad Bonuses:
Loughgall have announced that a bonus of £2.5k for the NIFL Championship L1 and £1.5k for Domestic Cups for the current season.
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Loughgall Rise To Occasion!
Loughgall got off to a fantastic start in their first game of the season away against a difficult Distillery side.The Loughgall players looked good as they passed the ball around and built from the back to get the ball forward as they hit the back of the net on two occasions, both at the right time of the game to knock the stuffing out of Distillery.
The opening goal in injury time of the first half came after Loughgall's players closed down the opposition as McLaughlin had the ball on the right side of his defence, before he played it across goal without looking as McMahon ran onto the free ball and cooly slotted it around the keeper to give the away side a big goal as the teams went in at half time.
The second came in the 80th minute as Loughgall pushed Distillery back in their own half, before picking up the ball in midfield where Lowe swung the ball out to the far left towards Black who ran onto it, ran to the byline and crossed into the box to see Johnston get ahead of his man and head home from the near post on his debut for the club in a fantastic start for Loughgall.
Sadly Anto Burns went off injured late in the second half and looks likely to be out for a while after a bad tackle during the game.
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Injury News:
Anto Burns has sustained a damaged heel after being on the receiving end of a tackle in the match. He will be out for 2 weeks.
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Season Ticket Sales:
Loughgall have announced that 29 season ticket sales have been sold for the season. This is a drop of 1 from last season's sale of 30.
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Fluke or Genius!
Loughgall will have come away from this home cup tie wondering how they got away with a win after a poor display following on from their opening game in the season. The only goal came in the 56th minute from winger Clarke whose cross looped over the keeper and into the back of the net from the wing, as Loughgall celebrated the much needed goal.
Ferguson controlled the midfield for Loughgall and picked up the Man of the Match in a game which the referee kept stopping for fouls albeit not a dirty game but resulted in a shocking 9 yellow cards, 4 for Loughgall and 5 for Ardstraw.
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Northern Irish League Cup 2nd Round Draw:
Crusaders vs Loughgall
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Fixture Change:
The Donegal Celtic vs Loughgall NIFL Championship L1 match that was scheduled for Saturday 20th August 2016 has been re-arranged for Tuesday 6th September 2016 due to the clash with Knockbreda vs Donegal Celtic League Cup match on Monday 22nd August 2016.
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Loughgall Fight For Draw!
Loughgall continued their campaign in the league with a 1-1 draw with newly promoted Portstewart which could have been a slippery match had it not been for the man of the match Matthew McMahon, but Loughgall will be disappointed to see Captain and defender Neil Alderdice sent off in injury time.
Loughgall's players were pushed back everytime they got the ball by the opposition, before a loose ball was picked up by Donnell who played it on to Stewart who was closed down but had enough about him to play in Muurray who ran through on goal in the 78th minute to slide it past Buchanan in goal to give the away side the lead.
Steenson had the ball on the left wing, before he played it back to Lowe in midfield, who knocked it on to McMahon in the 86th minute as he turned and took his time before placing a well struck shot low into the left corner of the net to salvage a point for the home side. In injury time, Captain Neil Alderdice picked up his second yellow card for a foul deep in the oppositions half as Loughgall looked to grab a late winner and was sent for an early bath.
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Suspension:
Captain Neil Alderdice has been given an automatic one match ban for his sending off in the match.
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Injury News:
Aaron Willis returns to full training following his pulled hamstring.
Anto Burns has begun full training following a damaged heel.
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Fixture Change:
The Donegal Celtic vs Loughgall NIFL Championship L1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 13th September 2016 due to the clash with Drumaness Mills vs Donegal Celtic Steel & Sons Cup match on Tuesday 6th September 2016.
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Northern Irish League Cup 3rd Round Draw:
Crusaders or Loughgall vs Limavady Utd
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Loughgall's Run Carries On!
Loughgall got back to winning ways with a fantastic result against Dungannon at Lakeview Park. Matthew McMahon came up trumps for the club once more with the winner and picking up Man of the Match and is becoming a real star and saviour for the club lately.
The opening goal in the 10th minute came with some nice passing inside the oppositions half when the ball was sent out to the left wing and Black sent it over but appears to have overhit the cross, but it bounced off the far post and McConnell ran in onto the rebound to head home for his first goal for the club and against his old team.
In the 29th minute Taggart made a nice run in Loughgall's half and sent a low ball to the far post where Curran slid in and slotted it home to equalize for the away side. 5 minutes after half time and Black almost scored a beauty as he shot from a good 30-40 yards out on the wing only to see the keeper get back and grab it in time.
Just moments later though, Lowe passed to McConnell who ran inside the box and played it to Johnston whose shot was blocked only to see it rebound to man of the moment McMahon who ran in and put his laces through the ball to see it scream into the left low corner to give Loughgall the lead and eventual winner of the match.
Loughgall could have had more had it not been for Johnston's woeful strikes in front of goal, while Burns returned from injury and found his shots blocked when he got through. In the end, Loughgall's impressive start to the season continues. Afterwards, Dungannon's manager Kearnry let it be known he was unhappy with the playing surface.
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Player Leaves:
Loughgall have announced that defender Mark Hegarty has left the club on a free transfer after not finding himself getting enough games.
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Good Effort!
Loughgall fell to last seasons winners Crusaders who upped their game after half-time to take the win. Loughgall will have gone into this game not expecting to really get further in the competition against better opposition but they put up a good fight worthy of applause at the end of the game.
McCullen received the ball on the halfway line down the left just three minutes into the game, when he played a beautiful ball forward and behind the defence as Mullen ran onto it and showed his strength to hold off his marker before slotting it home to put the away side ahead. The home side got back in it from a free-kick in the 22nd minute, which was played into the box and bounced around before Malone stabbed his foot at it and smashed it into the top right corner to equalize.
Loughgall's heads didn't drop though, as a throw-in deep in the oppositions half lead to Mullen receiving the ball outside the box and he swung it back towards McMahon who had made a darting run towards the the box and smashed the ball into the roof of the net from outside with a well struck screamer. Crusaders got back into the match just after half time in the 50th minute when Heatley received the ball on the left wing and crossed to Salley who struck a volly to send it into the net and draw level.
Loughgall's players found it difficult from there on, as in the 60th minute Salley slotted a through-ball behind the defender where Malone got it and curled it past Buchanan in goal to give the home side the lead for the first time in the match. The final goal came in the 88th minute when Harper hit a looping ball forward as Loughgall's defence had pushed up in looking to get an equalizer, where Salley had got in behind and through on goal as he knocked it past the keeper to seal the win for the home side.
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Players Signs New Deal:
Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract with the club.
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New Appointments/Firings:
02/08 - Montrose announce John Holt as their new manager.
03/08 - Cheltenham have hired Jamie Day as their new manager.
04/08 - Fulham have hired Mark Warburton as their new manager after leaving Glasgow Rangers.
04/08 - Chester have confirmed Lee Sinnot as their new manager.
19/08 - Rangers have appointed Maurice Malpas as their new manager.
19/08 - Southampton have named Eddie Howe as their new manager after leaving Bournemouth.
21/08 - Aldershot have unveiled Dean Holdsworth as their new manager after leaving Alfreton.
21/08 - Southport have announced Martin Foyle as their new manager.
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International Friendlies:
Moldova 1 - 2 Northern Ireland
Turkey 0 - 2 England
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guk99
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Loughgall Pushed To Limit!
Loughgall may have walked away with all three points today, but they may be concerns with the lack of firepower up front as their strikers struggled to find the net depsite the greater number of chances and shots on target they possessed. In the end, it fell down the Captain to lead by example as he got forward and struck the winner with only a minute left to seal the win for the home side.
The only goal of the match came in the 89th minute from a corner by McConnell who whipped the ball into the near post where there was a bit of a scramble before Aldardice swung his leg and struck the ball home into the back of the net to seal the all important victory and keep Loughgall's league run going with an impressive performance.
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New Signings:
Loughgall have announced that Stefan Thompson has been released on a free transfer.
Sean Cleary has also signed a new contract with Loughgall.
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Injury News:
Adam Clarke broke down in training today and looks to be suffering from blisters. He'll be out for 8-11 days.
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Loughgall Fightback Earns Point!
Loughgall fought back to earn a great point against Ballyclare today and could have got more if things had gone their way after a solid performance by the defenders and midfield.
Ballyclare scored the opening on the 24th minute when Doherty broke down the right wing as he crossed low into the box where Reid pounced on it, only to see a challenge come in at the last moment. The ball bounced free to Trussell who ran into the box and slid it past the keepers hands to give the home side the lead.
Some wonderful closing down on the pitch by Loughgall lead to the valuable equalizer in the 63rd minute, as Lowe picked up the ball in midfield and played it forward to new young striker Johnston who turned his man with ease, took several steps forward to the edge of the box before unleashing a screamer that sailed into the bottom right corner of the net to bring the away time back into the match. In the dying moments of the game, Johnston almost got his second when he got the ball and shot only to see it sail inches past the far post. Johnson was rightly named Man of the Match for his performance as he looked dangerous when he received the ball and ran at the defenders with every opportunity.
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The Great Escape!
Loughgall walked away from Donegal Park with a lucky point after Donegal Celtic controlled the match and should have won on another day. Chances were far between but Donegal had the best in the game which ended up with a 0-0 draw when the full time whistle finally went.
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New Signings:
Loughgall have taken Cormac Burke on trial for 2 weeks to assess him for a possible future signing.
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Loughgall Earn Hard Fought Point!
Loughgall came away from todays match against Welders with a good point that leaves them comfortably sitting towards the top end of the table but concerning with three draws in a row now.
Loughgall scored the opening goal on the 19th minute when they countered from a throw-in deep in their own half, as the ball went forward to Ferguson in midfield who swung it out into space for Mullen to latch onto. His through ball found Clarke who had joined the attack and made his way inside the box as he got the ball, before he showed composure and strength to get past two defenders and curl it past the keeper to give the away side the lead.
The equalizer came late in the second half, where in the 85th minute Welders attacked with pace and some nice passing outside the box lead to it finding Devine who was free and smashed it home past Buchanan to earn the home side a valuable point.
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Contract Signings:
Matty Lowe has signed a new contract.
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Loughgall Edge Past Dergview!
Loughgall looked like a side who would never lose against Dergview for most of the match, but it appears nerves set in late in the second half as the home side almost snatched a point out of nothing after being 3-0 down while Mullen came back to haunt his previous team by scoring two goals against Dergview this afternoon and setting up another.
The first goal of the day came in the 32nd minute when a throw-in was sent back to Ferguson in midfield who played it forward towards Black just outside the box who poked it through for Mullen to get on the end and crack it past the keeper inside the box to give the away side the lead against his old club. The second came when McMahon played it to McConnell on the right edge of the box, who slid it through to Mullen who once again made his move inside and cooly slotted it past the keeper for his second of the game.
The third came with Mullen the provider this time, as he received the ball outside the box and played it to McConnell who unleashed a drive that smashed into the lower corner of the box to give Loughgall a comfortable 3-0 lead in the 50th minute. Dergview upped their game in the latter part of the match, where in the 68th minute a corner was whipped in and it wasn't cleared as Lynch was able to poke it home to give Dergview some hope of a comeback.
Loughgall's nerves will have been on edge in the dying moments as their tallisman Matthew McMahon saw red for his second yellow card of the game in the drying minutes as Dergview pushed men forward and tried to get another, when in injury time the ball was sent in the box as Lynch got a hold of it and hit a speculative effort towards goal which sailed past Buchanan's hands to bring them a goal behind with only seconds left. Loughgall kicked off the match once more and were able to hold it for the dying seconds of the game before the final whistle went and survived a great fightback that ended in defeat for the home fans.
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Suspension:
Matthew McMahon has been given up an automatic one match ban after being sent off in the previous game. He has also been given another one match ban on top due to collecting 20 points, resulting in a two-game ban.
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Contract Signings:
Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract.
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Trial Ends:
Cormac Burke has completed his trial with Loughgall and left the club.
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New Appointments/Firings:
03/09 - Bournemouth have named Sean Dyche as their new manager.
11/09 - Alfreton have named Mark Hawkes as their new manager after leaving Hayes & Yeading.
17/09 - Montrose have parted company with John Holt following the clubs poor league position.
20/09 - Cheltenham have sacked manager Jamie Day.
27/09 - Reading have terminated the contract of manager Alex Neil.
27/09 - Middlesbrough have announced the departure of manager Dean Smith.
28/09 - Hayes & Yeading have named Marcus Bignot as their new manager after leaving Solihull Motors.
30/09 - Burnley have appointed Brian McClair as their new manager.
30/09 - Limerick have sacked manager Ove Pederson.
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Word Cup Qualifiers:
Group 6:
Lithuania 0 - 1 England
Group 3
Northern Ireland 7 - 0 San Marino
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guk99
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Loughgall Fail To Go Top!
Loughgall dominated today's game but failed to take their chances to move themselves top of the table against a resiliant league leaders in Ballinamare Utd who battled to earn a point from the game.
Loughgall controlled the game but it took till the second half for the goal to finally come, as Mullen continued his fine form in front of goal with another to his tally. McConnell got the ball and swung it into the box where Mullen ran in and headed it home into the far corner to give the home side the lead against another of his former clubs.
The equalizer came in the 54th minute when McLaughlin crossed from the left to see Martin head home from inside the box to get the league leaders a draw and stay above the home team for another week.
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Intermediate Cup 1st Round Draw:
Dromara Village vs Loughgall
To be played on Saturday 29th October 2016.
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Fixture Changed:
The Loughgall vs Donegal Celtic NIFL Championship L1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 25th October due to the Intermediate Cup tie for Loughgall.
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Loughgall Draw Again!
Loughgall domainted another match but failed to make it count as they walked away with another draw in the league, which still leaves them unbeaten and on a good run of results considering they have only won five from the first ten games.
The opening goal came in the 20th minute as Loughgall took the lead while in control of the match. It was a fantastic move as goalkeeper Buchanan had the ball in his own box, where he booted it upfield and it flew over everyone but Mullen who ran onto the end of it and in behind the defence, before he calmly rounded the keeper who came rushing out and slotted it home to give them the lead.
Institute pulled level thanks to Huey who countered with a darting run from his own half into Loughgall's and towards the left edge of the box before he crossed it low to the far post where Jones knocked it in to earn the away team a point from the game they never really looked like getting anything out of.
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Injury News:
Jason Johnston has sustained a dead leg whilst being tackled in the B match. He'll be out for 6-8 days.
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Loughgall Fail In Front Of Goal!
Loughgall dominated another game, but once more the manager, John Smith must be scratching his head how they can't turn the possession and control of the match into wins as they walked away with another draw in a game that didn't really have much action. Matty Lowe was the highlight of the game putting in an outstanding Man of the Match performance in midfield for Loughgall.
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Distillery Burned!
Loughgall fiinally turned domination into victory, but only thanks to substitute Anto Burns who came off the bench and grabbed himself a brace in a minute against the opposition.
Distillery had several chances in the first half but failed to capitalise on them as Loughgall stepped up their game in the second half. Anto Burns came on for Mullen who wasn't having the best of games up front, as Clarke got the ball out left and whipped the ball in the box where Dane's missed header allowed Burns to get a header on goal and knock it home to the relief of the home fans.
Burns got his second just a minute later when Alderdice, who picked up Man of the Match for his dominating performance in defence - cleared the ball from outside his own box, it went over everyone as Burns saw the opportunity and ran behind everyone to latch onto the ball where he comfortably took it around the keeper and put it into the empty net to give the home fans the first win in 5 games and continues their unbeaten streak in the league going.
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Loughgall Set New Record:
Loughgall have set a new record with twelve games unbeaten in the NFL Championship L1.
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Loughgall Return To Old Ways!
Loughgall returned to old ways as they drew another match in the league and failed to score in front of their home fans. The game had several chances at either end with Loughgall looking the more deadlier but failing to score and bring some kind of spark to the match which is what it needed. Neil Alderdice picked up the Man of the Match.
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Suspension:
Steven Ferguson has been given up an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
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Loughgall Through To Next Round After Extra Time!
Loughgall got past Dromara at Bell's Bridge today on a slightly damp afternoon as they controlled the ball well, but failed to get that all important goal until extra time. The match was not the best to watch with little action despite Loughgall's superior side, and it took extra time for Willis to score the goal and put the away side though.
Henderson played Willis through on the left side of the box in the 114th minute as he cooly despatched it home. Willis walked off the pitch with the Man of the Match as his reward for scoring the only goal.
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Injury News:
Anto Burns has sustained suffered a gashed head after jumping for the ball during today's game. He'll be out for 12-15 days.
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Intermediate Cup 2nd Round Draw:
Loughgall vs Moyola Park.
The tie will be played on Saturday 19th November.
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New Appointments/Firings:
02/10 - Montrose have hired jason Dair as their new manager.
04/10 - Cheltenham have unveiled Richard Hill as their new manager.
12/10 - Middlesbrough have unveiled Nigel Clough as their new manager.
14/10 - Reading have appointed Dougie Freedman as their new manager.
15/10 - Solihull Motors have hired Dennis Greene as their new manager after leaving Boston Utd.
17/10 - Annagh United have terminated the contract of manager Dean Smith.
17/10 - Limerick FC have hired John Cunningham as their new manager.
18/10 - Oldham Athletic have termined the contract of manager David Dunn.
18/10 - Fleetwood Town have sacked manager Lee Clark.
22/10 - Lurgan Celtic have sacked manager Colin Malone.
25/10 -Ardstraw have sacked manager Colin Telford.
29/10 - Fulham have parted company with manager Mark Warburton.
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Word Cup Qualifiers:
Group 3
Germany 4 - 0 Northern Ireland
Nothern Ireland 0 - 2 Czech Republic
Group 6:
England 2 - 1 Slovenia
England 3 -0 Slovakia
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guk99
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Mid Ulster Cup 1st Round Draw:
Loughgall vs Warrenpoint
Tie to be played on Tuesday 6th December 2016.
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Northern Irish Cup 4th Round Draw:
Larne vs Loughgall
Tie to be played on Saturday 3rd December 2016.
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Staff Member Leaves:
Chief Scout Tony Harpur has left the club and joined Institute. Loughgall will receive £4,800 in compensation settlement.
Loughgall have moved quickly in agreeing terms with Matt Lyons to become their new Chief Scout after leaving Dundela. Dundela will receive £2,500 in compensation.
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Injury News:
Anto Burns has returned to full training follow his 11 days out with a gashed head.
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Loughgall In Cruise Control!
Loughgall cruised to a comfortable victory away to Portstewart today at the Seahaven with a 3-0 victory against the newly promoted side.
Willis, who got the winner in Loughgall's previous match saw his good form continue with a brace and picked up Man of the Match. The first came in the 26th minute as Loughgall passed the ball around outside their opponents half before it got sent to the right wing where Burns whipped in a dangerous cross where Willis ran in on the far post and side-footed it home for the lead.
The second goal came in the 48th minute as Cleary collected the ball outside the box and slotted it through to Johnston who got on the end and cracked it into the back of the net for a more comfortable lead to the away side. The final goal came in the 66th minute as Johnston played a ball on the right side, just inside the box where Burns latched onto it with a run in behind the defender and sent it back towards the far post where Willis joined the attack and knocked it home for his second of the game and a 3-0 victory for the away side.
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Staff Member Leaves:
Scout Kevin Woods has left the club and joined Dundela. Loughgall will receive £2,800 in compensation settlement.
Loughgall have moved quickly in agreeing terms with Shane Coney to become their new Scout.
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Match Postponed:
Today's match between Loughgall and Moyola Park has been postpoined due to a waterlogged pitch at Lakeview Park. The fixture has been re-arranged for Tuesday 22nd November 2016.
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New Signing:
Loughgall have announced the signing of 22 year-old striker Aaron Sills on a free transfer.
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Loughgall Sail Past Moyola!
Loughgall sailed into the 3rd Round of the Intermediate cup today after comfortably beating Moyola Park in the re-secheduld fixture and on a wet and gusty pitch.
Ross Black walked off the park with the Man of the Match, but goals from the two wingers were able to send the home team through. The first coming from a Black cross deep on the left wing near the byline which found Burns rising above the defender and heading home in the 17th minute. The second came in the 30th minute when Henderson sent a ball into the box and Burns headed it back across goal for Willis to run in and slide it home for the winner.
Moyola had several chances in the game, but couldn't get a shot on target as they kept skimming past the post in a match Loughgall never really looked like losing. Sills, the new young striker just signed for the club made his debut late in the game but had little time to make an impact in this match.
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Intermediate Cup 3rd Round Draw:
Limvaday Utd vs Loughgall
Tie to be played on Tuesday 20th December 2016.
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Player Suspended:
Matthew McMahon has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 32 points.
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New Record Set:
Loughgall have set a new record after not conceding a goal in their last six games.
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New Signing:
Loughgall have announced the signing of 23 year-old midfielder Jim O'Hanlon on a free transfer.
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Unbeaten Run Comes To An End!
Loughgall fell to rivals Durgannon Swifts on a November afternoon which broke the away fans hearts as their unbeaten record came to a crashing end with a performance that didn't justify the run the club had been on as of late.
Dugannon were outstanding on the day and really took the game to Loughgall who couldn't do anything but chase after the ball all game as they didn't turn up at the park as Ferguson got the only goal of the game with a close header from a byline cross.
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Loughgall Finally Lose:
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Mid Ulster Cup Quarter-Final Draw:
Loughgall or Warrenpoint vs Banbridge or Lurgan Celtic
Tie to be played on Tuesday 6th December 2016.
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Injury News:
Warner Mullen has sustained a gashed leg after being the victim of a heavy challenge during a B match. He'll be out 3-4 weeks.
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New Appointments/Firings:
01/11 - Boston Utd have unveiled Jim Harvey as their new manager.
02/11 - Fleetwood have named Jim Bentley as their new manager.
03/11 - Annagh Utd have named Kevin Horlock as their new manager.
08/11 - Oldham have announced the appointoment of Lee Clark as manager.
10/11 - Lurgan Celtic have hired Paul McAtee as their new manager.
11/11 - Ardstraw have hired Rab Irwin as their new manager after leaving East Belfast.
12/11 - Kidderminster have sacked manager David Hockaday.
12/11 - Whitehawk have parted company with manager Rufus Brevett.
12/11 - Bolton have terminated the contract of manager Phil Parkinson.
13/11 - Finn Harps have sacked manager Ollie Horgan.
14/11 - Fulham and appointed Oscar Garcia as their new manager.
19/11 - Hemel Hempstead have sacked manager Kevin Wilson.
19/11 - Sunderland have sacked manager Brendan Rodgers.
27/11 - Whitehakw have named Hayden Bird as their new manager.
28/11 - Morecambe have announced Chris Wilder as their new manager.
29/11 - Kidderminster have confirmed Neil Young as their new manager after leaving Stockport.
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Word Cup Qualifiers:
Group 6:
Scotland 1 - 2 England
Group 3
Azerbaijan 2 - 2 Northern Ireland
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International Friendlies:
England 2 - 0 Italy
Northern Ireland 2 - 1 Israel
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Dan
guk99
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Player Signs New Contract:
Loughgall have announced that Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract.
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Staff Member Leaves:
Head Physio John McKeag has left the club and joined Limavady Utd. Loughgall will receive £1,400 in compensation settlement.
Jim McVeigh has signed a new contract with Loughgall which sees him take up the vacant role of Head Physio.
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Loughgall Need Pens To Win!
Loughgall needed penalties to get past Larne on a wet and windy afternoon at Inver Park today. Loughgall committed a number of fouls, more so than their hosts during the match and while both sides has a number of opportunities to score - neither side could take them.
Boyd of Loughgall had the best chance in the 12th minute, after a number of nice passing around the oppositions half before he came in on the left wing and inside the box to see his strike just tipped around the post by the keeper. Meanwhile Larne's winger Rodgers broke in on the right in the 20th minute, only to see his strike whistle past the post in the best of the first half action.
As the second half kicked off, Larne got on the attack from the start and Stuart at the far post found his header strike the crossbar from close range before it was cleared. At the other end, a corner came back to Boyd who sent it in as the players all rushed out and Willis saw his strike just strike the outside of the post and go wide in the 90th minute of normal time.
In extra time, Bradley saw his strike knocked off the goal line by Doyle as Larne pushed to get a winner. As the game went to the dreaded Penalties, Alderdice - who despite was named Man of the Match saw his penalty saved and Loughgall looked to be going out until Buchanan pulled out two saves in a row against Scott and Young, while McMahon walked up and smashed it home to send the away fans through to the delight of their manager.
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Thriller At Lakeview Park!
Loughgall and Warrenpoint put on a magnificent display of football today as both sides went out and tried to win the match. In the end, Loughgall came off winners after the match went to Penalties - their second time in just a number of days after winning the previous match on them.
The first goal came in the 17th minute as Willis sent the ball across to find Sills at the far post who headed it home to put Loughgall in the lead. Hughes scored a sizzler of a goal from outside the box as his shot sailed low into the corner to bring Warrenpoint level on the 63rd minute.
In the 5th minute of extra time, Willis scored a blinder of a goal from the left wing as he saw the keeper off his line and looped a ball into the far corner to send the home fans into raptures. It lasted just 5 minutes though before Warrenpoint once more equalized as Murray played a nice through-ball to Boyle who got in front of his man and slid it past Buchanan's near side to bring his team level.
Loughgall's heads may have fallen slightly when just before half-time of the extra-time being played, Warrenpoint saw themselves take the lead for the first time in the match with a corner that was swung close to the keeper as Hughes ran in and the ball bobbled around before Murray slotted it home. Loughgall raised their game in the search for the equalizer and found it in incredible timing when in injury time played at the end of extra-time, McMahon's strike from outside the box was well saved and parried away only to see Burns run onto it and smash it home before running to the home fans to celebrate a get out of jail reward for his team.
Hughes saw his early penalty saved by Buchanan, but was unable to get back the miss as Loughgall cooly despatched every penalty with calm heads on their shoulders to send themselves through to the next round of the cup.
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Mid Ulster Cup Quarter-Final Draw:
Loughgall vs Lurgan Celtic
Tie to be played on Saturday 21st January 2017.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Limavaldy Utd vs Loughgall NIFL Championship L1 match has been re-arranged to Tuesday 17th January 2017 due to the clash with the Mid Ulster Cup match.
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Chairman Winds Down Career:
Loughgall have announced Chairman, John McCann has decided that he is set to retire from hands-on roles in football and will only pursue part-time roles going forward. He has been Chairman of Loughgall since June 2010.
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Player Leaves:
Loughgall have announced Aaron Willis who has been on form lately for the club has lef the club and signed for Malachians on a free transfer.
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Injury News:
Jason Johnston has suffered a faical injury after jumping for the ball during a B match. He will be out 12-15 days.
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Match Postponed:
Today's match between Loughgall and Ballyclare has been postpoined due to a waterlogged pitch at Lakeview Park. The fixture has been re-arranged for Tuesday 27th December 2016.
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Northern Irish Cup Fifth Round Draw:
Loughgall vs Lurgan Celtic
Tie to be played on Saturday 7th January 2017.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Loughgall vs H & W Welders NIFL Championship L1 match has been re-arranged to Tuesday 3rd January 2017 due to the clash with the H & W Welders vs Warrenpoint Irish Cup match.
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Injury News:
Jason Johnston and Warner Mullen return from their injuries.
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Loughgall Rise To Occasion!
Loughgall continued their return to form in the cups after two amazing extra-time rounds, to comfortably see off opponents Limavady Utd in this Intermediate Cup 3rd Round encounter.
Anto Burns was the Man of the Match as he scored a brace against the side, the first coming in just the 2nd minute of the game when Alderdice found Henderson free outside the box, as he saw Burns run from the right and played it through for him to strike it past the keeper at his near side to give the away side the lead.
The second goal was almost identical, as in the 13th minute Henderson received the ball in the oppositions half and saw Burns run from the right wing towards goal as he played it through the wide-open space for him to pick it up and strike it home for a 2-0 advantage.
Burns turned provider for the third goal, as he got the ball and ran past his man on the right wing and crossed low into the box where McMahon ran onto it and side-footed it home. Morrison pulled a goal back for the home side in the 78th minute when a shot rebounded back and left the keeper stranded as he dived for a suspected shot as Morrison cooly struck it into the near corner to score his goal but it was too little too late as Loughgall continued their good cup runs with another victory and through to the next round.
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Injury News:
Matthew McMahon has suffered a damaged foot after jumping to challenge for the boall during todays match. He will be out for upto 4 weeks.
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Player Suspended:
Neil Alderdice has picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
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Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Fourth Round Draw:
Glentoran Seconds vs Loughgall
Tie to be played on Saturday 28th January 2017.
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Player Signs New Contract:
Loughgall have announced that Kevin Anderson has signed a new contract.
Niall Doyle has also announced he has signed a new contract with the club.
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Loughgall Manager Wanted:
Rumours are circulating that Cefn Druids of the Dafabet Welsh Premier League, who just parted ways with manager Huw Griffiths has their eye on Loughgall's manager John Smith who has had an impressive start to his young career. Other names being touted for the job include Steve Jenkins, Gary Roberts and George McAllister.
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Loughgall Battle To Earn Draw!
Loughgall came down to earth as they drew at home to Ballyclare in this match with both goals coming in the first half of the game while Sean Cleary picked up the Man of the Match for his excellent performane controlling Loughgall's midfield from just in front of the back four.
Mullen returned to form as he placed away a beautiful shot as he took it around the keeper and scored when he ran onto Cleary's clever pass played in behind the defence and held off the defenders. The equalizer came with a mistake of our own, as Roddy on the right full back position miss-controlled the ball and it fell to Gardiner who whipped it into the box for Trussell to stick a foot out and put it past Buchanan to earn the away side a point.
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Loughgall Manager Offered Job Interview:
Loughgall's manager has rumoured to have been offered the chance to meet with the board of Arbroath to disuss the possibility of taking over as Manager. Arbroath are currently last place, 10th in the Ladbrokes League 2 (Scotland) with 15 games left and a staggering 11 points behind Stirling, with only 1 win in 21 games. It would be a tough task if John Smith took the challenge on.
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Loughgall Manager Rejects Approach:
John Smith, manager of Loughgall has reportedly rejected the offer of an interview with Arbroath feeling now was not the right time to leave his current post and was wary of Arbroath's current league predicament.
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Loughgall Manager Offered Job Interview:
Loughgall's manager has rumoured to have been offered the chance to meet with the board of AFC Telford to disuss the possibility of taking over as Manager. AFC Tleford are currently in 15th place in the Vanarama National League North (England).
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Loughgall Manager Rejects Approach:
John Smith, manager of Loughgall has reportedly rejected the offer of an interview with AFC Telford feeling now was not the right time to leave his current post and would consider his options at the end of the season when his contract with Loughgall would run out.
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New Appointments/Firings:
03/12 - Aldershot have sacked manager Dean Holdsworth
04/12 - Kilmarnock have dismissed manager Gary Locke.
04/12 - Hemel Hempstead have hired Paul Holleran after leaving Leamington.
06/12 - Sunderland have hired Tim Sherwood as new manager.
10/12 - Bolton have announced Stuart Pearce as their new manager.
11/12 - Crewe have sacked Steve Davis as manager.
14/12 - Concord Rangers have hired Rob Scott as manager after leaving Brackley.
17/12 - Kilmarnock have appointed Alex Neil as their new manager.
17/12 - Rochdale have announced the departure of John Still as manager.
17/12 - Arbroath have sacked manager Ian Little
18/12 - Leamington have appointed Carl MacAuley as manager after leaving AFC Telford.
19/12 - Stockport have announced the appointment of Alex Hay as manager.
20/12 - Aldershot have hired Paul Doswell as manager.
26/12 - Lincoln City have appointed Darren Peacock as their new manager.
26/12 - Cefn Druids have dismissed manager Huw Griffiths.
27/12 - Weston-Super-Mare have sacked Ryan Northmore as their manager.
28/12 - Brackley have named Justin Merritt as their new manager after leaving Oxford City.
30/12 - Newtown have sacked manager Chris Hughes.
31/12 - Drogheda Utd's manager Pat Devlin has left his position and retired from football.
31/12 - Rochdale have hired Stuart Gray as manager after leaving Bradford City.
31/12 - Leicester City have sacked manager Michael Laudrup.
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New England Under 19s Manager:
Steve Thompson has accepted the new position of England Under 19s Manager.
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International Friendlies:
England 2 - 0 Italy
Northern Ireland 2 - 1 Israel
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Loughgall Win At Home!
Loughgall put up a battling display to see off opponents H & W Welders in todays game on a wet pitch at Lakeview Park to secure another victory in their hopes of scrapping for a play-off spot in the league.
The only goal of the game came from Man of the Match Gary Henderson who was instrumental in the move that set it up, as he played the ball forward to Mullen who switched play on to Clarke on the left wing, before Mullen got it back inside the box before seeing himself surrounded. He found space though to play a nice through-ball to Henderson who had followed in and found himself free inside the box as he cooly side-footed the ball into the corner of the net to secure the win and all three points for the home side.
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Loughgall Through To Next Round!
Loughgall controlled today's cup tie against opponents Lurgen Celtic who were helpless as the home side despatchd them with relative ease to see themselves through to the next round of the cup.
The opening goal came in the first half, when in the 27th minute the ball was struck across from the right wing to the left with some nice passing before Mullen got into the box and latched onto Clarke's wonderful cross to head home from close range.
The second came in the 55th minute as a throw-in deep in the oppositions half was moved around well before Cleary had the ball on the edge of the box and played it to Clarke, who picked up Man of the Match stood to his right, who then found Burns central of the box who ran onto it and struck it sweetly to give the home fans a 2-0 lead. Lurgan pulled a goal back late in the 85th minute through a bad pass which lead to Graham and Davidson teaming up with some nice quick exchanges of passes outside the Loughgall box before Graham cracked it into the far corner, but in all it was too late for the away side as Loughgall continued their great cup run.
After the game, Lurgan Celtic's manager, Paul McAtee has a few choice words to speak about today's game as he labelled the pitch a disgrace and was defiant in waving off Loughgall's hand of friendship to let things be after the final whistle by stating "Smith has got me pegged very wrong if he thinks i'm giving up that easily. We will bounce back from this and put him back in his place next time around!". John Smith refuses to be called into a war of words with the oppositions manager and brushed it aside with a smile and a victory against his opposite number.
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Northern Irish Cup Sixth Round:
Ballinamallard United vs Loughgall
To be played on Saturday 4th February 2017.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Ballinamallard United vs Loughgall NIFL Championship 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 31st January 2017 due to the Irish Cup match between the two.
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Injury News:
Jim O'Hanlon has sustained a facial injury after landing heavily during a training session. He'll be out for 12-15 days.
Meanwhile Matthew McMahon has resumed full training after a damaged foot injury.
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Player Joins On Loan:
Carrick's Fra Brennan has joined Loughgall on loan until the end of the season.
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Shock As Captain Leaves Club:
Loughgall's fans were shocked today to hear Captain and experienced defender, Neil Alderdice has selected to leave Loughgall and sign for Ballinamallard Utd on a free transfer as he welcomed the move and the chance of a fresh start. Loughgall's manager was heard to state he is "extremely disappointed at this exit by such a great player for the club who has lead the team both on and off the pitch and is a bitter blow for the team, one of which we must now overcome!"
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New Captain Steps Up:
Following on from Neil Alderdice's departure from Loughgall, manager John Smith has declared winger Anto Burns as the new Captain to lead the team forward. "He has everything you need to move this team on, he is a quality player who although is still young brings lots of experience and passion on the pitch which is what we need."
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Manager Offered Interview:
East Stirlingshire have approached Loughgall's manager and invited him to attend an interview with the chance of possibly being named their new manager if all goes well.
East Stirlingshire currently stand at 7th place in Ladbrokes League 2 (Scotland) and have an outside chance of reaching the play-offs being just 7 points behind with 12 games left.
It is believed John Smith has refused the invitation with plans to continue his job with Loughgall.
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Loughgall Lose Battle!
Loughgall walked away from today's NIFL Championship League 1 game with no points after being pushed all the way by their opposition, Limavady Utd who are fighting to keep out of the relegation battle.
The opening goal in this great match came in the 4th minute when Jennings saw his header well saved by Buchanan, but he couldn't hold onto it as it bounced free allowing Jennings a second bite at the cherry to knock it into the net to give the home side the lead. Henderson and Mullen played some wonderful passing back and forth outside the box, before Henderson saw Burns run from the right wing as he played the ball through and Burns struck it home past the keeper to bring Loughgall level in the 31st minute.
Loughgall then took the lead minutes later when Henderson put another beautiful ball through behind the defence allowing Mullen to break free of his marker and smash it home from inside the box. The home side drew level in the 71st minute when Friel on the right wing sent a cross into the box, where Moore from just a few feet out met the ball only to see Buchanan pull off a magnificent save only to see it rebound off defender Spense and cross the line to the heartache of the Loughgall players.
The winner came in the 75th minute when Spense brought down Klobusek in the box which allowed Cully to step up to the penalty spot and cooly slot it home to give the home side the win and all three points.
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Northern Irish League Cup Winners:
Glentoran have won the Northern Irish League Cup with a 4-0 win over Portadown in the final at Solitude.
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Player Suspended:
Matty Lowe has been given an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
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Loughgall Do Double Over Lurgan Celtic!
Loughgall's Matthew McMahon saw two yellow cards turn into red on his return to action today, but that won't spoil the party as Loughgall saw off their opponents Lurgen Celtic by dumping them out of the cup on Penalties after a wonderful match. This is the second time Loughgall have dumped Lurgan Celtic out of a cup, with the other just a week prior in the Irish Cup 5th Round.
The first goal came in the 15th minute when Rodgers crossed from the left wing to see Graham's wonderful header hit the far post before Davidson ran in and slotted it away to give the away side the lead. The home side got back into it just before half time in the 45th minute when Burns made a fantastic run with the ball from the centre spot to the right wing before he crossed it into the box where Mullen picked it up, got past his man and drove it calmly past the keeper's hands to bring them level.
Loughgall finally took the lead in the 54th minute when Clarke and Boyd worked well down the left which allowed Boyd to break in from the left wing and send it over to find Mullen run in, but although he went for the ball - no one got a touch on it as it sailed into the corner of the net allowing Boyd to claim the big goal. Malone pulled Lurgan back level with a cracker of a strike worthy of getting something out of the game from a good 30 yards out as it flew into the top corner with venom.
After extra-time, it went to the shoot-out of penalties and Buchanan pulled off another great save with Graham's first spot-kick for Lurgan that allowed Loughgall to take the lead before Brennan saw his shot sail inches wide that brought Lurgan back into the game with a chance. As the game went into the dreaded sudden death as Whiteside saw his shot saved by Buchanan, before the Loughgall goalkeeper himself stepped up to take a spot-kick next and struck it past his opposite number to send Loughgall through once more.
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Player Suspended:
Matthew McMahon has been given an automatic one match ban after being sent off in the cup tie. He has also picked up an automatic one match ban after collecting 42 points.
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Injury News:
Jim O'Hanlon has resumed full training after a facial injury.
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Northern Irish Mid Ulster Cup Semi-Final Round:
Loughgall vs Armagh
To be played on Tuesday 28th February 2017.
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Northern Irish League Cup Winners:
Glentoran have won the Northern Irish League Cup with a 4-0 win over Portadown in the final at Solitude.
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Player Suspended:
Matty Lowe has been given an automatic one match ban after collecting 20 points.
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Loughgall Comfortable In Victory!
Loughgall on another day, against better opposition may have struggled to get past their opponents in this match but on the day they pulled off an expected victory to go through to the next round on a cold and snowy day.
Despite their control and possession of the ball, Loughgall's only goal came from Sills on the 76th minute who broke away on a counter before sending it left to Clarke who ran to the box and crossed it inside as Sills ran onto the ball only to see his strike well saved from close range, but the ball bounced free for him to get a second chance which he took and put the away side through to the next round of the competition. Kevin Anderson in defence for the away side played magnificent to keep the oppsition from creating little on the day and walked away with the Man of the Match.
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Northern Irish Intermediate Cup Quarter-Final Round:
Ards vs Loughgall
To be played on Saturday 18th February 2017.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Institute vs Loughgall NIFL Championship 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 14th February 2017 due tot he Irish Intermediate Cup match.
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Loughgall Rescue Draw!
Loughgall came with a game plan in tonights match and they walked away with what could at the end of the season be a valuable point as they pulled a draw out of the bag with the only shot they had on goal.
It took till late in the second half before we saw our opening goal as McCartney crossed from the left to find McIlwaine run in and head home at the far post to the delight of the home fans. In the 81st minute, Burns received the ball on the right - just inside the oppositions half as he played it forward into space where Sills ran onto it and got inside the box as he slotted it past the keeper to bring the away team level and pick up a good point for the side.
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End of Year World Awards:
World Golden Boot Award
1st: James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
2nd: Lionel Messi (FC Barcelona)
3rd: Christiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
World Player of the Year Award
1st: James Rodriguez (Real Madrid)
2nd: Neymar (FC Barcelona)
3rd: Christiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
European Golden Boy Award
Luke Shaw (Manchest United)
World Team of the Year Award:
M. Neuer (Bayern)
D. Alaba (Bayern), J. Boateng (Bayern), L. Bonucci (Juventus), P. Lahm (Bayern)
K. DeBruyne (Man City), J. Rordriguez (R. Madrid)
Neymar (FC Barcelona), C. Ronaldo (R. Madrid), L. Messi (FC Barcelona)
L. Suarez (FC Barcelona)
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New Appointments/Firings:
01/01 - St. Johnstone sack manager Tommy Wright.
02/01 - Arbroath sign former player Craig Tully as their new manager.
02/01 - Watford have parted company with manager Quique Flores.
05/01 - AFC Telford have appointed Steve McNulty as their new manager.
07/01 - The New Saints have terminated the contract of their manager Craig Harrison.
07/01 - Sutton Utd have appointed Kenny Pavey as their new manager.
09/01 - Weston-Super-Mare have unveiled Steve Tully as their new manager after leaving Truro.
09/01 - Crewe have appointed David Crosby as their new manager.
10/01 - Madistone have announced the departure of manager Jay Saunders.
14/01 - Lincoln have appointed Darren Edmondson as their new manager.
15/01 - St Johnstone have announced Malky Mackay as their new manager.
17/01 - Oxford City have uneviled Chris Moyses as their new manager.
17/01 - Bradford City have appointed David Adams as their new manager.
17/01 - Nuneaton have sacked manager Dean Holdsworth.
18/01 - Watford have appointed Fernando Herro as their new manager after leaving Norwich.
18/01 - Drogheda Utd have named former player Gary Rogers as their new manager.
18/01 - Leicester City have appointed Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as their new manager after leaving Birmingham City.
21/01 - Colchester have sacked manager Tony Humes.
21/01 - Cheltenham Town have announced the departure of manager Richard Hill.
22/01 - East Stirlingshire have named Jim Chapman as their new manager after leaving AFC Fylde.
23/01 - Barnet have appointed Kevin Dillon as their new manager.
24/01 - Truro have named Shaun Reid as their new manager.
27/01 - Maidstone have unveiled Pat Baldwin as their new manager.
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guk99
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Cup Run Continues!
Loughgall battled to a hard fought victory against Ballinallard United in the Irish Cup match today, as they go through to the next round with a 1-0 victory away to the opposition.
While Ballinamallard Utd may have had the most chances, it was Loughgall who controlled the game with possession as they passed the ball around and tried to bide their time to score. The only goal came in the 46th minute, where straght from kick-off by Ballinamallard, Loughgall gained possession and Clarke on the right wing played it across the field to McMahon who saw Burns out on the right wing who received the ball before dribbling past the defender and sending it into the box. Both goalkeeper and defender missed the ball as it fell to Sills who nipped in and knocked the ball home to give the away fans the victory in this close match.
Sean Roddy picked up Man of the Match at right-back for Loughgall by putting in a wonderful display of defending to keep the home side out.
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Northern Irish Cup Quarter-Final Round:
Glenavon vs Loughgall
To be played on Saturday 4th March 2017.
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Fixture Re-Arranged:
The Loughgall vs Dergview NIFL Championship 1 match has been re-arranged for Tuesday 7th March 2017 due to the Irish Cup match.
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Loughgall Stand Tall Against League Leaders!
Loughgall fought back after going behind to the league leaders Institute to grab themselves a big point with only two games left in the league and just outisde the play-off spots, on a breezy and sleet night at the Riverside Stadium.
Hoey crossed from the centre of the right side of the field into the box on the 30th minute to find Mitchell get ahead of his man and head it past Buchanan in goal to put the home side in the lead. In the unlikeliest of circumanstances, Loughgall got themselves level and earned a point in injury time as a long ball kicked upfield by keeper Buchanan was latched onto by Mullen who broke free of his defener and slotted it past the keepers fingertips as he drove into the box to score against his old club.
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Loughgall In Semis!
Loughgall struggled against last seasons winners Ards, but thanks to a red card for the home side and some wonderful display of passing by Burns they were able to see off their opponents in extra-time to see themselves go through to their second semi-finals of a cup competition on this fantastic series of cup runs the club appear to be on.
Muldrew saw himself go off injured in the first half for Ards, before in the final minute John Carlin saw himself receive a red card for a reckless two-footed tackle on Henderson mid-way in the Ards half of the field - a tackle he didn't need to make which made it more difficult for the home side to get anything from there on.
In extra-time, Loughgall turned their possesion play into goals finally in the 105th minute as Steenson broke down the right wing after coming on a s sub and drove into the box where he sliced it back for Burns who was waiting and cooly slotted it into the far corner to give the away fans something to cheer finally. The final goal came to kill the match off came on the 110th minute, when Burns crossed from a corner kick found Lowe inside the box whose header sailed into the far corner of the goal to secure a victory and continue their run in the competition.
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Injury News:
Warner Mullen has sustained a facial injury after jumping to challenge for the ball during todays match. He'll be out for 12-15 days.
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Northern Irish Intermeciate Cup Semi-Final Round:
Loughgall vs Ballyclare Comrades
To be played on Tuesday 14th March 2017.
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Injury News:
Jason Johnston has sustained a gashed leg after being on the receiving end of a tackle in a B match. He'll be out for about 3 weeks.
Marc O'Connell has sustained a strained wrist while lifting weights during training. He'll be out for 2 weeks.
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Shock As Striker Leaves Club:
Loughgall's fans were unhappy today to hear their striker, Warner Mullen has left the club on a free transfer and joined Ards Rangers. Loughgall only have a couple of young strikers left at the club now to fill the important role as the season begins to draw to a close.
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Loughgall Crash Out!
Loughgall's possession and limited chances proved fruitless as they succumb to a team who were on a good run of games, despite being a division lower than the home side as Loughgall crashed out of the Mid Ulster cup at the Semi-Final stage of the competition, while Gary Henderson picked up Man of the Match for the home side.
The game created little throughout as both sides tried to break down the opposition but struggled to get that vital goal before the game went to extra-time, and finally Penalties to secure who would qualify into the final.
Armagh scored all of their four goals needed to see off the home side, while Anderson and Roddy saw their shots saved which knocked them out of the competition on penalties despite having a good record over the past few months being on the other end of the final scoreline.
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New Appointments/Firings:
01/02 - Nuneaton have hired Liam Watson as their nea manager after leaving Bradford PA.
04/02 - Q.P.R. have sacked manager Steve Clarke.
06/02 - Birmingham have unveiled Michael Laudrup as their new manager.
07/02 - Rushall have placed Assistant Manager Jason Jarrett in charge of first-team affairs until further notice.
07/02 - Cheltenham have unveiled Steve Tilson as their new manager.
07/02 - Norwich have hired Teemu Tainio as their new manager after leaving Nottingham Forest.
09/02 - AFC Fylde have named Paul Hegarty as their new manager after leaving Berwick.
11/02 - Southend have sacked manager Phil Brown.
11/02 - Eastbourne Boro have dismissed manager Mark Stimson.
14/02 - Colchester have unveiled Mark Robins as their new manager.
18/02 - Albion Rovers have sacked manager Darren Young.
18/02 - Warrenpoint have parted company with their manager Barry Gray.
18/02 - Swindon have sacked manager Gary Megson.
18/02 - Bradford PA have unveiled Steve Housham as their new manager.
22/02 - Q.P.R. have unveiled Quique Flores as their new manager.
24/02 - Berwick have named Steve McGarry as their new manager.
24/02 - Chester have sacked their manager Lee Sinnott.
25/02 - Elgin City have sacked their manager Jim Weir.
25/02 - Portadown have sacked their manager Andy Todd.
27/02 - Eastbourne Boro have hired Rob Smith as their manager after leaving Corby.
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