Dollingstown Football Club

Premier Cup 2010 Winners





Match Report
Dollingstown created their own little bit of history on Saturday by becoming the first side in Mid Ulster league history to hold all three major cups at one time. The current Intermediate A league champions and Marshall Cup holders can now add the Premier Cup to their impressive collection as they claimed victory in the most dramatic of circumstances at Crystal Park, Banbridge. Gary Duke opted for an attacking formation against under dogs Fivemiletown Utd restoring top scorer Ashley Gregg to the side in an attempt to over power their rivals, but it was favourites Dollingstown who found themselves under pressure in the early stages of the match. It was clear that United were up for the final and this was going to be no canter for town. They pressurised every ball and Dollingstown were slow to adjust to the fast tempo set by the Tyrone men. A series of corners almost brought the opening goal for Utd. On one occassion Crawford had to react well to gather an effort on the line. To their credit though the planters park side weathered the storm and slowly got into the game. The left side always looked threatening with Walkers pace and the running of Thompson clearly a concern for Fivemiletown. Gregg and Montgomery were also linking well with both players narrowly adjudged to be off side when put through on goal. On 15 mins Dollingstown took the lead against the run of play. Walker was taken down in a threatening area just outside the box. With Gregg and Walker over the ball it looked like a strike on goal was on the cards, but Gregg had other ideas. He floated a delightful chip into the box for the on rushing Thompson to head home from 6 yards. It was rough on Utd who had been dominating up untill this point. The game became a scrap as the half wore on with some tenacious tackling by both sets of players and few chances created by either side. The Dollingstown back three of Savage,Moffett and McAdam who have been in fine form had to cope with late pressure before the break with team captain Moffett in particular producing a towering display at Centre Half. Half time 1-0 Dollingstown started the second half brighter with Wing and Cunningham keen to get on the ball and start some promising moves from deep. Town were still creating chances albeit not clear cut ones but the signs were there that a second goal was on the cards when first Gregg and then Montgomery blasted shots just over the bar from 20 yards. A surging run by Walker resulted in a penalty claim on 55 mins but the ref waved the appeal away. The same player then broke and crossed to the back post but no one was up with play to convert a good opportunity. Fivemiletown were gifted an equaliser on 60 mins when a forward turned Moffett inside the box and fired a weak effort at goal. Crawford could only parry the shot into the path of a utd striker who tapped in from 2 yards. The goal came out of nothing but spared Utd on in search of the winner. On 65 mins Davison was introduced into the middle of the park and he almost made an immediate impact when a well worked move resulted in the ball falling for him on the edge of the box but he dragged his shot wide. On 75 mins captain Moffett had to be withdrawn with a head injury, Peter Wright taking his place. Gregg broke clear in the box on 78 mins but the striker chose the wrong option by shooting when Montgomery looked to be in a better position in front of goal. At the other end a free kick from 20 yards was fired over the bar as Utd continued to look threatening especially from set plays. With all subs used Thompson picked up an ankle injury late on for Dollingstown and this dented attacking options for Gary Dukes side as the game reached its climax. Final Score 1-1 Extra time was telling a tale as fatigue crept into both sides. Dollingstown looked fitter though but despite looking the more likely winners in open play they couldnt find that killer pass or shot when it mattered most. The game finished 1-1. The lottery of penalty kicks awaited. Fivemiletown stepped up first and missed giving advantage to Dollingstown. Wright converted as did Gregg,Montgomery and Keeper Crawford. The Tyrone side scored all of their remaining kicks which left Adam Walker with the decisive kick to win it for Gary Dukes side. The talented fullback showed nerves of steel as he rifled home giving the keeper no chance. The kick sent Dollingstown into raptures, 5-4 on penalties and a first Premier Cup success for the Village side. Man of the Match Aaron Moffett This Saturday brings another massive game as Dollingstown aim to reach their third successive Marshall Cup final with victory over rivals Warrenpoint Town at Bourneview, Portadown. Team: Crawford,Denver,Walker,Savage,Moffett,McAdam,Wing,Cunningham,Montgomery,Gregg,Thompson subs: Davison,Wright,Derby,Keegan,Hinds