retired_brinker317

Stuart Fairway (51)

While Northern Ireland celebrated, Fairway couldn't help feeling a little disapointed over the international results of England . A 5-0 win over the Faeroe Islands was fair enough - but 0-0 in Bosnia certainly disapointed, with Slovenia taking advantage to top Group 1.

Without a game on Saturday, Fairway travelled to attend the draw for the Third Round of the Steel & Sons Cup competition. Dergview came out of the hat early - travelling to Second Division side Annagh United in a match they would surely be expected to win - and win comfortably.

Wednesday, however, would bring the news Fairway had waited to hear - Matt McHale had not only completed his extensive physiotheraphy after a Groin injury, but had also been given a clean bill of health by the specialist who treated him - surely boding well for the midfielder, in need of a contract at the end of the season.

Dundela v Dergview - Intermediate League Cup Group 2


Dergview (4-4-2); Allison, G Sproule, McCaskie, Dougherty*, Crozier, Burke, Vize, A Sproule, McColgan, Watson, Savage.

Subs; Martin, Black, McNamee

Although the return of veteran Black gave him options, Fairway elected to stick with the promising Vize - his assistant manager named amongst the substitutes. Dergview began brightly, and on 8 minutes, took the lead - Paul Savage brilliantly lobbing 'keeper Brain from the corner of the area. The visitors looked in no mood to mess around - on 30 Vize seeing a shot saved, before Brain had to be at full stretch to deny Savage again before the break. Although they had chances, Dundela were really unable to get into the match - despite coming close right at the death through John Guy, the young striker impressive since coming off the bench with just nine minutes remaining. The result was a fair one - though the game was hardly a good one for the neutral - but Fairway was happy enough, knowing the result put Dergview into the Semi Finals for the first time in his reign.

Dundela 0 - Dergview 1

Attendance; 1483

Cards;

William Young - Dundela - (Dissent)
David Burke - Dergview - (Foul Play)

Man of the Match; Paul Savage - Dergview

retired_brinker317

Stuart Fairway (52)

Monday morning - and the first of a double injury blow. Stephen McColgan picked up a calf muscle in training, and when physio Moore took a look, he immediatley reccomended a course of intensive physiotheraphy. Fairway agreed - sending his hardworking midfield general to the specialists. A day later, Darren Crozier would join him - Crozier facing an operation, and two months on the sidelines, with a torn groin muscle.

With two giants of the team injured, Fairway was pleased to see a goal for Matt McHale in a 2-0 victory over Carrick Rangers, with one of the academy players getting the other in the Reserves Match. By Saturday, he had made up his mind, and McHale was once again in the first team picture.

Annagh United v Dergview - Steel & Sons Cup Third Round

Unavailable

Darren Crozier - Injured - (Groin, 2 Months)
Stephen McCoglan - Injured - (Calf, 3 Weeks)

Dergview (4-4-2); Allison, G Sproule, McCaskie, Dougherty*, Martin, Burke, Vize, A Sproule, McHale, Watson, Savage.

Subs; Coulter, Black, McNamee

With Vize again continuing on the left, Fairway was forced into a couple of changes for this, the first match that Dergview would be playing in a Cup Competition that they did not impress in last term. Gary Martin was delighted to stand in at centre half, while in midfield, Matt McHale knew that a performance today would do his chances of a new contract no harm - and a lot of good. A scrappy start in testing conditions saw both sides create chances, with Steven Savage in particular for Annagh shining. After the interval things continued along a similar vein - Neil Fleming close with a shot on the half volley for Annagh, before David Burke broke on the right for Dergview, firing across the face of goal and inches wide of the far post. Six minutes later, with time running out, Dergview netted what would be the only goal of the game. A Wolsey slip on half way allowed Gareth Watson room to roam, and the striker took his time, taking the ball forward before passing ahead of Paul Savage - a fifth goal of the season for the striker coming with a low, powerful effort into the bottom right hand corner. Although Dergview fans were relieved, that turned to worry in injury time - Matt McHale taken off with a knock - but progress continued.

Annagh 0 - Dergview 1

Attendance; 763

Cards;

Chris Traynor - Annagh - (Foul Play)
Eamonn Vize - Dergview - (Foul Play)
Gavin Jess - Annagh - (Foul Play)

Man of the Match; Paul Savage - Dergview

retired_brinker317

Stuart Fairway (53)

Sunday - and bad news for Matt McHale . The classy left footer has had rotten luck with injuries of late, and would miss a further fortnight with a calf strain, although fortunatley the injury was not as severe as it had initially looked - the midfielder initially had to be stretchered from the field, amid symphatetic applause.

A day later, Fairway learnt of his sides' opponents in the Fourth Round of the Steel & Sons Cup - Bangor .

Coagh United v Dergview - Intermediate League Cup Group 2

Unavailable

Darren Crozier - Injured - (Groin, 2 Months)
Stephen McCoglan - Injured - (Calf, 3 Weeks)
Matt McHale - Injured - (Calf, 2 Weeks)

Dergview (4-4-2); Leitch*, Coulter, McAlinden, J Sproule, Martin, O'Donnell, Black, Smylie, A Sproule, Campbell, McNamee.

Subs; Dougherty, Burke, Savage

With the final 'dead rubber' Group match meaning very little in the grand sceme of things, Fairway made a hatful of changes - handing loanee McAlinden and new boy Smylie their first competitive starts for Dergview. Elsewhere - with one or two notable exceptions - the side was mainly made up of fringe players, and those who rarely had the chance to shine. As might have been expected, the Dergview team initially struggled to gel - and with the defence all at sea, Barry Meehan raced onto a Thornton pass to fire home from just inside the box. On 18 however the course of the game was altered in a flash of emotion - words exchanged between Dergview midfielder Smylie and Coagh veteran Andy Gouck saw the latter let fly with a fist - and he soon saw red for the second time, dismissed by referee McCay. Dergview took their time to take advantage of the extra man, but on 38, levelled the scores with their first shot of the match. A long ball forward from McNamee found Steven Campbell in space close to the edge of the area, allowing the winger to run on and beat 'keeper Stewart to claim his first goal in a Dergview shirt. The second half started in equally uninspiring fashion, but on 69, midfielder Andrew Sproule came close with a powerful volley after a tremendous, curling cross from David Burke. Further chances followed - though first Paul Savage and then Burke himself were uncharacterstically charitable inside the penalty area. The scoreline - Dergview's first dropped points of the campaign so far - was always somewhat irrelvent however, and with the visitors progressing into the Semi Finals - and some fringe players impressing - Fairway had the result that he wanted.

Coagh Utd 1 - Dergview 1

Attendance; 763

Cards;

Andy Gouck - Coagh Utd - (Violent Conduct) - Red Card
Gareth McMenemy - Coagh Utd - (Foul Play)

Man of the Match; Phillip Stewart - Coagh Utd

retired_wsmoothiec

very good challenge, very good story, very well written, :thup:

retired_brinker317

Cheers :thup: - I don't think I'll ever win Europe with this motley crew, but I'm enjoying the buildup to that at least


[b] Paul Miller (16)

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

www.bbc.co.uk/football - Internationals - Wednesday 6/10/04

'One Change for NI'

"Northern Ireland manager Paul Miller has made just one - enforced - change to the squad who shocked Europe by beating both the Czech Republic and Austria in their opening two matches of the World Cup 2006 Qualifying campaign.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
The Squad

Goalkeepers;

Roy Carroll - Manchester United (On Loan at Sunderland) - 20 Caps
Maik Taylor - Fulham - 29 Caps
Alan Blayney - Southampton - 1 Cap

Defenders ;

Chris Baird - Southampton - 4 Caps
Mike Duff - Reading - 9 Caps
Aaron Hughes - Newcastle - 37 Caps/1 Goal
Steven Craigan - Motherwell - 4 Caps
Paul Morgan - Lincoln - 3 Caps
George McCartney - Sunderland - 18 Caps/1 Goal
Brian McGlinchley - Plymouth - 5 Caps
Joe Dolan - Millwall - 3 Caps

Midfielders;

Steve Lomas - West Ham - 48 Caps/3 Goals
Tommy Doherty - Bristol City - 8 Caps/3 Goals
Grant McCann - Partick Thistle - 9 Caps
Ciaran Toner - Leyton Orient - 4 Caps
Stephen Carson - Barnsley - 3 Caps
Keith Gillespie - Leicester - 51 Caps/2 Goals
Micheal Hughes - Crystal Palace - 72 Caps/7 Goals
Phil Mulryne - Norwich - 24 Caps/9 Goals
Damien Johnson - Leicester - 28 Caps
Jeff Whitley - Sunderland - 7 Caps/1 Goal

Forwards;

Lee Hughes - W.B.A - 6 Caps/6 Goals
Andy Kirk - Hearts - 11 Caps/5 Goals
Stuart Elliott - Hull - 18 Caps/1 Goal
Paul McVeigh - Blackburn - 14 Caps/1 Goal
David Healy - Cardiff - 27 Caps/8 Goals
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Griffin Forced Out

The one change comes as a result of injury to Dundee United player Danny Griffin . "Danny's loss is a blow" said Miller - "But Jeff Whitley has got the experience, and he's been involved in the Premiership with Sunderland this season". Whitley's recall to the squad is perhaps a suprise - many pundits expected a first senior call for Brentford youngster Micheal Gault , who has impressed this season.

"One for the Future" - Miller

Miller however, was not convinved. "Micheal Gault is a player we've kept an eye on" he said. "He's doing well for Brentford this season, and he's definatley one for the future - but going to Russia, we felt that Jeff's experience would prove more useful. That's not to say Micheal won't be involved soon - like I said, he's got the potential and if he works hard, he could find himself in contention before too long".

Tough Test

Northern Ireland do face a tough test in opponents Russia - who, in striker Dimitry Sychev and winger Andery Fedorov have young players of serious potential. "Russia are no mugs" Miller emphasised. "They're second in the Group, and will want to get to the top where they probably feel they belong."

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

retired_brinker317

Stuart Fairway (54)

Fairway woke up on Thursday with one task on his mind - to find out Dergview's opponents in the Semi Finals of the Intermediate League Cup. A competition he had targeted to win at the start of the season, their progress through the group stage had been most impressive - but now Institute would stand in the way of a shot at the final.

That tournement, however, could wait - for now, there was only one match on the minds of Dergview supporters - the League opener.

Armagh City v Dergview - League

Unavailable

Darren Crozier - Injured - (Groin, 2 Months)
Stephen McCoglan - Injured - (Calf, 2 Weeks)
Matt McHale - Injured - (Calf, 1 Week)

Dergview (4-4-2); Allison, G Sproule, McCaskie, Dougherty*, Martin, Burke, Black, A Sproule, Smylie, Watson, Savage.

Subs; Coulter, O'Donnell, McNamee

With Fairway bringing back his first team for the first Division One match in Dergview's history, he also handed a league debut to Daryl Smylie in midfield - the ex-Newcastle man taking advantage of injury to McColgan and McHale. Fellow new boy Martin made his league bow in defence, while on the left, Kingsley Black returned as expected following Vize's superb cup cameos. The game opened in scrappy style, with Dergview initially struggling to adapt to the pace of the Division One game, and then wasting their couple of early chances - Smylie shooting too high and on 26, Paul Savage shooting straight at 'keeper Fox from inside the box. After the break however, things changed - Armagh came out with the intent of scoring early, and - through David Martin, perhaps should have - 'keeper Kenny Allison forced into several stops. As the match progressed, Armagh found themselves having more time on the ball, almost camped in the Dergview half - but still the breakthrough wouldn't come. In injury time, 'keeper Allison really earned his corn, making one superb stop in particular from veteran George O'Boyle after a Houston cross from the left hand side of the box. It'll be no walkover...

Armagh 0 - Dergview 0

Attendance; 763

Cards;

Jonathan Cowan - Armagh - (Foul Play)
David Burke - Dergview - (Ungentlemanly Conduct)
Jonathan McCaskie - Dergview - (Ungentlemanly Concduct)
Chris Mackie - Armagh - (Dissent)

Man of the Match; Andrew Fox - Armagh

Dergview Position After Game; 7th

retired_tonytranbg79

bloody hell you don't check in for a few days and look whats happend

a belated congrats from me d_s :thup:

a belated good luck to the new season too :thup:

that'll teach me to check in every day

Still a great read keep it up

retired_brinker317

Stuart Fairway (55)

Tuesday morning - and another injury. Reserve defender John Sproule , the eldest of three brothers at the club and the fourth member of the family in professional football - youngest brother Ivan Sproule signed for Doncaster Rovers last season - would be out for 4 weeks after fracturing a jaw in a training ground accident. As one player entered the treatment room, another exited - Matt McHale fit after a calf strain.

On Friday, Fairway recieved more bad news - Kingsley Black - announcing - for the second time - his retirement. The veteran, who recently agreed dual forms as Player/Assistant Manager - lost his place in the Intermediate League Cup games to young Eamonn Vize, but has since starred in the League for Dergview.

Dergview v Bangor - League

Unavailable

Darren Crozier - Injured - (Groin, 2 Months)
Stephen McCoglan - Injured - (Calf, 6 Days)
John Sproule - Injured - (Jaw, 3 Weeks)

Dergview (4-4-2); Allison, G Sproule, McCaskie, Dougherty*, Martin, Burke, Black, A Sproule, Smylie, Watson, Savage.

Subs; Coulter, O'Donnell, McNamee

Despite the availability of McHale, Fairway left his side unchanged - young Smylie again included in midfield. On a cold, wet afternoon Dergview Park was packed - it was, after all, Dergview's first home match in Division One, and last week's scoreless draw could not dampen enthusiasm. Again, the match started in scrappy fashion - Kingsley Black closest of the early exchanges with a powerful free kick that rebounded off the post and into the arms of 'keeper Brown. At the other end, Bangor too had chances in the first half - with loanee Dwayne Lee closest. On 40 however Dergview drew first blood - Gareth Watson firing home a shot on the turn after good work by Paul Savage. Almost immediatley after the interval, Dergview scored again - Savage again involved in the buildup, finding Andrew Sproule inside the box, who flicked the ball into the path of Daryl Smylie - the young midfielder scoring his first senior goal from close range. By now Dergview had the bit between their teeth, and on 59 added a third - Paul Savage again happy to take only the supporting role with a fine cross following a Black run, with Gareth Watson hitting the target at the second attempt. As Bangor fell apart - a particularly furious away supporter had to be calmed by the stewards - the home side quietly went about their business, adding a fourth on 86 - Paul Savage taking centre stage for the first time in the match with a typically stylish finish from the edge of the box. It wouldn't all be plain sailing - Victor Dougherty needlessly saw red for Dergview in injury time - but the result sends Dergview top - a position they were none to keen on losing last season.

Dergview 4 - Bangor 0

Attendance; 763

Cards;

David Straney - Bangor - (Dissent)
Ian Wallace - Bangor - (Foul Play)
Victor Dougherty - Dergview - (Professional Foul) - Red Card

Man of the Match; Gareth Watson - Dergview

Dergview Position After Game; 1st

retired_brinker317

Cheers :thup:

It's not started too bad


Paul Miller (17)

Northern Ireland v Russia - World Cup Qualifying Group 2 [/b]

Windsor Park, Belfast

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>

www.bbc.co.uk/football - Internationals - Saturday 16/10/04

'Dismal Russia Dampened In Belfast'

'Yet another miraculous result - and Northern Ireland supporters are wondering where it could end. This afternoon their national team, revitalised by former Northern Ireland Youth manager Paul Miller - cemented their hold on Group B with a fine 4-1 victory over Russia.

Midfield Machine

One of the hallmarks of Northern Ireland's rise to prominence has been a hardworking midfield, and yet again, Norwich City midfielder Phillip Mulryne delivered. After a nervy start, in which both sides had conceded silly free kicks, Mulryne opened the scoring from close range on 17, getting a slightly fortunate deflection off Russian captain Opnoko before beating the despairing dive of Nigmatullin. Seven minutes later it would be two - Tommy Doherty , who is increasingly looking like a player of real quality, outjumping Smertin to head home a Stephen Carson free kick.

'Anonymous Performance - Yartsev'

Russia's First Half performance would later be described as "Awful - totally anonymous" by manager Georgy Yartsev. Yartsev, 56, saw his side struggle throughout the opening 45 minutes, and rang the changes at half time - bringing on former national team golden boy Yegor Titov to add some potency to a lacklustre midfield. Northern Ireland, however, continued to pressurise - Micheal Hughes particularly close with a dipping shot on the volley that skimmed the bar.

Comeback Thwarted

Russia's hopes of a comeback - already slim - would take a further hit on 63. Sub Paul McVeigh robbed defender Drozdov some 30 yards from goal, before taking the ball wide and crossing into the area. With the defence chasing shadows, Andy Kirk continued to improve his superb recent international goal record, slamming home a shot from close range. By now Russia looked to have given up all hope - but bouyed by a small, but entusiastic, away following, found new resolve. On 67, they pulled one back - 'keeper Roy Carroll beaten by sheer power and pace with a shot from outside the area. CSKA Moscow winger Rolan Gusev first pressurised George McCartney, then robbed the Sunderland defender - quickly countering with a ball forward. Russia dangerman Dmitry Sychev ran on, claiming his fourth international goal with a powerful shot from distance.

Passing Game Reaps Dividends

Although a goal clearly benefitted Russia, they were unable to go on and build on it - and on 82, Northern Ireland sealed the victory. A fine ball from midfield by Phil Mulryne set up ex-Norwich teammate Paul McVeigh . Although the now-Blackburn hitman still had work to do, he was able to bring the ball down and, from an acute angle, fired the ball into the far corner of the net. After the match, Northern Ireland goalscorer Phil Mulryne claimed that his sides' passing game was the reason for their success. "We've been asked to get the ball on the floor, and move it around" he said. "Paul (Miller) has got us playing in an attractive style that seems to work".

Disapointment for Smertin

Fulham midfielder Alexei Smertin admitted his disapointment after the match. "We were outclassed" he said. "We assumed Northern Ireland would be easy opponents, but now they are playing very well. A few of us had poor games individually, and it impacted on the team as a whole". Northern Ireland manager Miller however was far more fortcoming in praise for the visitors. "Russia were unlucky" he said. "If they had taken their chances, especially early in the game, things could have been very different. But when we got stuck in, we were able to break them down, disrupt their attacks and the flow of their game. It was a plan we went into the game with, and it's worked well."

England Test

Northern Ireland's next match comes against England after Christmas. It has been widely expected to be a simple victory for the English, but Northern Ireland goalkeeper Roy Carroll has other ideas. "Play like we have been" he said, "and we'll give anyone a game". It is perhaps, a little optimstic - but then again, who would have predicted Northern Ireland to top the Qualifying Group with 3 wins from 3 games?

Northern Ireland 4 - Russia 1

Northern Ireland (4-4-2); Carroll, Duff, McCartney, Morgan, A Hughes*, Carson, M Hughes, Doherty, Mulryne, L Hughes, Kirk

Subs;

McVeigh - Replaced L Hughes 45

Unused; Dolan, Taylor, Lomas, Toner, Johnson, McGlinchley

Russia (4-4-2); Nigmatullin, Solomatin, Yanovskiy, Onopko*, Drozdov, Gusev, Mostovoi, Smertin, Alenichev, Sychev, Beschastnykh

Subs;

Titov - Replaced Smertin 45
Shirko - Replaced Beschastnykh 67
Fedorov - Replaced Mostovoi 77

Unused; Filimonov, Semak, Zotov, Kechinov

Man of the Match; Tommy Doherty - Northern Ireland

Referee; Paul Durkin (England)

Attendance; 18465

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | N.Ireland | | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 4 | +7 | 9 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Russia | | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 6 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Czech Republic | | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | +1 | 4 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Georgia | | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 4 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Austria | | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 9 | -4 | 3 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Armenia | | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 0 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

retired_bbcarr

that's a brilliant win :thup: and i told you that jambo magic in the shape of andy kirk was the way to go