retired_bbcarr

and the goodness continues onto a second page :thup: nice to see the league campaign get off on the right foot

retired_tonytranbg79

2nd, not bad going :thup:

retired_brinker317

Cheers :thup: - Yeah, always good to win the first game. Long way to go yet though.

Stuart Fairway (15)

Monday morning - and after a superb result on Saturday, it's hardly suprising that several players wanted to talk terms. Defenders Neil Coulter and Victor Dougherty agreed terms - both signing until the summer of 2005 - and a day later, they would be followed by winger David Burke and defender Darren Crozier - again, both signing on until 2005.

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

Castlederg Times - Sport - Friday 10/10/03

'Martin in Dergview Talks'

"The Times has learnt that Dergview FC manager Stuart Fairway has had a £1000 bid for 19-year old Rosario midfielder Alan Martin accepted, and discussed terms with the player last night.

Martin, a strong, talented midfield player, is also a target for English Conference side Forest Green Rovers . Manager Stuart Fairway told the Times; "We have to hope Alan wants to stay in his home country - he's a very exciting player, and I feel that there's no doubt he will eventually go on to play at the highest level - but I would like to see him continue his footballing education over here for a while yet. With our academy, Dergview is an ideal destination for young players, and Alan is indeed a player who could come in and offer a lot to the club now.

Dergview are also said to be tracking one of Martin's Rosario teammates, winger Eamonn Vize , but have not yet tabelled a bid for the youngster.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Queens University Belfast v Dergview - League

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

Subs; Coulter, O'Donnell, McNamee

A second league game, and the fifth away match in succession for Dergview. Unsuprisingly, Fairway made no changes from the side who comprehensivley beat Coagh United on the opening day - with Kingsley Black in particular having a fine start to what looks like his final season as a professional footballer. The winger started well - involved in the majority of Dergview's early promptings - with the pick of the bunch coming on 13 - a superbly flighted corner headed at goal by Dougherty, the big defender brilliantly denied by 'keeper Holland. After the break however it was QUB who attacked from the off - and on 50, had an O'Neill strike disallowed offside - before Tumilty saw a scuffed shot held on the line by Allison. On 59 though Dergview finally got it together - and after a Sproule free kick, Savage's flick and Black's superb pass released Jonathan McCaskie , who spun on his heels inside the box before firing past 'keeper Holland into the far corner of the net. QUB certainly tried - and probably did better than Dergview at times - but the visitors were able to hold on for a hard-fought win.

QUB 0 - Dergview 1

Attendance; 994

Cards;

David Burke - Dergview - (Foul Play)
Gareth Sproule - Dergview - (Foul Play)
David Tumilty - QUB - (Foul Play)

Man of the Match; Peter Holland - QUB

Dergview Position After Game; 3rd

retired_brinker317

Paul Miller (7)

Saturday began badly for Paul Miller - Sunderland fullback George McCartney picking up a shoulder injury in training. At first, it was thought that he could just run the knock off - and be fit enough to play. By kick off, however, it became perfectly clear that McCartney would not make it - leaving Miller needing to rejig his side.

30 minutes before kick off though, some news broke that would change the whole game...

Greece v Northern Ireland - European Championship Qualifying Group 6

Municipal Stadium of Trikala

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

www.bbc.co.uk/football - Internationals - Saturday 11/10/03

'Greek Tragedy - or was it farce?'

"Whatever way you look at it, Greece 2 - Northern Ireland 8 is an extrordinary result - but in the context of the game, it hardly seems suprising. Just 30 minutes before kick off, in their final warmup, Greece 'keeper Antonis Nikopolidis sustained a serious knee injury that would rule him out of the match. There was no specialist replacement - Greece manager Otto Renhagel electing to take the risk with his squad selection, only calling up one goalkeeper - and it cost the German - and the Greeks - seriously.

Unlikely 'Keeper

With no specialist goalkeeper, Greece and Newcastle defender Nikos Dabizas elected to start between the sticks. He began well - showing suprising grace to narrow the angle and force Andy Kirk into a shot over on 3 minutes. It was, however, little suprise when Northern Ireland did take the lead - a very noisy away contingent delighted by Lee Hughes on 12, the striker beating Dabizas from the edge of the area with a curling effort into the roof of the net after a scorching pass from Tommy Doherty. Just 60 seconds later Greece were level - Perugia defender Konstantinos Louboutis heading home a Karagounis corner. Despite the leveller, the home support seemed subdued - knowing that, barring something of a miracle, they would be condemmed to the playoffs.

Dreamland for Hughes'

On 26 those home supporters would be rewarded - Bolton midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos fired past Roy Carroll following great work from another former British-based player - Traianos Dellas, now of Roma, but formerly of Sheffield United. 4 minutes later what had been accepted as the 'Status Quo' was restored - Phil Mulryne's pass releasing Lee Hughes , who beat Dabizas with a low, powerful shot across the face of goal into the far corner. Two minutes before the break Lee Hughes again hit the target - glancing a superb header past Dabizas after a fine Kirk cross. On the stroke of half time it was four - the other Hughes' getting in on the act - Micheal providing the corner for Aaron Hughes - Northern Ireland captain under Paul Miller - heading his first goal in 34 appearances.

No Let Up

With Greece shattered, Northern Ireland - clearly enjoying themselves having only scored in one other Euro 2004 qualifyer - continued to attack, and on 48, Hearts striker Andy Kirk got in on the act - Doherty playing a fine ball into space for Lee Hughes to run on. Hughes did well - teasing and tormenting his marker before putting the ball in the middle for Kirk to stab past a deflated Dabizas. Just four minutes later it began to become embarrasing - Micheal Hughes picking up the ball just shy of half way - in acres of space to meet a Micheal Duff pass from deep. The playmaker rolled back the years - twisting, turning and racing into the box before planting the ball into the far corner - and making it six. On 69 he made way - Hughes suffering after a knock - to give young Stephen Carson the chance to join in the fun. Carson, however, did not have the dream debut that the situation initially appeared - on the pitch for just nine minutes before he too gave way to injury, and Stuart Elliott.

"Win Sealed in Style" - Miller

Lee Hughes [/b] added his fourth on 87 - McGlinchley and Elliott combining well on the left hand side of midfield, before the latter found Hughes - clearly relishing the opportunity to rack up his international goal record. With desperate fans crying out for the final whistle to end the humilation for the home nation, there was just one final twist - with a deserved first international goal for Tommy Doherty . Doherty found himself totally unmarked on the edge of the box, and when Kirk nodded a Griffin free kick back, the Bristol City man made no mistake with a low, powerful shot that most 'proper' 'keepers, let alone a stand-in, would have struggled to stop.

After the game, Northern Ireland manager Paul Miller admitted to a mix of emotions. "It's awful for Greece" he said. "They didn't deserve to loose their only 'keeper like that, and we can only hope the lad is OK for the playoffs. Dabizas did well, but I think we deserved the win - even in the circumstances - and above all, it's a massive morale boost for the whole country. People will talk about us not scoring against a real 'keeper, but Greece still had 11 highly talented professional footballers out there today, and we've gone and stuck 8 past them - it's the stuff dreams are made of".

Man of the Match Lee Hughes , who bagged four, was more forthcoming in his praise for Northern Ireland. "We were awesome" he said. "We passed the ball around, the midfield lads got the ball forward to Andy and myself, and if we play anything like that in the World Cup qualifyers, then I think we could go all the way to Germany. For me personally to score four goals in any international is something very special, and I'm so honoured to be playing for Northern Ireland."

Renhagel Woe

Greece manager Otto Renhagel admitted his mistake after the game. "I knew that it was a risk - but with the chance of automatic qualification at stake, I felt that the extra attacking players in the squad would be worth it. All credit though, Northern Ireland played very well - and I thought that, for an outfield player, Nikos Dabizas played well too. He had the guts to stand up and be counted, and there's not many players who would have relished the situation he found himself in. I'm very sorry to all the supporters, but of course we will try our best in the playoffs, and now we can focus on trying to get to Euro 2004 - let us not forget, it is not a tournement we will face Northern Ireland in - and we can be thankful for that at least!"

Northern Ireland were - whatever the circumstances - superb - and Miller will no doubt be delighted to lead his side into the two friendlies against Japan and Singapore off the back of such an emphatic victory.

Greece 2 - Northern Ireland 8

Northern Ireland (4-4-2); Carroll, Duff, McGlinchley, A Hughes*, Griffin, Johnson, M Hughes, Doherty, L Hughes, Kirk

Subs;

Carson - Replaced M Hughes 69
Elliott - Replaced Carson 78

Unused; Taylor, Jeff Whitley, McVeigh, Toner

Greece (4-4-2); Dabizas*, Nastos, Grammozis, Konstantinidis, Dellas, Giannakopoulos, Louboutis, Karagounis, Zikos, Amanatidis, Nikoladis

Subsl

Belevonis - Replaced Louboutis 65
Anastasiou - Replaced Konstantinidis 65
Samaras - Replaced Nikoladis 78

Man of the Match; Lee Hughes - Northern Ireland

Referee; Gianluca Paparesta (Italy)

Attendance; 21285

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

retired_bbcarr

how much did you bribe them not to have a sub 'keeper?

retired_brinker317

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Terk:
how much did you bribe them not to have a sub 'keeper? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Must be a bug - the game didn't generate a 'grey' 'keeper after the injury. Still, not complaining

retired_embartl

sweet jesus what a win :eek: In real life it'd take them years to score that many goals cumulatively

retired_brinker317

Bri - I'm thinking of sending my teamsheet to Lawrie Sanchez


Stuart Fairway (16)

Fairway, like everyone else, was incredulous at Northern Ireland's result - but nevertheless, delighted. Equally, his native England had been successful - an 2-2 draw against an ill-tempered Turkey enough to put Sven Goran-Eriksson's side through to the finals proper. If playoff results went their way, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland would also join England and the already-qualified Wales in Portugal - potentially setting up a mouthwatering group containing four of the five 'Home Nations'.

On Wednesday however Fairway received some bad news. With Forest Green offering veteran Rob Cook as a makeweight, as well as £1000 cash, young midfielder Alan Martin would join the Conference outfit on New Year's Day. Fairway was, this time, highly disapointed - but decided to make his next move almost immediatley, offering no cash, but a 20% sell-on fee for Martin's Rosario teammate Eamonn Vize . There was, however, far bigger news on the horizon...

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

Dergview Football Club - Press Release

In light of recent developments with Dergview Park and the new Academy, it has been decided by the Board of Directors, after discussions with manager Stuart Fairway, the Current staff and the IFA that, as from today, Friday 17th October 2003, Dergview Football Club will turn professional.

All players and staff currently on Part-Time contracts will have those honoured, but any new deals for both players and staff will be Full Time. We appreciate that many people will see this as over-ambitious, but with the academy providing training for those youngsters who do not make the grade, it is a decision that we feel can only be of benefit to Dergview FC, the town of Castlederg and indeed Northern Irish football as a whole.

As the only fully-professional football club in Northern Ireland, it is hoped that Dergview will become a base for many young Northern Irish players, and we remain committed to our stated aim at the start of the season to only sign players from Northern Ireland.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Outrageous, inconcievable - but it had happened. Fairway had got his wish - the move to professionalism something that he had been campaigning for since joining the club. It would be strange for many that the first club in Northern Ireland to turn Pro would be one in the bottom division - but if Fairway had his way, Dergview would soon be amongst the elite. As he turned in, Fairway smiled ruefully. A certain American may well sleep more comfortably in his grave tonight.

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

www.belfasttoday.com - Sport - Saturday 18/10/03

'Vize in Dergview Switch?'

"Belfast Today have learnt that Rosario winger Eamonn Vize , 18, could be set to sign his first professional contract early next week, joining Second Division side Dergview .

Dergview, currently third in the basement division, turned professional yesterday (Friday), and manager Stuart Fairway is a known admirer of Vize, and seems keen to make him the first signing of this brave new era."

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Dergview v Dundela - League

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

Subs; Coulter, O'Donnell, McNamee [/i]

"Bring on the Pros" beamed the Dergview match programme - the first game in a new era for the club, and indeed for Northern Irish football. It could have said to have been started back in June, when Stuart Fairway accepted the offer to replace Adrian Forbes as manager. Perhaps it started even before then, when Bertram T.Furnisher approached a sceptical but delighted Rory Leckey with his plans for this tiny club. Whatever, it was certainly a big day for all concerned - and in the dying embers of a long and hot summer, there was an air of expectation in the air. Out ran the two sets of warriors - and waded into each other. A dismal first half showed absolutley no sign of professionalism from either side at a packed Dergview park - four yellow cards and a stream of niggly fouls. Dergview were certainly having the better of the play, however, and on 50 minutes had a fizzing, McColgan drive well-saved by 'keeper Thompson. On the hour Gareth Watson came close - volleying just over after a flick on. It set the stage, and 10 minutes later Dergview did make the breakthrough - with two of the 6 players currently on professional terms involved in the goal. Kingsley Black, having an average game by his standards, won the ball on half way and set off down the left in his customary, bustling fashion. With defender Young unable to match him, Black crossed for David Burke to sneak beyond the defence at the far post and guide home his first goal for Dergview. For a moment, it looked as if the floodgates would open - Watson, the workmanlike Black, and Paul Savage all spurning chances. Dundela were always likely to be the side-story in this most important of events for Dergview, and saw little possession themselves - although Robert Craig almost threw a spanner in the works with a late shot against the crossbar. It wouldn't all be good news for Dergview - Darren Crozier limping heavily towards the end - but on a day when the publicity men needed the result to be positive, the players delivered.

Dergview 1 - Dundela 0

Attendance; 769

Cards;

David Burke - Dergview - (Foul Play)
Gareth Sproule - Dergview - (Foul Play)
Stephen McColgan - Dergview - (Foul Play)
Steven Telford - Dundela - (Foul Play)
Victor Dougherty - Dergview - (Foul Play)
Jonathan McCaskie - Dergview - (Foul Play)

Man of the Match; Darren Crozier - Dergview

Dergview Position After Game; 1st

retired_brinker317

Stuart Fairway (17)

Tuesday morning, and the second press conference at Dergview Park in five days. This time though there would be no backroom reorganisation - but instead, the news that many had expected for some time. Although the Transfer Deadline would play a part - the player not able to link up with Dergview until New Year's Day - Eamonn Vize had indeed completed his move from Non-League Rosario. The minnows took a gamble - accepting no initial cash, but a 20% Sell-On fee should Vize go on to become the player that many expect him to be.

In a quiet week, Friday brought some bad news, with Gareth Watson joining Darren Crozier on the injury list. Watson, 18, would be out for about a week with a back strain. Crozier, 29, picked up a groin strain against Dundela on Saturday, leaving him doubtful for the midweek game against Tobermore Utd.

Dergview v Tobermore Utd - League

Unavailable

Gareth Watson - Injured - (Back, 5 Days)
Darren Crozier - Injured - (Groin, 3 Days)

Dergview (4-4-2); Allison, G Sproule, McCuskie, Dougherty*, Coulter, Burke, Black, A Sproule, McColgan, McNamee, Savage.

Subs; J Sproule, O'Donnell, Campbell

Neither Crozier nor Watson were fit enough to take up their place in the squad - enforcing the first changes of the League campaign for Fairway. Up front, the versatile McNamee slotted in up front with Neil Coulter handed the chance to impress at centre half. On a cold, miserable evening Dergview started well, and on 7, should have taken the lead - Paul Savage shooting just wide with a snap-shot from a McCaskie free kick. It wouldn't take long before the home side did hit the target - David Burke putting a low cross into the near post for Stephen McNamee to tap home from close range. After struggling in the opening exchanges, Tobermore then came out of their shells - Kieran Doyle testing 'keeper Allison with a glancing header on 19 before one of the visitors' several loanees, Luke Walker, wasted an opportunity, firing over the top. With Black struggling on the left, Fairway made a change at the break, introducing O'Donnell on the flank. Though continuing to make intelligent promptings, the visitors failed to take advantage, and on 57, Paul Savage ran onto an Andrew Sproule through pass to beat 'keeper Williams and claim his first League goal for Dergview. Four minutes later it was three - Sproule again playing a nice ball over the top for Stephen McNamee to beat Williams low to his near post. Although the game seemed all but over, Tobermore again came forward, and had probably their best spell of the game in the last quarter. Chances for Crockett and Mullan could have pulled things closer than the play had suggested - but it was not to be, Kenny Allison again keeping a clean sheet - he's yet to concede in the League - and Dergview continue their fine run.

Dergview 3 - Tobermore Utd 0

Attendance; 718

Cards;

Steve Williams - Tobermore - (Dissent)
Stephen McColgan - Dergview - (Foul Play)

Man of the Match; Victor Dougherty - Dergview

Dergview Position After Game; 1st

retired_brinker317

Stuart Fairway (18)

Friday morning, and two days after seeing his side continue their fine run of form, defender Darren Crozier returned fit after a groin strain - causing manager Fairway something of a selection dilemma. Although Neil Coulter did little wrong against Tobermore Utd, the English manager would decide to recall the more experienced Crozier alongside skipper Dougherty, with Dergview aiming for their fifth League win in succession.

Crewe Utd v Dergview - League

Unavailable

Gareth Watson - Injured - (Back, 2 Days)

Dergview (4-4-2); Allison, G Sproule, McCuskie, Dougherty*, Crozier, Burke, Black, A Sproule, McColgan, McNamee, Savage.

Subs; Coulter, O'Donnell, Campbell

With Watson still injured, Fairway made just the one, predicted change - with Coutler also called onto the bench to replace bit-part man John Sproule. Standing in their way of a fifth successive league win - and that undefeated record - would be Crewe United, a team who humbled Dergview in the Intermediate League Cup earlier in the season. They began the game in similar fashion - setting about Dergview, creating several early chances - and a few inches away from opening the scoring on 26 with a chip from Gault. It wouldn't take long - Dergview had little answer, and on 39 17-Year old skipper James Irwin arrived on time to meet a brilliant Crawford cross to put the home side - deservedly - ahead. On the stroke of half time Crewe Utd added a second with provider turning goalscorer in emphatic style - Brian Crawford scoring with a cracking shot on the half volley from the edge of the area after brave play by Hegarty on the flank. Fairway made changes in the second half, but there would be no comeback - Paul Savage spurning Dergview's best chance on 71, shooting low but straight at the inspirational 'keeper McCabe.

Crewe Utd 2 - Dergview 0

Attendance; 1304

Cards;

Andrew Sproule - Dergview - (Foul Play)
Neil Donaghy - Crewe Utd - (Foul Play)
Victor Dougherty - Dergview - (Foul Play)
Jason Carlisle - Crewe Utd - (Foul Play)
Stephen McNamee - Dergview - (Dissent)

Man of the Match; Stephen McCabe - Crewe Utd

Dergview Position After Game; 1st

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | DERGVIEW | | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 2 | +7 | 12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Dundela | | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | QUB | | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 2 | +6 | 10 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Wakehurst | | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 8 | +4 | 10 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Crewe Utd | | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 12 | 6 | +6 | 8 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Banbridge | | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 8 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Annagh Utd | | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Portstewart | | 5 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | PSNI | | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 12 | -4 | 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Coagh Utd | | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 14 | -9 | 3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Tobermore Utd | | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 9 | -6 | 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Chimney Corner | | 5 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 11 | -10 | 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>