retired_brinker317

Stuart Fairway (19)

Sunday morning - and the results of the Goal of the Month competition. Suprising the modest midfielder, Andrew Sproule picked up the award for the first time in his career for his audacious lob against Coagh United - described by the awards committee as 'an impudent chip over the 'keeper from outside the area'. The evening brought more news - with the draw for the Third Round of the Northern Irish Cup competition pitting Dergview at home to fellow Division Two outfit Tobermore Utd .

On Monday, however, the news wouldn't be so good. Striker Gareth Watson had suffered the ultimate blow - just minutes after returning to training following his back strain, the young forward twisted a knee, ruling him out for around a fortnight.

With no game on Saturday - the double-edged sword of early Cup exits - Fairway and Dergview had a 14-day wait until their next match. It was now Mid-November - dark by teatime, a wintery chill in the air and the shops full of Christmas goodies. Fairway decided to take the chance of a brief lull to reflect on the start of his managerial career with a walk around Castlederg. One or two people recognised him - the ground almost full for many games - and they seemed pleased to see him. Yet he was not happy - out of 11 competitive games that he had presided over, 6 had been victories, with 5 ending in defeat. It was a positive record, but only just - and one that he knew must be improved upon should Dergview live up to the Bookie's expectations.

Dergview v Bainbridge Town - League

Unavailable

Gareth Watson - Injured - (Knee, 6 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 out - albeit with differing symptoms - Fairway made no changes to his side, with McNamee, who hadn't been in the best of form against Crewe Utd, continuing up front alongside Savage. That poor form wouldn't last long - after just seven minutes, Stephen McNamee put the home side ahead - pouncing at the far post to poke home a deflected Black cross from the left-hand side of the box. It was the perfect start - but the only high point in a genuinely poor first half, with neither side really getting forward to create chances. Dergview stepped up a gear immediatley after the break - Black, McColgan and McCaskie all firing over the bar before Dergview did grab a long-awaited second soon after. On 64 a good interception in midfield from Paul Savage allowed McColgan to surge forward, releasing Kingsley Black on the left side. Black ran on, taking the ball into the area before beating 'keeper Keeshan with a low, driven shot into the far corner from the edge of the box. Dergview looked comfortable, and asserted their superiority throughout the remainder of the game - indeed perhaps guilty of some wasteful finishing - although 'keeper Kenny Allison was tested on a number of occasions. With seconds remaining, he would be beaten - Martin O'Doherty following his prodded shot - from a Sneddon cross - into the net, but despite racing it back to the centre circle, saw the visitors unable to capitalise from the centre.

Dergview 2 - Bainbridge 1

Attendance; 691

Cards;

David Burke - Dergview - (Foul Play)
Phillip Leckey - Bainbridge - (Dissent)
Mark Porter - Bainbridge - (Foul Play)
Victor Dougherty - Dergview - (Foul Play)
Gareth Fulton - Bainbridge - (Foul Play)

Man of the Match; Andrew Keeshan - Bainbridge

Dergview Position After Game; 1st

retired_brinker317

Stuart Fairway (20)

It would be a very quiet week - Dergview news limited to baseless rumours - and the very welcome return of Gareth Watson from a knee injury.

With little to occupy him at Dergview, Fairway allowed his thoughts to wander. Back at home in England, his beloved Brighton & Hove Albion lay 12th in Division Two after 15 games - in with a shout at the playoffs - but, like Dergview, suffering from a lack of goals from the strikers. Elsewhere Arsenal lead the Premiership, Nantes are flying in France, Dortmund are top in Germany, Groningen suprisingly set the pace in Holland, Inter lead city rivals AC Milan in Italy, Valencia top the Primera Division and, last but not least, Celtic are top of the SPL.

Back on these shores, Coleraine have been superb in Northern Ireland, and are deservedly top while in the inaugural year of summer football, Bohemians have won the Irish League.

Dergview v Tobermore Utd - Northern Irish Cup Third Round


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

Subs; Coulter, O'Donnell, McNamee

Watson would make an immediate return - the young striker, unfortunate with injury so far - replacing McNamee in attack. Ahead of kickoff though Fairway would recieve a big suprise - looking around the stadium, he noticed that barely a seat was unclaimed - with the Cup obviously bringing out the crowds for what would be the biggest gate of the season so far. His side began well, quickly isolating Tobermore 'keeper Snodden, with several early efforts testing the ex-Swindon youngster. The opening goal would come on 17 - with a touch of real magic. Skipper Dougherty pumped the ball forward, with the slight Paul Savage easily out-muscled in the air by defender Morrow - but his header would be rapidly despatched back where it came from. 'Keeper Snodden looked dumb-struck - Stephen McColgan catching the ball with a sensational volley - curling a shot home from just outside the box. Two minutes later Dergview added a second - with the crowd still on cloud nine following the wonderful opener. Though equally important, the second was far less spectacular - David Burke stealing onto the ball out wide before threading the ball through to the returning Gareth Watson - cleverly rounding Snodden before rolling the ball home from close range. The first half continued with chances for both sides - Gilmour in particular close for the visitors - but as the second period continued, it became clear that Dergview had the game won. With 10 minutes remaining, they wrapped it up - Burke's long ball down the line played to the edge of the box by Watson, for McColgan to fire at goal. Relishing the opportunity to score a second thunderbolt, the midfielder hit a shot cleanly that 'keeper Snodden did well to block on the back foot. Unfortunatley, his defender's failed to react - sub Stephen McNamee arriving on cue to knock the ball back past the 20-year old. It would be the final chance of an entertaining game, if not as one-sided as the score might suggest.

Dergview 3 - Tobermore 0


Attendance; 791

Cards;

David Burke - Dergview - (Foul Play)
Paul Savage - Dergview - (Foul Play)

Man of the Match; Gareth Watson - Dergview

retired_brinker317

Stuart Fairway (21)

Sunday morning - and the immediate result of Dergview's comfortable win is revealed. On the positive, Fairway's side have qualified for the Fourth Round, where they will play Bainbridge Town - but on the negative, 'keeper Kenny Allison is ruled out for a fortnight.

Although he completed the game, Allison, 27, suffered a delayed reaction to a heavy collision, with his knee swelling up after the game, later diagnosed as a twisted knee. Winger David Burke would also miss out in midweek - suspended for one match after racking up five yellow cards throughout the season.

Dergview v Portstewart - League

Unavailable;

Kenny Allison - Injured - (Knee, 1 Week)
David Burke - Suspended - (1 of 1)

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

Subs; Coulter, O'Donnell, McNamee

With Allision out injured, Fairway recalled replacement 'keeper Jonny Leitch to the side for the first time since he conceded five in a woeful match for Dergview against Donegal Celtic earlier in the season. Despite the result, Leitch, making his club debut, did little wrong in a match characterised by defensive errors and mistakes. On the right another change would be enforced - Campbell replacing the banned Burke. After just 2 minutes, all that would be forgotten - Portstewart pinching an early lead through Micheal Anderson, the teenager heading home from a McIvor cross. It would prove the only goal of an ultimatley very frustrating game for the home support - a very chilly evening not conductive to good play - and yet another injury for the promising striker Gareth Watson. The match wouldn't be a total washout for Fairway - the evergreen Kingsley Black at the heart of everything that Dergview did, scuppering fears that the veteran would struggle on deteriorating winter pitches. Sometimes, you just have one of those days - this seemed like one for Dergview.

Dergview 0 - Portstewart 1

Attendance; 706

Man of the Match; John Dillon - Portstewart

Dergview Position After Game; 2nd

retired_brinker317

Stuart Fairway (22)

Thursday morning, and news on the unfortunate Gareth Watson . Despite scoring 5 goals in 7 games - all bar one in Cup competitions - his has been an injury-hit 2003/04 so far, and a fortnight out with a chest injury will not help matters. Fairway recieved equally bad news in the afternoon, with those players still on Part-Time contracts coming in for a training session. Midfielder Mark McHale , a classy left-footer who let nobody down when given his chance earlier in the season suffered a serious blow - ruled out for 2 months with a torn groin muscle.

The injuries would see the Dergview squad reduced to 'bare bones' - and when Stephen McNamee fractured his arm on Tuesday, Fairway gave serious thought to making an emergency, short-term signing - with players on Free Transfers allowed to join clubs at any time, he did have the option available. However it was not to be - the kitty pitifully bare, with mysterious payments marked 'Misc/Other' seemingly increasing the debt by a fair chunk each month.

Dergview v Bainbridge Town - Northern Irish Cup Fourth Round

Unavailable

Mark McHale - Injured - (Groin, 2 Months)

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

Subs; Coulter, J Sproule, O'Donnell

Fairway's decision not to add to his squad would see a rather unusual pairing in attack - right winger Steven Campbell given a rare opportunity to show his pace up front. On the bench it really was a case of 'anyone fit will do' - two defenders and a versatile midfield player hardly offering Dergview the best mix of replacements. The home side began brightly, despite their patched-up side, and after Nigel Rees hauled down Andrew Sproule inside the box on 18, skipper Victor Dougherty stepped up to open the scoring from the penalty spot. Despite chances for the visitors in the final period of the first half, Dergview were rampant - Black hitting the bar - before the second half began with a goal. On 55 an unlucky Paul Savage saw his shot tipped over the bar, but from the resulting corner David Burke powered a header home from Black's wickedly curling far-post corner. Dergview stretched their legs - Burke and Black both coming close - before Paul Savage sidefooted home a Burke cross on 75 to continue his fine run of goalscoring in Cup competitions. Five minutes from time - with the game long over bar the shouting - Kingsley Black finally earned a reward for his efforts, clinching the win with Dergview's fourth goal, and probably best - the veteran volleying home a Campbell cross from around 12 yards out. Dergview's cup progress continued, and in truth they were hardly tested by a disapointing Bainbridge. The run goes on...

Dergview 4 - Bainbridge 0

Attendance; 763

Cards;

Daryl Clarke - Bainbridge - (Dissent)
Phillip Leckey - Bainbridge - (Dissent)

Man of the Match; Paul Savage - Dergview

retired_tonytranbg79

looking good, great read KUTGW :thup:

retired_brinker317

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Tyrone the Mag:
looking good, great read KUTGW :thup: <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks, Glad you're enjoying it :thup:

Stuart Fairway (23)

Sunday morning, and with the big boys entering the Northern Irish Cup at the fifth round stage, it was perhaps inevitable that potential big boys Dergview would recieve a stiff task after easily disposing of a lacklustre Bainbridge. Newry Town though are intriguing opponents - bottom of the Premier Division, with just 1 point in 10 games to date, with a miserable six goals scored contrasting with 24 conceded.

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

www.nonleaguedaily.com - News - Friday 12/12/03

'Stanley Chase Teenager'

"Nationwide Conference side Accrington Stanley are in talks with Northern Irish Second Division side Portstewart over defensive midfielder Johnny McKeever . McKeever, 17, came through youth ranks at the club, and has broken into the team this season - despite celebrating his 17th birthday only last week.

"Johnny's an exciting young player" said Stanley boss John Coleman. "We're hoping to sign him, but there is apparently another club interested, so it's touch and go."

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

That other club would be Dergview - Fairway keen to prevent yet more young Northern Irish talent heading over the Irish Sea to England. The teenage player - a hard working defensive midfielder, with physical strength belying his tender years - would presumably cost Dergview no fee, should Accrington Stanley's similar bid be accepted.

Chimney Corner v Dergview - League

Unavailable

Mark McHale - Injured - (Groin, 2 Months)

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

Subs; Coulter, O'Donnell, Campbell

With McNamee and McHale injured, Fairway still had doubts over injuries - but would be able to welcome Gareth Watson back into attack to replace the out of position Campbell. The visitors, bottom of the League, have their own injury problems, but desperatley need a result to boost them away from the solitary relegation position. Despite their lowly league position, Chimney Corner began well - Kenny Neilly offering early hope with a header that forced a save on 9, and a shot across the face of goal on 13. By 24 however, Dergview had worked their way into the match, and took the lead in fine style - Gareth Watson clipping the post with his low shot after an early cross by Burke. 8 minutes later the visitors had a second - Sproule playing a looping, 50-yard pass for Watson to turn provider, curling a centre into the path of Paul Savage , who made no mistake. It put Dergview comfortably on top, and on 41 Fairway's side asserted themselves further, grabbing a third. With Chimney Corner left back Wilkinson having a nightmare, David Burke again found himself in the position to cross. Although Savage saw his initial shot blocked, Gareth Watson reacted quickest to stab home. Chimney Corner were still involved - Hudson seeing a fizzing shot tipped over on the stroke of half time - and throughout the second half Kenny Allison often found himself called into action. The pick of an impressive bunch, however, would come on 86 - Neil Coulter's long ball into the path of the electric Burke allowed the winger to cross. His deep ball to Savage was good - the strikers' unselfish header down even better - and Gareth Watson gleefully swept home to complete a memorable hatrick, on another memorable day for Dergview.

Chimney Corner 0 - Dergview 4

Attendance; 1222

Man of the Match; Gareth Watson - Dergview

retired_brinker317

Stuart Fairway (24)

Sunday morning - and a big boost for Dergview. The bid for Johnny McKeever accepted - with Fairway offering the youngster the chance to treble his wages, from the £20 'pocket money' on a part-time contract, to £60 a week plus the chance to continue his education at the Academy. With his other options including a move to England, or the chance to stay at Portstewart, Fairway was nevertheless hopeful that the youngster would join the setup.

On Tuesday evening however there would be news that - potentially - would be a suprise to many outside of the immediate environs of Dergview Park. Versatile frontman Stephen McNamee , who signed a new contract at the start of the season, extended his deal - and taking a slight wage reduction - to keep him at Dergview until the summer of 2005 - but would still miss the midweek trip to Annagh with his broken arm not yet fully healed.

Annagh United v Dergview - League

Unavailable

Mark McHale - Injured - (Groin, 2 Months)

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

Subs; Coulter, O'Donnell, Campbell

After such an impressive showing against Chimney Corner, Dergview recieved an early suprise against Annagh - the home side, notorious for their 'rough house' tackling, winning a lot of the early possesion, but recieving two yellow cards in the process - both inside the opening 10 minutes. Despite this, they still retained a touch of class - McAdam squeezing in a cross on 22 that fell invitingly for Mackie - Dergview stopper Allison having to react quickly to tip it over the top. The game continued in much the same vein - Evans unlucky for the home side on 39 - but on the stroke of half time their ugly side returned. A burst of pace from Kingsley Black took him onto the loose ball, but when he tried to turn, Annagh skipper Jess - already in the book - brought him to the floor with a crunching challenge. Much to the annoyance of the away support there would be no second booking - but the penalty, converted by Gareth Watson , made up for it. Despite clearly having the class advantage, Dergview struggled with the physical aspect of their hosts' game, and on 51 were punished - McAdam barging down the right to cross for ex-Portadown man Chris Traynor, who made no mistake from close range. Despite chances - Savage saw a strike ruled out for a clear offside on 75 - Dergview looked increasingly second best, and on 82 were punished for their decision to hold back and play for the point. A long ball forward was headed on, and though 'keeper Allison bravely raced out to block sub Gary Judge's initial effort, he could do little with the rebound, knocked home by Judge with defenders playing statues. Just four minutes later Judge claimed his second, Annagh's third, and all three points - in the right place to tap home a Robertson cross after a free kick had worked loose. The result - and the opposition tactics - clearly disapointed Fairway, who fumed to local media after the match. His protestations wouldn't change the result - and once again Dergview spurn their chance to go top.

Annagh Utd 3 - Dergview 1

Attendance; 763

Cards;

Gavin Jess - Annagh Utd - (Foul Play)
Jonny McAdam - Annagh Utd - (Foul Play)
Gareth Sproule - Dergview - (Ungentlemanly Conduct)

Man of the Match; Gary Judge - Annagh Utd

Dergview Position After Game; 2nd

retired_brinker317

Stuart Fairway (25)

Thursday morning, and more bad news - transfer target Johnny McKeever would not be joining Dergview, instead electing to stay at hometown club Portstewart . Fairway planned to keep tabs on the midfielder however - noting that his contract took him only up until this time next year.

With Christmas on everybody's minds, training became more lighthearted for a while - as Fairway took stock. Dergview are currently Second in the league, and his board - and, just as importantly, the supporters - seem very pleased with things. The financial state is a bit of a worry, he mused - Dergview almost £85,000 in the red with the wage bill around £300 over the limit. Despite that, if Dergview finish in this position at the end of the season, they would be involved in a Playoff Match for promotion to Division One - and would currently face Ballyclare, a side who proved very little trouble earlier in the season...

Christmas Day itself brought the final of the Steel & Sons Cup competition - 412 hardy souls putting off presents, greeting the family and instead settled for a game of football and a late lunch. It would perhaps be a foolish decision - the match, won by Loughall on penalties, was not impressive - the First Division side drawing 0-0 with Dundela at Crusaders' Seaview stadium.

Boxing Day though would prove to be a big day for Fairway. Sitting down at home, he recieved a phone call from a clearly shaky Rory Leckey . His Chairman came straight out with it - Fairway was wanted as manager by English Conference outfit Exeter . Though flattered, he turned the position down in an instant - allowing Leckey to resume a normal heartbeat and Fairway to get back to sleeping.

Dergview v Wakehurst - League

Unavailable

Mark McHale - Injured - (Groin, 1 Month)

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

Subs; Coulter, O'Donnell, McNamee

With McNamee fit again, Fairway made just the one change, recalling him to the bench in place of Steven Campbell - who must now be fearful of his chances of getting a new contract. On a cold, bracing - but dry - December afternoon, Dergview fans got the perfect late Christmas present after just four minutes. A magnificent, swirling free kick from Kingsley Black flew into the top right hand corner, beating 'keeper McCartney with ease. Five minutes later it was 2 - Gareth Sproule putting the ball into the corner for Burke to pull the ball square - Gareth Watson making no mistake from close range. Although Dergview shot off from the start, Wakehurst quickly pulled a goal back - on 11 James Stevenson racing away to slot home after a very quick, fast moving counter attack. After such a frenetic opening things, perhaps inevitably, slowed off before the interval - but on 37 Wakehurst drew level, Terry Hamill equalising from the penalty spot following a McColgan foul on midfielder Lyness. After taking the lead early on, certain Dergview players were clearly upset to see their side all-square at the break. They bounced back from this - coming out in inspired fashon after the break - and took the lead for the second time on 56. A crude challenge on Savage set the scene, and Kingsley Black duly obliged - scoring with another stunning free kick, this one keeping low, but swinging through a crowd of players to leave McCartney with no chance at his near post. A fourth very nearly followed - Paul Savage hitting the post with a clinical volley on 69 - but a very even game deserved a more even result, and a Dergview win would have been harsh on Wakehurst. Striker Alwyn Crawford had no plans to let that happen - Crilly and Hamill linking up very well before Crawford rifled home in some style from the edge of the box - causing pens to flash all around the ground from watching scouts. Fairway though would not feel too concerned with the result - his side certainly performing well under pressure.

Dergview 3 - Wakehurst 3

Attendance; 765

Cards;

Ryan Lyness - Wakehurst - (Foul Play)
Connor Warren - Wakehurst - (Foul Play)
Roy Colville - Wakehurst - (Foul Play)

Man of the Match; Kingsley Black - Dergview

retired_brinker317

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | DERGVIEW | | 10 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 19 | 10 | +9 | 19 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Dundela | | 9 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 15 | 9 | +6 | 19 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Wakehurst | | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 19 | 17 | +2 | 15 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Crewe Utd | | 10 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 19 | 18 | +1 | 14 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Portstewart | | 10 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 10 | 9 | +1 | 14 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Annagh Utd | | 10 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 14 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | QUB | | 10 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 11 | 12 | -1 | 14 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Tobermore Utd | | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 23 | 14 | +9 | 12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Banbridge | | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 12 | 14 | -2 | 11 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | PSNI | | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 12 | 17 | -5 | 11 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Coagh Utd | | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 16 | 23 | -7 | 11 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Chimney Corner | | 9 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 19 | -13 | 6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_brinker317

Oh well...


Stuart Fairway (26)

Tuesday, and with his side sitting on top of the Northern Irish Second Division, Stuart Fairway would again be a target for other clubs. This time, Scottish outfit Berwick Rangers saw their offer rejected by both manager and club.

New Year's Day brought with it several things - and not just hangovers. As well as the Annual awards - Ronaldo carrying off the prestigious World Player of the Year title, with Real Madrid teammate Roberto Carlos awarded World Footballer of the Year and Arsenal's Thierry Henry European Footballer of the Year - the European transfer window again cranked open, allowing the completion of several moves in and out of the Northern Irish leagues.

Top of the pile for Dergview would be Fairway's first signing of 2004 - Rosario winger Eamonn Vize , now 19, completing his free transfer move. Former teammate Alan Martin - formerly a Fairway target - also completed his move, joining Conference side Forest Green Rovers.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
Castlederg Times - Sport - Saturday 3/1/04

'Black a Revelation - Fairway'

"Dergview manager Stuart Fairway has heaped praise on veteran winger Kingsley Black , calling the 35-year old 'one of the best players in Northern Ireland today'. Black, who joined Dergview at the start of the season, has been in fine form - although the ex Luton, Nottingham Forest and Grimsby player plans to hang up his boots at the end of the season.

"It's been a good year for me" Black said. "But I want to call it a day at the end of the season - I don't think I'll be able to make the grade next year, especially if we are promoted. That's what I'm aiming for - it would be great to end my career on a high"

Eyebrows were raised when the inexperienced Fairway took over at Dergview - especially given the clubs' insistence that no players born outside Northern Ireland would play for the club - but since taking over the Englishman has proved something of a revelation, leading Dergview to top of Division Two with an exciting, attacking brand of football."

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Dergview v PSNI - League

Unavailable

Mark McHale - Injured - (Groin, 4 Weeks)

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

Subs; Coulter, O'Donnell, McNamee

Despite the availability of new signign Vize, Fairway elected to make no changes to his settled lineup for Dergview's first game of 2004, against a PSNI side struggling away from home. As expected, Dergview began the better side, and could have taken the lead as early as the second minute - 'keeper Hughes making a superb double stop, first from a stinging McCaskie drive and secondly from Watson's fierce rebound. Despite having the best of the early play, Dergview went behind on 18 - PSNI taking their first chance on goal with both hands to take the lead. A run and cross from Waide found Millar in the middle, and though 'keeper Allison got a hand to his header, the ball ran loose for Graeme Arthur who could hardly miss from six yards out. After the shock of going behind Dergview took their time, but eventually got back into the game - and after creating several chances, finally equalised on 31. A foul on Burke some 25 yards from goal resulted in a third close-range free kick of the game - this time, Kingsley Black found the right combination of power, swerve and pace - bending the ball around the outside of the wall - perhaps via a slight deflection - and into the corner of the net, with 'keeper Hughes caught cold. One became two just before the break - young stopper Hughes under almost constant pressure, but then finally cracking for a second time on 44. Kingsley Black - who else? - involved again - putting a high ball into the near post for a simple Darren Crozier header past Hughes. The onslaught continued after the break - McColgan coming close from distance on two occasions before Watson saw a shot tipped over on 64. A third would come, again after a lot of pressure - Gareth Watson drilling a low shot into the corner from the edge of the box - before another superb Kingsley Black free kick a minute from time - this one again showing the slightest hint of a deflection on it's way into the corner - all but wrapped up the game. There would be one more twist in the tale - Phillip Millar pouncing at the far post to pull a second back with the final kick of a very entertaining game.

Dergview 4 - PSNI 2

Attendance; 780

Cards;

Chris Woods - PSNI - (Foul Play)
Paul Savage - Dergview - (Foul Play)

Man of the Match; Gareth Watson - Dergview

Dergview Position After Game; 1st