Swifts Flying High

Dungannon Swifts have been the surprise packet of the new Carling Premiership season. After leading the way in the opening games, they now sit just two points behind current leaders Crusaders, who knocked them off their perch last weekend. Much of the credit for that magnificent start to the campaign must go to their miserly defence, which has conceded only three goals in six games.

Manager Dixie Robinson moved to strengthen his side during the summer. Craig McClean and Calvin Mooney completed two year deals each for the Stangmore Club. Left-back McClean signed from Ballymena United and striker Mooney put pen to paper from Institute. Robinson believes both players are young and have a lot to offer the Swifts team, in creating great competition for places in the squad. Northern Ireland U-21 International right-back Ryan Mullan was signed from Limavady United. Two former players also found their way back to their old stomping ground with ex-Swifts players Shane Coney and Gary Fitzpatrick re-signing for the club during the close season.

Before the close of the transfer window earlier this week Dungannon completed the signing of central midfield player Alain Emerson from Crusaders. Thirty year old Alain was part of the Crusaders team that won the Irish Cup Final last year. Speaking about his new signing, Dixie Robinson stated, “ I have been a fan of big ‘Emo’ for a long time now and I’m delighted to get him to sign. Alain offers the team something we don’t have - which is a 6’1 central midfielder who is great in the air.” Emerson has penned a 12 month contract with The Swifts.

Swifts boss Dixie Robinson was delighted with his side's performance despite the defeat to Crusaders at Stangmore Park. He had special words of praise for teenager Stefan Lavery who was brought on as a subsitute in the last two games. He stated "I suppose Stefan (Lavery) is a surprise package for people. I've always said that I'm not afraid to blood the youth at this Club. He just turned sixteen in July and what a tremendous future he has”.  Robinson has every belief that his squad will soon be on the winning trail once again. “This team has got all the attributes needed to be up there and while we might have played it down early on, I'm confident this team will bounce right back," he said.
Looking forward to Saturday game first team coach Rodney McAree said “We know Portadown are a good side but we are very capable, too, and we will be looking at it as a chance to bounce back from the defeat against Crusaders.”  “The squad is talented and maybe a Mid-Ulster derby is the right game for us to find our form again. We have a decent record at Shamrock Park,” added McAree.

Portadown come into the game off the back of last weekend’s thumping 6-1 victory against Lisburn Distillery. Manager Ronnie McFall was busy during the week trying to bolster his squad before the close of the transfer window. His dealings resulted in a return to the club for Lurgan lad Sean Mackle. Sean is a Scottish U-21 International, qualifying for Scotland through his mother. Mackle was recently released by League of Ireland outfit Dundalk.

Another three points could lift The Ports into a top six position after their slow start to the season.